By Mark Edward Nero
Pacific Northwest-based cruise line Holland America said it is cancelling port calls in Acapulco through 2018 due to security concerns in what has become known as Mexico’s most violent city.
The beach city and surrounding region have been afflicted by gang- and drug-related violence the past few years, but the problems reached a new height in January after about a dozen killings, although none involving tourists.
The Seattle-based company said the decision affects seven Panama Canal voyages, plus a South America sailing scheduled to take place starting in October. Acapulco voyages will be replaced by sailings to other ports in Mexico, according to Holland America.
“The safety of our guests is our top priority,” the line said in a statement about the schedule change, adding that passengers on the affected cruises have already been notified.
Despite the cancellations, the tourist city is expected to see 28 cruise ships in 2017, compared with 18 last year, a jump of 64 percent according to online publication cruisefever.net.
