PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico, May 14 (UPI) -- Mexican government officials and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association met in Miami to discuss recent cruise ship cancellations to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, due to ongoing violence.
Various cruise lines canceled arrivals on Tuesday to Puerto Vallarta due to violent incidents in the state of Jalisco, more specifically a spell of violence beginning May 1, where the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel apparently shot down a Mexican military helicopter, killing three soldiers.
The officials met in Miami to discuss the cancellations, agreeing "to improve and increase communications to ensure the cruise lines are kept better informed and receive updates in real time about the destination," according to a statement from Puerto Vallarta's press representatives.
The statement said all cruise ship calls to Puerto Vallarta are expected to continue as scheduled, according to Travel Weekly.
"No harm came to any residents or visitors to Puerto Vallarta and no disturbance, restriction or limits affected tourists in the area. All tourism infrastructure and services, including the cruise ship terminal, marina, airport, convention center, hotels and resorts, tours, and ground transport remained fully operational," the statement added.
Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas , Celebrity Cruises' Infinity and Disney Cruises' Wonder did not make scheduled stops at Puerto Vallarta.
"Jewel of the Seas and Celebrity Infinity's calls to Puerto Vallarta were canceled due to the recently experienced episodes of violent civil unrest, stemming from criminal gangs that have engaged in armed conflict with local authorities," Royal Caribbean Cruises spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez told USA Today.
