Holland America Line to Bypass Mazatlan, Acapulco

Holland America Line to Bypass Mazatlan, Acapulco
By Theresa Norton Masek

Holland America Line is removing Mazatlan and Acapulco from the itineraries of three ships sailing in Mexico from January through March. “Discussions will continue with local authorities in both ports to determine the appropriate time to resume port calls there,” the company said in a statement. “Should future itinerary changes be made, affected travel agents and guests will be notified.”

The line did not specify why it cancelled the calls, but noted in its statement that “the safety of our guests and crew is our top priority.” A number of cruise lines cancelled, restored and cancelled again calls at Mazatlan after a shooting in a tourism area last January while Acapulco has been hit with several high-profile crimes believed to be related to drug wars. Mazatlan tourism officials in the past worked to address security concerns aired by cruise lines.

Holland America said the Oosterdam’s seven-day Mexican Riviera roundtrips from San Diego will now feature two days in Puerto Vallarta with an overnight included. The Statendam’s 14-day “Panama Canal Explorer” cruises sailing westbound from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego or Vancouver will now feature additional time in Santa Cruz Huatulco, Mexico, with a visit from noon until 11 p.m. And the Rotterdam’s 30-day “Inca Empire South America” voyage departing Feb. 3 will now feature extended time in Huatulco with an 8 a.m.-until-11 p.m. port call.