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Mexican Riviera coming back as cruise destination?
Even if you’ve never been on a cruise, you’ve probably seen the Mexican Riviera in movies or on TV. But the mounting violence in that country has obviously impaired the 20 cities there. But could that change?
“Numerous sources this week are reporting on Princess Cruise’s decision to start tentatively resuming calls to Mazatlan, Mexico in 2012-2013,” writes Aaron Saunders in his “From the Deck Chair” site.
The Mexican Riviera generally refers to 20 cities and lagoons lying on the western coast of Mexico, where Princess Cruise Line is generally given credit for its name. It’s grown to where it’s the fourth most popular cruise destination in the world.
The area is famous for pristine beaches set against stunning cliffs, coves and verdant jungle landscape The Riviera has a variety of attractions that include upscale hotels, beaches, marinas, sports facilities and excellent restaurants.
Visitors can also tour the jungles or visit archaeological sites.
The coastal area was populated by small fishing villages until the 1920s when cruise lines started stopping there.
Cities in the Riviera include Puerto Vallarta which gathered international attention when Liz Taylor and Richard Burton filmed “Night of the Iguana” there.
The entire cruise line industry owes a debt to the Riviera. The scenic and friendly ports of call provided the backdrop for television’s “The Love Boat” in the 1970s.
The Mexican port of Mazatlan was among those scrapped earlier this year after rising drug violence prompted every major line operating in the Mexican Riviera to reconsider their itineraries in the area, says Saunders.
Last year was a difficult one for Mazatlan tourism as Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney, Holland America and others stopped visiting there.
"We've been working closely and having lots of discussion with Mexican tourism officials, and were always hopeful that we could go back," Princess spokeswoman Julie Benson told Cruise Critic.
Benson added that Princess will continue to monitor the situation.
Holland America and Disney are also returning to Mazatlan in 2012, the cruise lines announced.
By David Wilkening
David
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