22 Carnival Guests Robbed on Shore Trip Outside Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

In another blow to Mexico's tourism safety image, 22 passengers from Carnival Splendor were robbed at gunpoint last week -- while on a motorcoach ride back from a nature jungle trek site at El Nogalito, Mexico.

The passengers, none of whom were injured, had been spending a day ashore on a line-sponsored shore excursion during the ship's call at Puerto Vallarta

The armed, hooded gunman stopped the coach about 5 p.m., stealing jewelery, cameras, watches, money and other valuables. They then fled into the countryside.

In a statement, Carnival Cruise Lines said "numerous authorities were notified and responded to investigate as well as to assist the affected guests. The tour in question has been suspended until further notice."

The line is working with those robbed to reimburse them for lost valuables. It also said it was helping guests who lost their passports in the robbery - assisting them with identification needed for their return to the U.S.

"Carnival sincerely apologizes to its guests for this very unfortunate and disturbing event and is providing its full support and assistance," the line's statement said.

Carnival Splendor was in the midst of a seven-day cruise that returned to Long Beach yesterday; another cruise has since departed on the same itinerary.  

The action comes after a number of lines have reduced capacity in Mexico's Pacific coast region, following a drop in consumer demand, due to the public's concerns with safety in Mexico. 

Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for further updates on this developing story.