Acapulco Mexico tourism officials announced an increase in the number of new cruise vessel arrivals in 2017, with the port expected to welcome a total of 32 ships, versus 18 for last year, which is a 78% increase.
Crystal, Hapag Lloyd, NCL-Norwegian, Oceania, RSSC-Regent Seven Seas, Saga UK and Silversea are currently visiting the Mexican port. Once a popular resort which drew an international slate of A-list celebrities, the fortunes of Acapulco turned when crime in the region increased.
During the last few years the port city, with a population of around 800,000, was plagued by violence from drug cartels. It saw more murders than any other Mexican city - 903 in 2015.
The U.S. State Department warned that travel to some Mexican areas, including Acapulco, may be risky. Last year it banned government employees from going there.
However, Acapulco is working to improve its international reputation. Its port operations are assisted by Center for Tourist Attention and Protection, focused on the safety of tourists. Municipal, state and federal authorities say they are ready to collaborate with cruise lines and resolve their concerns.
The ship Magellan is expected to depart on a Mexican coastal voyage roundtrip from Acapulco in 2018, visiting Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas.