Starting her year round programme, Carnival Miracle, which departed on 4 October from Long Beach, California, was the first cruise ship to call at Cabo San Lucas. Alan Lam reports.

As well as carrying guests, the ship also carried urgently needed aid to the beleaguered communities, recently battered by hurricane Odile. The ship brought bottled water, tinned food, cereal, personal articles and paper products, among others, to local residents.

“We have been in contact with officials at Cabo San Lucas and have sent our team there to evaluate the situation,” said Gerry Cahill, President and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines. “The residents, together with local authorities, both state and federal, have worked very hard preparing the destination in time to receive visitors and revitalise the economic contribution tourism brings to the region. At the same time the local residents still needed emergency supplies.”

Highlighting the importance of cruise tourism to the local economy, Carlos Joaquín González, vice Minister of Tourism, declared that the destination was ready to receive visitors, as most of the region’s restaurants and shops were now open for business.

The new Carnival Miracle year round Mexican Riviera cruise programme includes three one-week itinerary options, with calls to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.