Princess eliminates almost half of its Mexican Riviera cruises

[mercedes]

Princess Cruises eliminated almost half of its Mexican Riviera cruises in 2010-2011, replacing them with month-long Pacific crossings between California and Sydney, and additional Hawaii cruises.

Princess, the line that started life in the 1960s with winter cruises from Los Angeles to Mexico, the same route taken by Captain Stubing during seven years of The Love Boat television series, said that West Coast cruise demand was shifting.

Princess canceled 15 of the Sapphire Princess’ seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises during the 2010-2011 fall and winter season, still offering 17 sailings to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

Replacing those cruises will be two month-long Pacific crossings - from San Francisco to Sydney and then Sydney to Los Angeles beginning in September 2010, and three 14-day roundtrip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles beginning in January 2011, all on the Sapphire.

The ship will also sail one 10-day Mexican Riviera itinerary.

Princess is operating the same Pacific crossings on the Star Princess this fall, but they weren't originally on the 2010 schedule.

"Due to the enthusiastic response to our 2009 transpacific sailing, we wanted to offer additional opportunities to experience this unique itinerary," stated Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises' executive vice president, in a statement.

[DebbieandJerry]

That's a shame for us West Coasters. Limits the playing field