Mazatlan Welcomes 18,000 New Visitors With the Return of Three Major Cruise Lines in 2013/2014

"The Pearl of the Pacific" rolls out the red carpet to kick off its first cruise season in two years, showcasing a new cruise terminal and exciting tourism offerings 

MAZATLAN, MEXICO- November 12, 2013: Mazatlan announced today the return of the first of three major cruise lines to its port, welcoming more than 1,300 passengers on Holland America's ms Veendam ship. Governor Mario Lopez Valdez, City Mayor Alejandro Higuera, as well as Secretary of Tourism Dr. Frank Cordova, greeted passengers at the cruise terminal complete with music and dance performers. With the return of ships from Norwegian Cruise Lines and Azamara Club Cruises in December and February respectively, more than 18,100 cruise visitors will have the chance to experience Mazatlan during the 2013-2014 season.

"As Mexico's only 'Colonial City on the Beach,' Mazatlan is a one-of-a-kind travel destination, and we are thrilled to share our beaches, arts, history and food with this season's cruise visitors and the thousands of visitors for years to come," said Like the ms Veendam, the Norwegian Star and Azamara Quest will bring visitors to Mazatlan as part of their Mexican Riviera tours. The Norwegian Star will arrive in Mazatlan on December 25, 2013, and the Azamara Quest will make its first stop on February 1, 2014.

Cruise passengers can visit the new "tourism corridor" between the new Port and Old Mazatlan, catch a show at the historic Angela Peralta Theater, stroll through the remodeled Plaza Machado or dine at one of dozens of world-class restaurants featuring all of the dishes that make Mazatlan "The Shrimp Capital of the World." Visitors can explore these aspects and more by strolling along the beautiful Malecon boardwalk-the longest in North America-or by taking a ride in an iconic "pulmonia," an open-air taxi exclusive to the city.