Major USA-based cruise companies adjusted their ship routings in Mexican coastal waters in response to a surge of unrest following the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as “El Mencho,” during a military operation.
The incident prompted widespread clashes and significant security activity across parts of Mexico, including multiple states where road blockades and violence were reported in the days after the raid.
In the recent operational response, NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings advised that Norwegian Bliss, a 4,000-passenger vessel, would omit its scheduled call at Puerto Vallarta, with the company indicating that any further itinerary adjustments for ships bound for Mexican ports would be communicated directly to embarked passengers.
Carnival Corporation’s deployment saw Royal Princess similarly bypass Puerto Vallarta, extending its preceding call at Cabo San Lucas and proceeding toward Mazatlán, while a sister ship under the HAL-Holland America Line banner redirected to a day at sea instead of the Mexican Riviera port.
Royal Caribbean Group reported that at present it had not altered published itineraries but would inform guests and travel agents should conditions necessitate changes.
The changes in cruise schedules intersected with broader travel disruptions in the region, as airlines suspended or canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara amid security concerns and travel advisories issued by foreign governments.