Cruise lines suspend stops in Mexico
Part2
To avoid docking in Mexico, the cruise lines (either) will route ships to alternative ports, such as San Diego or Santa Catalina Island, or will spend additional time at sea. Passengers already on the ships are (unlikely) to get a refund because of the change in itineraries, but travelers who are scheduled to take a cruise to a Mexican port may be offered a chance to switch to a ship with a different route, such as cruises to Alaska. No cases of swine flu have been reported on any (cruise) ships that have docked in Mexico.
"We hope people will understand that this is (beyond) our control," said Karen Candy, a spokeswoman for Princess Cruises. "We understand there will be some disappointment."
The Mexican cruise business has exploded, with the number of passengers more than doubling since 2000. Although (destinations) like the Caribbean and the Mediterranean draw many more passengers, Mexico is one of the world's top 10 destinations for cruise lines, with (nearly) 6.5 million passengers in 2008, according to the Cruise Lines International Assn.
A spokesman at Ensenada's party hot spot, Papas & Beer, said business has not dropped (significantly) in the last few weeks. But he wondered if the decision by the cruise ship lines could sink many ports of call businesses.
"We are very worried," said the spokesman, who (declined) to give his name.
