Cruises to Mexico will go ahead

Cruise lines with ships sailing to ports in Mexico have announced they have no plans to cancel voyages or change itineraries, despite growing concern over the outbreak of swine flu affecting the country.
Carnival Corporation say they are “consulting closely” with US public health officials, the World Health Organisation, and the Department of Homeland Security to monitor the situation.
“There are currently no reported cases on Carnival ships or in any of the ports we visit in Mexico,” said a spokesman. “We do not anticipate that our guests’ cruise experience will be impacted by this type of illness and will not be making any adjusyments to our itineraries at this time.”
Four Carnival ships are scheduled to visit Mexican ports on Tuesday: the Carnival Paradise and Elation in Ensenada, the Carnival Inspiration and Holiday in Cozumel. The Sapphire Princess and Coral Princess, part of the Carnival empire, will call at Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas,
Royal Caribbean say “It is important to note that health authorities have not raised concerns regarding the ports of call we visit in Mexico. None of our sailings have been altered and none are scheduled to be.”
RCCL’s Mariner of the Seas will call at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Celebrity Infinity is due there and at Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta next week on its last Mexican cruise of the season.
Norwegian Cruise Lines’ winter season of cruises to Mexico has finished, and the line’s next scheduled calls are not until autumn.
The Cruise Lines International Association has also moved to reassure passengers heading for Mexican ports of call, issuing a statement which says: “Member cruise lines go to great lengths to maintain clean and sanitary environments aboard our vessels with the most comprehensive and proactive health and sanitation protocols in the travel and tourism industry.
“All CLIA members that engage in international voyages have well trained medical staff, expansive reporting and surveillance capabilities onboard. Working with U.S. public health officials in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, the cruise industry has developed and complies with extensive practices and procedures that are effective in mitigating illness aboard cruise ships. Additionally, working with the CDC and other governmental agencies, we are examining further steps that can be taken if necessary.”
All of which will no doubt make it difficult for travellers to get their money back if they decide to pull out, although several airlines have waived cancellation charges.