Citing “recent security concerns,” Holland America Line has announced it is replacing port calls in Acapulco, Mexico, with alternative Mexican ports on eight scheduled itineraries in 2017 and 2018. The affected itineraries include seven Panama Canal cruises and one South America cruise.
“Guests on affected cruises have been notified of the change,” the cruise line said in a statement provided to Travel Agent. “At Holland America Line the safety of our guests is our top priority.”
A representative from the Acapulco Destination Marketing Office (DMO) has responded that, despite Holland America Line’s decision, the destination has reported a significant increase in cruise ship arrivals this year. According to the latest stats, Acapulco is reporting a 64 percent increase in cruise arrivals compared to 2016 and is projecting to continue that growth.
Acapulco is scheduled to receive 28 cruise ships in 2017, compared to 18 ships last year. Currently, the following nine cruise lines operate in Acapulco: Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, V-Ships, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Global, Saga and Hapag Lloyd.
The DMO also pointed out that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which owns Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, recently put Acapulco as an example before the Port of Lima because its operations model has been executed with zero incidents in recent years. That means Peruvian authorities from Lima will visit Acapulco to experience firsthand the program which links the port with the city of Acapulco for travel tours, supported by travel agencies.
The news has been released just as the destination is hosting Tianguis Touristico 2017, the largest tourism event in the country.
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