Holland America Line has canceled eight scheduled calls to the port of Acapulco, Mexico in 2017 and 2018, due to the security issues that this tourist destination is facing. Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam will adjust their voyages in October, and MS Amsterdam in December, as well as four more cruises in 2018.

"Due to recent security concerns, Holland America Line has replaced arrivals to Acapulco, Mexico, with alternative Mexican ports on eight scheduled cruises for 2017/2018, including seven cruises on the Panama Canal and one in South America. At Holland America Line, the safety of our customers is our top priority," the cruise line said in a statement. 

Three other cruise lines are also evaluating the possibility of canceling their arrivals in Acapulco, including Norwegian Cruise Line.

The United States Department of State has pointed out that Guerrero has been the most violent state in Mexico over the past four years, with executions in different parts of Acapulco. There was increased violence in markets, beheadings, violent incidents, as well as clashes between organized crime groups.

Acapulco tourism, hotel, and restaurant service providers are trying to change this image of the port by establishing a "response office" saying that there have been no incidents that involve cruise passengers or crew.

Violence escalated in January when six vendors were killed in the popular Acapulco market at mid-day. The same month Acapulco was a scene of other very violent attack with decapitation when two people were found dead on a beach.