Royal Caribbean Expands 2009/2010 Mexican Riviera Season

In yet another sign that consumers are not as interested in paying high prices for international air travel, Royal Caribbean has announced new cruise itineraries to the Mexican Riviera and Vancouver for the 2009-10 winter and spring seasons. Radiance of the Seas will increase their total number of number of San Diego sailings from September 2009 through May 2010 by adding 10 long cruises to the Mexican Riviera. These 9- to 11-night roundtrip itineraries are in addition to the 12 short four- and five-night cruises announced earlier this year. Guests can also choose an additional 12-night holiday cruise departing Dec. 21, 2009, or a thirteenth five-night short cruise, sailing on May 3, 2010.

Guests can also choose one of two West Coast cruises, one sailing from San Diego to Vancouver on Jan. 22, 2010 for 10 nights, and in reverse on March 2, 2010 for nine nights. Each sailing includes ports of call at Catalina Island and an overnight in San Francisco, Astoria (Oregon), Seattle and Victoria, British Columbia.

The previously-announced 2009/2010 South American season on the Radiance of the Seas is being cancelled to make way for these new Mexican Riviera and West Coast sailings. It's a shame, as South America was really coming into its own as a winter cruise destination for those looking for something a bit more exotic, but $1,400 airfares make it far less attractive a destination when consumers are worried about their economic future. Fortunately, however, several other lines, including sister brand Celebrity, continue to offer excellent itineraries in the region.

This is, however, exciting news for those who enjoy sailing from West Coast ports, as this means in addition to the Mariner of the Seas sailing 7-night itineraries from Los Angeles, Royal Caribbean will have another of their more popular classes of ship, the Radiance Class, available for unique itineraries.