Ships Not Stopping in Mazatlan AGAIN!

[CanuckCruizer]

Just read on the Mexican Riviera board that the Carnival Splendor and NCL Star will not be going to Mazatlan. Anyone hear anything about the Oosterdam?

Canuck

[jkrislc]

I find this so strange as the violence is 100 times worse in Alcapulco, yet HAL still has it on the itinerary for the canal crossings. Perhaps it's a reaction to Disney cancelling Mazatlan for the entire season? Maybe they're reacting and/or passengers are asking why are we going when they're not.

I feel bad for all the people I've met in Mazatlan that rely on tourism for a living.

[sail7seas]

I am vague about the story but it seems to me I heard on the news some tourists were shot this week in Mazatlan.

[CanuckCruizer]

Between reading snippets on the M.R. board and on TA - from what I can gather, there was a shooting at the Las Flores Hotel, which is a hotel that I know that the ship's crew frequents and also a few ships have told their passengers (us included) that you can go there and use their pool for free if you have lunch etc. Apparently it was a targeted "hit", but again, in the tourist zone. This is why the ships have pulled out.

There is a meeting in Miami today (of at least the head honchos of Carnival cruiselines - maybe others?) to decide what to do for the future. John Heald is reporting live about this meeting on his Facebook page.

NCL has an official statement on their website that they are pulling out for the entire season.

Haven't heard anything about HAL yet.

Canuck

[CanuckCruizer]

Here is a link to the story:

http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/mazatlan-shootout-leaves-dead-front-hotel/


I do agree that I can't figure out WHY the ships are still going to Acapulco, especially after the recent taxi drivers and tourists' murders - cutting a taxidriver's head off etc. - unbelievable. I know that Princess starts a cruise there - I wouldn't want to stay there before my cruise....I didn't know that HAL also stops there too.

Canuck

[bepsf]

"I do agree that I can't figure out WHY the ships are still going to Acapulco..."

I can't figure out why tourists are still going to Acapulco at all these days...

[CanuckCruizer]

"I do agree that I can't figure out WHY the ships are still going to Acapulco..."

I can't figure out why tourists are still going to Acapulco at all these days...


I know! We thought it was bad when we went there a couple of years ago off the Carnival Spirit, but now....:eek:

If the Oosterdam is not going to Mazatlan - I would like to know "where" they are taking us, so I can plan accordingly for things to do.:) I do, however, have great sympathy for the people of Mazatlan, like "Mazatlan Frank" whose livelihood will suffer.

Canuck

[SadieN]

I wouldn't mind another PNW cruise (Sorry Canuck)

How about from San Diego, San Francisco, Astoria, Ensenada?

[lane87]

We leave tomorrow on the Oosterdam and our itinerary still has Mazatlan on it. Hope it stays that way.

[Krazy Kruizers]

i for one do not like acapulco

[CanuckCruizer]

I wouldn't mind another PNW cruise (Sorry Canuck)

How about from San Diego, San Francisco, Astoria, Ensenada?


HAHAHA - no, that would NOT be good for moi:eek: - we need SUN and HEAT!
We love Mexico and seeing as we are from the "Pacific Northwest" - it would not be like a vacation to us.

I am hoping that we go to La Paz instead of Mazatlan, that would make sense on the Sea of Cortez itinerary.

As for the person sailing tomorrow (sorry didn't make note of your name) - from what I have gathered, HAL is "famous" for not telling its passengers of any changes in itineraries UNTIL they are already on the ship (this happened recently when HAL did not go to Mazatlan - people were told that yes - they were going - and sure enough, once onboard, they were diverted to Manzanillo). I, for one, would be really surprised if HAL went to Mazatlan next week.

Canuck

[LAFFNVEGAS]

It really is unfortunate. A few weeks ago right after Disney decided not to stop because of the first shooting which to me would have nothing to do with cruise tourist since this happened in the middle of the night :rolleyes: For a week all the ships stopped their prot stop in Mazatlan. Then the Cruise Line officials met with the heads of Tourism for Mexico and Mazatlan and agreed to return to Mazatlan. The only cruise line that refused was Disney.
Then suddenly I get word yesterday that they were all pulling out of Mazatlan again so I figured there had to be another incident.

This whole thing actually frustrates me because Mexico and Mazatlan (with exception of Acapulco which I agree is really bad) is really not that dangerous. What about the shootings In St Thomas??? There was an actual cruise passenger killed from gunfire during the day. You do not see ships pulling out of St Thomas. What about the shootings that happen daily in the Los Angeles area? I would guess that San Diego even has their fair share of crime just like here in Las Vegas. It does not appear there is a lot of information about this other than it was at a hotel and they claim during the day.

But I am sure that cruise lines are just protecting themselves plus it give them a better reason for why they are pulling out of Mexico next year other than loss of revenue ;)

[lane87]

HAHAHA - no, that would NOT be good for moi:eek: - we need SUN and HEAT!
We love Mexico and seeing as we are from the "Pacific Northwest" - it would not be like a vacation to us.

I am hoping that we go to La Paz instead of Mazatlan, that would make sense on the Sea of Cortez itinerary.

As for the person sailing tomorrow (sorry didn't make note of your name) - from what I have gathered, HAL is "famous" for not telling its passengers of any changes in itineraries UNTIL they are already on the ship (this happened recently when HAL did not go to Mazatlan - people were told that yes - they were going - and sure enough, once onboard, they were diverted to Manzanillo). I, for one, would be really surprised if HAL went to Mazatlan next week.

Canuck


Hey thanks for the info Canuk. Consider my reassurance gone. Heh.

And here is the story what happened in Maz early this week.

"Violence has hit the shores of Mazatlan again. Earlier this week per police and press reports, two young men were gunned down in front of the Las Flores Hotel which is located in the middle of the Zona Dorada which was full of tourists and foreigners at the time. Apparently, the two men were trying to evade an attack when they drove into the hotel’s parking lot and enter the hotel.
Both men were shot and killed. The shooting caused panic and witnesses were running for cover."

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Hey thanks for the info Canuk. Consider my reassurance gone. Heh.

And here is the story what happened in Maz early this week.

"Violence has hit the shores of Mazatlan again. Earlier this week per police and press reports, two young men were gunned down in front of the Las Flores Hotel which is located in the middle of the Zona Dorada which was full of tourists and foreigners at the time. Apparently, the two men were trying to evade an attack when they drove into the hotel’s parking lot and enter the hotel.
Both men were shot and killed. The shooting caused panic and witnesses were running for cover."
Unfortunately not a lot of information here. It really does not say if it is evening or day time. Were these young men from the area, were they involved themselves such as a drug deal gone wrong? Sadly in this day and age these things happen in all major cities :( I am not saying that cruise lines should not be concerned but I am also aware that these dangers are every where. If tourist only knew about 1/2 of the dangers in Las Vegas, Los Angeles near Disneyland, What about Miami area??? I am sure New Orleans is right up there with crime too. I am pretty sure all the major US Cruise Port Cities are not free from crime and subject to future crime. So what exactly is the difference?

[CanuckCruizer]

LaffnVegas - I am pretty sure that I read on TA somewhere that it happened in broad daylight and it was a targeted "hit". But, it is right in the middle of the Golden Zone where there are lots of tourists.

I am sure that there is high crime in Anaheim (as you say) but I don't think it is happening right in the middle of "Disneyland" (at least I haven't heard that...:)).

I do agree with you about St. Thomas. We went there shortly after the shootings and we were a bit nervous. St. Thomas is probably my favourite place ever (we got married there) and we actually thought about not getting off the ship, but I am glad that we did - although we were certainly more cautious and aware than normal. A lot of places in the Caribbean are far more dangerous (as in higher crime stats than Mexico) and tourists have been held up on ship's tours at gunpoint and the ships are still going to Nassau, Antigua, Barbados etc. It is all about money.

I am not going to debate which places in the world are more dangerous than others....it is what it is. I, for one, love Mexico and will always go "somewhere" in Mexico as long as I have the chance. Whatever the cruiselines decide - it would be nice to be given a "heads up" as to where we are going, in order to make plans.

Canuck

[Okie1946]

My choice - I would go to Mazatlan. I am so excited about the idea of going there.

The shooting that occured was two LOCAL residents who were involved in illegal activity that went wrong. They chose to go to that hotel and involve persons who were not even a part of their activities. That is the issue. NO TOURIST WAS INJURED IN THE MAKING OF THAT NEWS REPORT!!!!!

When a person plans to travel to Las Vegas, New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Boston, Dallas or even Minneapolis, do you go and search the news reports regarding violence in those cities. I don't think so. Therefore, why are all of us up in arms about violence in Mazatlan?

Let's all go on our vacations, enjoy them and come home with good memories of meeting wonderful people and having a good time in a beautiful country. And pray that our cruise lines don't change our trips.

Smile - it makes people wonder what you know that they don't. :D

[CanuckCruizer]

My choice - I would go to Mazatlan. I am so excited about the idea of going there.

The shooting that occured was two LOCAL residents who were involved in illegal activity that went wrong. They chose to go to that hotel and involve persons who were not even a part of their activities. That is the issue. NO TOURIST WAS INJURED IN THE MAKING OF THAT NEWS REPORT!!!!!

When a person plans to travel to Las Vegas, New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Boston, Dallas or even Minneapolis, do you go and search the news reports regarding violence in those cities. I don't think so. Therefore, why are all of us up in arms about violence in Mazatlan?

Let's all go on our vacations, enjoy them and come home with good memories of meeting wonderful people and having a good time in a beautiful countr. And pray that our cruise lines don't change our trips.

Smile - it makes people wonder what you know that they don't. :D

Okie - no one said that any tourists were injured....

You ask "why are all of us up in arms about violence in Mazatlan?"

Well, when I hear that ships are cancelling a port - I want to know why...so...google is my friend:) Especially, since they have already cancelled cruises there very recently - met with Mexican authorities - were promised increased security and now...there is more violence happening and the ships are pulling out AGAIN. It is only normal to want to know what exactly is happening there. You or I do not have any control over whether we go there or not - it is up to the cruiseline. We are all talking about it because it is a concern, at least for me and many others I would assume.

We all want to enjoy our vacations but we also want to know WHERE we are going on them:D I am a "planner" and have been to many Mexican ports. I would like to know where I am going so I can research restaurants, things to do etc.

Canuck

[CowPrincess]

CanuckCruiser, if you DO miss Mazatlan, I hope you get to La Paz/Pichilingue! Kayaking, snorkelling, beaching. We had comp shuttles to both La Paz and the beach (I'll find out the name of the beach). Swimming is prohibited on the beaches IN La Paz (IIRC the water is profoundly polluted from industrial waste), so you need to get to a non-town beach for water stuff.

[CanuckCruizer]

CanuckCruiser, if you DO miss Mazatlan, I hope you get to La Paz/Pichilingue! Kayaking, snorkelling, beaching. We had comp shuttles to both La Paz and the beach (I'll find out the name of the beach). Swimming is prohibited on the beaches IN La Paz (IIRC the water is profoundly polluted from industrial waste), so you need to get to a non-town beach for water stuff.


Hi CP, Yes - I am hoping for La Paz too. Have never been there but have read so many good things about it. Do you have any restaurant recommendations for there? (Maybe they were in your review - I will have to look again...:)). I think, with the price of fuel, that they will not go to Manzanillo instead of Maz - not unless they change the order of the ports somehow. I just hope we don't go to Cabo twice.

Canuck

[lorekauf]

Okie - no one said that any tourists were injured....

Especially, since they have already cancelled cruises there very recently - met with Mexican authorities - were promised increased security and now...there is more violence happening and the ships are pulling out AGAIN. Canuck
Did they promise increased security? I had heard they dropped the port fees. All of a sudden Mazatlan was safe. I like Mazatlan and don't want to see the ship stop going there. I'm amazed and how people think Mexico is more unsafe then the Caribbean. That's convenient amnesia IMO.

[CanuckCruizer]

Did they promise increased security? I had heard they dropped the port fees. All of a sudden Mazatlan was safe. I like Mazatlan and don't want to see the ship stop going there. I'm amazed and how people think Mexico is more unsafe then the Caribbean. That's convenient amnesia IMO.


Lorekauf - yes, I did read "somewhere" (can't find the exact quote now) that the "talk" was that they promised increased security at the port (at least).

I don't know which people you are speaking of - but, I, for one, said that I think that the Caribbean is more dangerous than Mexico (with the exception of Acapulco right now).

I never said that I didn't like Mazatlan - I am only reporting what I have read about the ships not going there again. I will be disappointed as I love the "knock-off" items at the cruise terminal in Maz - they have good shopping there.

I just would like a "heads up" on where we are going instead.:)

Canuck

[lorekauf]

Lorekauf - yes, I did read "somewhere" (can't find the exact quote now) that the "talk" was that they promised increased security at the port (at least).

I don't know which people you are speaking of - but, I, for one, said that I think that the Caribbean is more dangerous than Mexico (with the exception of Acapulco right now).

I never said that I didn't like Mazatlan - I am only reporting what I have read about the ships not going there again. I will be disappointed as I love the "knock-off" items at the cruise terminal in Maz - they have good shopping there.

I just would like a "heads up" on where we are going instead.:)

Canuck
Sorry, no I wasn't speaking of you saying that the Caribbean is safer. I've heard people on this board say they won't go to Mexico because they don't want to be gunned down. It just gets tiresome. On my last cruise to Mexico (Feb.12/11) people asked if I was scared. No more then I would be at home. I told people "see, I went to Mexico and I didn't get gunned down". I'm upset that they are cutting cruises to Mexico because it's my cruise of choice. It's a huge pain to go to Florida.

[CowPrincess]

Hi CP, Yes - I am hoping for La Paz too. Have never been there but have read so many good things about it. Do you have any restaurant recommendations for there? (Maybe they were in your review - I will have to look again...:)). I think, with the price of fuel, that they will not go to Manzanillo instead of Maz - not unless they change the order of the ports somehow. I just hope we don't go to Cabo twice.

Canuck

We didn't eat in/around La Paz in 2008. Took the shuttle to the town, shopped, wandered, shuttled back to the ship and met friends for lunch, then ALL of us took the shuttle to the beach.

Seriously, if we end up back in Cabo any time soon, we will stay onboard for the day -- NOT worth the tender ride IMHO :D

lorekauf, I agree that the US media coverage of violence in Mexico is VERY unfair and biased. I won't share my opinions on the "why"s here -- this isn't a political forum, and I don't want to get people incensed. Off to the smoking thread I go ..... :D ;)

[lorekauf]

Seriously, if we end up back in Cabo any time soon, we will stay onboard for the day -- NOT worth the tender ride IMHO :D


Yeah, I really don't like that tender. Last time it was moving around quite a bit when I got back on board. I still do it even though I don't like it.

[CanuckCruizer]

Sorry, no I wasn't speaking of you saying that the Caribbean is safer. I've heard people on this board say they won't go to Mexico because they don't want to be gunned down. It just gets tiresome. On my last cruise to Mexico (Feb.12/11) people asked if I was scared. No more then I would be at home. I told people "see, I went to Mexico and I didn't get gunned down". I'm upset that they are cutting cruises to Mexico because it's my cruise of choice. It's a huge pain to go to Florida.


Didn't think you were speaking of me...but you quoted me, so I wasn't sure:)

Yes - I love going on Mexican cruises - nice short flight to either LA or San Diego. That flight to FLL is getting tiresome (or should I say "flights" - lol!). I do feel safer in Mexico than the Caribbean now, for sure! There is so much crime in the Caribbean and a lot of it does involve tourists and cruise passengers specifically being targetted. I still go to the Caribbean (and was just there off on the Oasis) but I am more cautious that I was years ago.

We get friends saying that we are crazy to go stay in Mexico or go cruising there - we just laugh it off - they can't help it if they are ignorant and don't do their research.:)

Canuck

[jkrislc]

Here is a link to the story:

http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/mazatlan-shootout-leaves-dead-front-hotel/


I do agree that I can't figure out WHY the ships are still going to Acapulco, especially after the recent taxi drivers and tourists' murders - cutting a taxidriver's head off etc. - unbelievable. I know that Princess starts a cruise there - I wouldn't want to stay there before my cruise....I didn't know that HAL also stops there too.

Canuck
I was looking at the itineraries for the Statendam and it lists Alcapulco as one of the stops on their canal crossings.

[jkrislc]

Yeah, I really don't like that tender. Last time it was moving around quite a bit when I got back on board. I still do it even though I don't like it.

It's not the tender ride that's so bad; it's that the port stops are so short. We were on a Disney cruise that stopped at Cabo twice in lieu of Mazatlan and it took just over two hours to clear the ship before those without tender tickets were allowed to board the tenders. In reality, this limited our time to 3 hours in the port unless we wanted to get up early to play the tender ticket game. While I like Cabo, I don't think it's worth the hassle when the port call is so short.

[NorthPhoenixGuy]

i'm sure i'll get flamed for this comment but here it is anyway.

we all are exposed to many unknown dangers every day of our lives, no matter where we live or visit. but when a danger is known and clearly there is evidence of that danger in mazatlan, why would you all want to put yourselves in harms way? i would not do it, that's for sure.

if hal wants to delete mazatlan from my cruise, that's fine with me. i'll still enjoy my cruise because just being on a ship is fabulous and wherever it stops is fine with me.

let it rip

cheers

[CanuckCruizer]

i'm sure i'll get flamed for this comment but here it is anyway.

we all are exposed to many unknown dangers every day of our lives, no matter where we live or visit. but when a danger is known and clearly there is evidence of that danger in mazatlan, why would you all want to put yourselves in harms way? i would not do it, that's for sure.

if hal wants to delete mazatlan from my cruise, that's fine with me. i'll still enjoy my cruise because just being on a ship is fabulous and wherever it stops is fine with me.

let it rip

cheers

I love that "let it rip".:D Actually, I agree with you:)

I love Mexico - it will always have a part of my heart BUT I would not go to Acapulco right now, that is for sure. When our itinerary called for Mazatlan and this stuff hit the fan a few weeks ago, I didn't feel the need to "wander" in Mazatlan as I would normally do. I would definitely shop at the cruise terminal, maybe go to Stone Island but I was actually thinking of skipping our trek into town to eat lunch, just to be on the safe side - why chance it - for what? As we are going to many other Mexican ports - we can eat Mexican at every other stop. But I have been to Mazatlan many times, so it isn't a biggie for me to miss it. Others may have never been and were looking forward to it, but, yes, I do agree about putting yourself in possible harm's way when you are "aware" that there is violence happening. Some people think it is overblown but if you do your research, you will learn that there is a lot more happening there than is being reported.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and some people take more risks than others - that is what it comes down too.

I hope everyone that is going on a Mexican cruise has a wonderful and safe time!

Canuck

[CanuckCruizer]

John Heald (Cruise Director from Carnival) is still awaiting news from Carnival in Miami - he just posted this on Facebook:

"So the guests on the Carnival Spirit will receive a letter tonight explaining that Carnival is in discussion with the Mexican government concerning the situation in Mazatlan. These discussions are ongoing and that the ships command will advise them as soon as possible if the ship will call there or divert to a different port."

Splendor was already cancelled for this week, so we shall see what happens.....

Canuck

[Okie1946]

Originally posted by lorekauf: I'm upset that they are cutting cruises to Mexico because it's my cruise of choice.

Thank you lorekauf for this statement. Have been getting flamed with every post I have entered on this thread. Wish I had thought of this earlier. Yes - this is my cruise of choice and we chose it because one of the stops was Mazatlan!! Please folks, have some respect for my choices and I will do the same to you.

Smile - makes the rest of the world wonder about what you know and they don't.:D

[pinotage]

This was just posted on the HAL Facebook page... makes me wonder....

Holland America Line
When cruising, sometimes unexpected changes off the beaten path make your vacation all the more worth it. Take for example this gem of a port: Manzanillo, the "Sailfish Capital of the World", is famous for it's movie-star beaches and fishmongers!

Cruising to Manzanillo, Mexico....

[lorekauf]

i'm sure i'll get flamed for this comment but here it is anyway.

we all are exposed to many unknown dangers every day of our lives, no matter where we live or visit. but when a danger is known and clearly there is evidence of that danger in mazatlan, why would you all want to put yourselves in harms way? i would not do it, that's for sure.

if hal wants to delete mazatlan from my cruise, that's fine with me. i'll still enjoy my cruise because just being on a ship is fabulous and wherever it stops is fine with me.

let it rip

cheers
I could walk down the street in Calgary and be shot. I really believe that if it's your time to go...it's your time to go.

[CanuckCruizer]

This was just posted on the HAL Facebook page... makes me wonder....

Holland America Line
When cruising, sometimes unexpected changes off the beaten path make your vacation all the more worth it. Take for example this gem of a port: Manzanillo, the "Sailfish Capital of the World", is famous for it's movie-star beaches and fishmongers!

Cruising to Manzanillo, Mexico....


Pinotage - I concur....hmmmmmm:D

Canuck

[lane87]

The writing is literally on the wall.

[CanuckCruizer]

Here is the link to the USA Today article:

http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2011/02/norwegian-carnival-mazatlan-shooting/144667/1

[lorekauf]

It's not the tender ride that's so bad; it's that the port stops are so short. We were on a Disney cruise that stopped at Cabo twice in lieu of Mazatlan and it took just over two hours to clear the ship before those without tender tickets were allowed to board the tenders. In reality, this limited our time to 3 hours in the port unless we wanted to get up early to play the tender ticket game. While I like Cabo, I don't think it's worth the hassle when the port call is so short.
Wow, that a crazy long wait. I think the longest I've had to wait is about 45 min. and I wasn't happy. Princess leaves Cabo at about 2pm (last tender at 1:30) so it's almost not worth getting off the ship. Luckily my waiting days for tenders 9on HAL) to get off the ship are over since I'm now a 4 star:D:D.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

In Mazatlan, several times we have never left the terminal area. Great margaritas and salsa and chips there, feel no pain, and return to the ship for lunch and a siesta.

[solocanadian]

Sorry, no I wasn't speaking of you saying that the Caribbean is safer. I've heard people on this board say they won't go to Mexico because they don't want to be gunned down. It just gets tiresome. On my last cruise to Mexico (Feb.12/11) people asked if I was scared. No more then I would be at home. I told people "see, I went to Mexico and I didn't get gunned down". I'm upset that they are cutting cruises to Mexico because it's my cruise of choice. It's a huge pain to go to Florida.
I'm so with you Loren. It's my cruise of choice also. I find it a MEGA pain to fly to Florida & Europe is a big "forget it" for me.:)

[Cruz'n Couple]

[
lorekauf, I agree that the US media coverage of violence in Mexico is VERY unfair and biased. I won't share my opinions on the "why"s here -- this isn't a political forum, and I don't want to get people incensed. Off to the smoking thread I go ..... :D ;)[/QUOTE]

I realize that ports are a different story, but the news media is not exaggerating!!!!! Try living in a border state, quite near the border. Violence is spilling over the border, and is going deeper into Mexico than it was a year ago. Even a year ago, violence in the port cities was not an issue, but it is becoming a more common occurence!

[CowPrincess]

I realize that ports are a different story, but the news media is not exaggerating!!!!! Try living in a border state, quite near the border. Violence is spilling over the border, and is going deeper into Mexico than it was a year ago. Even a year ago, violence in the port cities was not an issue, but it is becoming a more common occurence!

From my perspective, I cannot respond to your comments without politicizing this thread. I do understand that US border towns and cities are seeing increasing violence. I was not attempting to minimize that. I'm sorry -- this will be my only response to your comment. :)

[Willsot]

People (not just Americans) are avoiding Mexico because of the continuing displays of violence in the country as a whole. It is too bad that such generalizing hurts tourism in those municipalities considered to be safe. An estimated 35,000 people have been murdered in the past 4 years in the Mexican drug wars. The Sinaloa Cartel is a player and Mazatlan is in Sinaloa. While the cartels target each other, innocent people are unfortunately caught in the crossfire. To say that Mexico is no less safe than the Caribbean is difficult for me to accept.

[Boatdrill]

How about from San Diego, San Francisco, Astoria, Ensenada?

That's a rough ride even in summer !

[Boatdrill]

Yes - this is my cruise of choice and we chose it because one of the stops was Mazatlan!! Please folks, have some respect for my choices and I will do the same to you.



You're not alone. The Oosterdam is full every Saturday for their Mex. trip.

[pmd98052]

Ugh - Here we are in the Hampton Inn San Diego waiting to head off on the Oosterdam tomorrow.... We saw the Carnival Spirit head out this afternoon.

Tomorrow should be interesting both due to the potential change but also fairly high winds expected. I love rough seas but not sure that my wife and kids will!!!

Very disappointed though if we do skip Mazatlan. I was looking forward to Stone Island and a lazy day on the beach with the kids. In my opinion this is getting blown out of proportion. Sure there are problems but there are tourists getting murdered all over the world (including in the US of A!) - be smart, be lucky and enjoy.

[kkorman]

People (not just Americans) are avoiding Mexico because of the continuing displays of violence in the country as a whole. It is too bad that such generalizing hurts tourism in those municipalities considered to be safe. An estimated 35,000 people have been murdered in the past 4 years in the Mexican drug wars. The Sinaloa Cartel is a player and Mazatlan is in Sinaloa. While the cartels target each other, innocent people are unfortunately caught in the crossfire. To say that Mexico is no less safe than the Caribbean is difficult for me to accept.


Agreed, comparing what is happening in Mexico to the Caribbean is like comparing the size of Rhode Island to Texas. I am on the Oosterdam next week and hope to be diverted.

[cat4151]

Just got off the phone with HAL customer service and according to the Lady that I spoke to she said NO, we are definetely not cancelling. She said to keep updated on things like this go to HALs website and below the picture of the people on the home page there is a section that's titled cruise resources and the last link in that section is travel Advisories click on that and this is where that type of information would be.

[Taxguy77]

"I do agree that I can't figure out WHY the ships are still going to Acapulco..."

I can't figure out why tourists are still going to Acapulco at all these days...

We (DW and son in college and I) flew there for Thanksgiving about 25 years ago. Had some good food, saw the sights, caught a sailfish and had a very good time, but the town would only rank around 20th of my favorite places even then. I wouldn't want to take the road from the airport to town now.

[Taxguy77]

We didn't eat in/around La Paz in 2008. Took the shuttle to the town, shopped, wandered, shuttled back to the ship and met friends for lunch, then ALL of us took the shuttle to the beach.

Seriously, if we end up back in Cabo any time soon, we will stay onboard for the day -- NOT worth the tender ride IMHO :D

lorekauf, I agree that the US media coverage of violence in Mexico is VERY unfair and biased. I won't share my opinions on the "why"s here -- this isn't a political forum, and I don't want to get people incensed. Off to the smoking thread I go ..... :D ;)

I don't know what media you are refering to but our local news just reports about our area. The student who took the bus into Mexico to visit relatives and was killed. The closing of a parking lot and moving a basketball game to another gym at UT Brownsville as the extended gunfire in Mexico was closer than the range of the bullets being fired. The 30 year veteran missionary who died in a local hospital after being shot in Mexico.
Interviews with police chiefs about keeping the violence out of Texas, which they are doing well.

[Taxguy77]

I could walk down the street in Calgary and be shot. I really believe that if it's your time to go...it's your time to go.

That does it. I'll miss the stampede this year. :(

[lorekauf]

Agreed, comparing what is happening in Mexico to the Caribbean is like comparing the size of Rhode Island to Texas. I am on the Oosterdam next week and hope to be diverted.

I think you'll still be going to Mexico:rolleyes:.

[lorekauf]

That does it. I'll miss the stampede this year. :(
You're more likely to run into a drunk at that time then being shot:D.

[Granny DI]

My husband and I plan to be on the Oosterdam in March. We visited Acapulco in the 80's and didn't like it...security being just one of many reasons. We lived in Port of Spain,Trinidad. We had guards around the clock and avoided certain spots after dark. We've returned several times because we love the country and its people. We lived in Venezuela and I had a body guard. Neither of us would return to Venezuela at this time. Our home was robbed when we lived in Norway, but we love Norway and returned last summer for another wonderful visit. Crime can happen anywhere. We are looking forward to our cruise to Mexico in a few weeks!!!

[kkorman]

I think you'll still be going to Mexico:rolleyes:.

Sorry i generalized... I do not want to go to the unsafe parts (i.e. Mazatlan on our cruise). I am not a fan of the alternate port either, but it is safer.

Honestly, this is a cruise for relaxing as it is cheap and easy for us... where we end up does not matter. I just like to know I do not have to worry about being "accidentally" shot when walking down the street. ;)

[CanuckCruizer]

Just read on the MX RIV board that John Heald has posted on Facebook that the Splendor will not be going to Mazatlan again this cruise - going to Cabo twice and PV only (so I assume that the Carnival Spirit has been cancelled as well). Wish we would hear something from HAL on this....

Canuck

[lorekauf]

Just read on the MX RIV board that John Heald has posted on Facebook that the Splendor will not be going to Mazatlan again this cruise - going to Cabo twice and PV only (so I assume that the Carnival Spirit has been cancelled as well). Wish we would hear something from HAL on this....

Canuck
HAL is really bad IMO in giving information out. You could be sailing right past Mazatlan and they would still tell you that you are going there. I hope they will be forthcoming with information on this a little quicker.

[CanuckCruizer]

HAL is really bad IMO in giving information out. You could be sailing right past Mazatlan and they would still tell you that you are going there. I hope they will be forthcoming with information on this a little quicker.


Hilarious:D I know what you mean. I, personally, haven't sailed on HAL yet but some of the things that the agents have told me when I call up asking questions...well...they are laughable. But RCCL and Princess agents are no picnic either.:)

I read that a member from here (can't remember the name) but they have posted on the MX RIV Board and said that they are actually on the O'dam right now and still haven't heard - I suspect they will get a letter on Tuesday night in their cabin (as I think that they are due in Mazatlan on Wednesday, aren't they?) Nothing like getting info last minute!

Canuck

[lorekauf]

Hilarious:D I know what you mean. I, personally, haven't sailed on HAL yet but some of the things that the agents have told me when I call up asking questions...well...they are laughable. But RCCL and Princess agents are no picnic either.:)

I read that a member from here (can't remember the name) but they have posted on the MX RIV Board and said that they are actually on the O'dam right now and still haven't heard - I suspect they will get a letter on Tuesday night in their cabin (as I think that they are due in Mazatlan on Wednesday, aren't they?) Nothing like getting info last minute!

Canuck
Yes, they hit Mazatlan on Wednesday. I think you are right about getting the letter on Tuesday night. That is SO HAL SOP. I do like HAL a lot but information sharing in not one of their strong points.

[RAYSAN11]

Matzalan Frank has just posted over on the Mexican Riviera boardthatt the Star is going to Mazatalan on Tuesday

[CanuckCruizer]

Raysan - OMG....read the rest of the thread and the other threads that relate. NCL's website has changed their itinerary and they are NOT going to Mazatlan for the whole rest of the season. That article in the newspaper that Frank was referring to was wishful thinking/old information/call it what you want to....but INCORRECT.

Canuck

[kkorman]

Matzalan Frank has just posted over on the Mexican Riviera boardthatt the Star is going to Mazatalan on Tuesday

We have friends on board right now and they had a medical emergency that caused them to divert to Ensenada for an hour... they are canceling Day 1 in Cabo (tomorrow) doing Cabo the next and PV the following. So if they are going to Mazatlan... the passengers do not know. And I am not sure why an hour is causing them to miss the entire day in Cabo -- unless they want to save fuel.

[lorekauf]

We have friends on board right now and they had a medical emergency that caused them to divert to Ensenada for an hour... they are canceling Day 1 in Cabo (tomorrow) doing Cabo the next and PV the following. So if they are going to Mazatlan... the passengers do not know. And I am not sure why an hour is causing them to miss the entire day in Cabo -- unless they want to save fuel.
That's very odd that they would miss a day because of an evac. We had the very same thing happen on my cruise (Feb.12/11). A dancer had a serious accident. We went off track and dropped him in Cabo. We took off from there. Hal did a great job. As I recall, we were not late to the next port which was Puerto Vallarta. They should easily be able to make that up.

[CanuckCruizer]

Just in from the MX RIV Board -

Foxor said -
"For what it's worth, Randi from Randi's Happy Horses (the tour we had booked in Mazatlan) just emailed me to let me know she's been told the Oosterdam is not stopping in Mazatlan the week of March 5th."

[blackroze]

We had just left the Golden Zone when this happened! Wow! Crazy!

[cat4151]

Just in from the MX RIV Board -

Foxor said -
"For what it's worth, Randi from Randi's Happy Horses (the tour we had booked in Mazatlan) just emailed me to let me know she's been told the Oosterdam is not stopping in Mazatlan the week of March 5th."
Who was she told this by? I had called HAL yesterday because we're on the Oosterdam the second week in March and they told me they are definitely not canceling Mazatlan.

[foxor]

Who was she told this by? I had called HAL yesterday because we're on the Oosterdam the second week in March and they told me they are definitely not canceling Mazatlan.

She didn't say and I didn't ask. I figured I would just call HAL and get the scoop.

[NorthPhoenixGuy]

does hal post any port changes on their website? i heard there was more violence in mazatlan monday with bodies being hung from a bridge. anyone know about that?

cheers

[CanuckCruizer]

Here are two articles I found - one says 7 bodies - the other says 5. Regardless - I do not think that the Oosterdam will be going there tomorrow....:eek:

http://fulanofiles.blogspot.com/2011/02/mazatlan-awakes-to-seven-bodies-hanging.html

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2011/03/01/5-bodies-hanging-bridges-mexican-city/


Canuck

[PirateShark]

Yup, doesn't look good for a stop there either this week or maybe for the rest of the season.

[JJGlanton]

I've traveled extensively througout Mexico over the years, and for the most part felt safer than when in the states. It's a wonderful, diverse country full of wonderful people.

Normally, I dismiss the random atrocity/horror stories that get bandied about to frighten tourists visiting foreign locales. What is happening now in Mexico is different. The danger there is real - I have been warned by close friends - Mexican friends - about travelling now.

Sure, chances are that if you go to Mazatlan or Cancun or Juarez you will survive. But make no mistake - the cartels are not taking prisoners in this war and have absolutely no respect for anyone caught in the crossfire. The level and scope of the atrocities being committed there now is barbarous beyond most people's imagination - and the true extent of what is really happening down there is not even close to being fully described and appreciated by our news sources.

So go on your cruise, enjoy your ports in Mexico - but use common sense and maintain constant vigilance, and if something feels 'wrong' don't hesitate to heed your instincts.

[NorthPhoenixGuy]

jjglanton....great post and great advice! however, by the time something feels wrong, it might be too late. some of these cartel members may go to tourits locations thinking the location will be respected and safe for them, but i think that philosophy has been proved wrong in mazatlan lately.

on guard always

cheers

[JJGlanton]

however, by the time something feels wrong, it might be too late

You are right about that NorthPhoenix - even more so now that the Mexican "authorities" have for the most part been thoroughly corrupted and co-opted by these criminal gangs.

It really pains me to see this happening in Mexico, and I hope they can get the situation turned around.

[CanuckCruizer]

pmd98052 is reporting live from the Oosterdam on the MX RIV Board and says that they have been given no notification of any change in itinerary and they are supposed to dock in Maz tomorrow.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1367425 post #16

I am REALLY surprised that HAL is still going to Maz in light of yesterday's brutal display of violence. I am also surprised that they are the only ship still going as all the others have pulled out (except I haven't heard about Princess yet).

Canuck

[Thoth]

Let's hope all this gets straightened out. I like Mexico !
We have some urban problems in the US as well, but we still visit these places...just use common sense. Last spring I cruised to Mazatlan, PV, and Cabo...never felt unsafe.

[CanuckCruizer]

Oosterdam just docked in Mazatlan.

(pmd98052 reported live on MX RIV Board).



Canuck

[pinotage]

Tomorrow begins Carnaval in Mazatlan...

03/02/1 (http://financial.businessinsider.com/siliconalleymedia.clusterstock/news/read?GUID=17502906#ixzz1FSg4inI3)1 -- Mazatlan has celebrated one of the world's largest Carnaval celebrations for over a century. From March 3rd to the 8th the city will once again transform and fill with cultural performances, fiestas and parades that will enchant hundreds of thousands of families. Hotels report close to full occupancy levels for the March celebration.

Hope all goes well....

[pmd98052]

sitting on the beach at Mazatlan right now (via my kindle)

[PirateShark]

sitting on the beach at Mazatlan right now (via my kindle)

That's great pmd! Hope you have a fantastic day at the beach. Did you notice any extra security at the port today? Just curious as I'll be there next week.

[Okie1946]

We are so looking forward to our cruise and our stop at Mazatlan next month. Thank you for keeping us up on your movements.:D

[pmd98052]

back from the beach... didn't notice any security presence though but who knows if plain clothes etc...

[gomexico]

Carnival Cruise Lines announced at the latter part of last week that it will resume it's stops at Mazatlan beginning early-September, 2011. Announcements from other cruise lines are probably soon to come. Congrats to the tourism folks in Mazatlan who've worked hard for this. Let's hope the 'bad guys' leave town!

http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Carnival-will-return-to-Mazatlan-in-the-fall/

[lorekauf]

I'm happy to hear this. Mazatlan is one of my favorite stops for buying beautiful jewelry:).

[Krazy Kruizers]

Carnival Cruise Lines announced at the latter part of last week that it will resume it's stops at Mazatlan beginning early-September, 2011. Announcements from other cruise lines are probably soon to come. Congrats to the tourism folks in Mazatlan who've worked hard for this. Let's hope the 'bad guys' leave town!

http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Carnival-will-return-to-Mazatlan-in-the-fall/

That is good news,

Thanks

[Bearnaise]

Excellent news for our December cruise, I hope.

[DutchByAssociation]

You have to wonder though, since CCL has ships going there yearround, what is going on that they will not resume until September...

I didn't feel extra safe or particularly unsafe last time I was there, but I understand how important this is.