Carnival Miracle to take supplies to Cabo after Hurricane Odile (updated)

Princess Cruises is going back, too.

Carnival Miracle is scheduled to start its new year-round Mexican Riviera program from Long Beach, Calif., on Saturday. This will encompass three different week-long itineraries, including a new cruise featuring Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.

During the ship’s first visit to Cabo San Lucas, the crew will be off-loading several pallets of bottled water, canned food, cereal, diapers, paper products, personal items and other supplies for local residents.

Gerry Cahill, president and ceo of Carnival Cruise Lines, said the company has been in close contact with Cabo officials and sent a team to evaluate the recovery.

'The residents, along with local, state and federal authorities, have worked extremely hard to ready the destination to receive visitors and revitalize the economic contribution that tourism brings to the area,' Cahill said. 'At the same time, local residents are still in need of relief supplies and it is extremely gratifying to be resuming our Mexican Riviera cruise program while doing some good for the local community.'

Mexico Tourism Undersecretary Carlos Joaquin González welcomed the return of tourists.

'Tourism is an important part of the local economy and we are grateful for everyone’s contribution to the recovery of Los Cabos. The destination is ready for cruise passengers and the majority of restaurants, shops and tours are ready to be enjoyed,' he said.

Carnival Miracle’s year-round schedule from Long Beach also includes two other itineraries, one calling at Cabo San Lucas with a two-day stay at Puerto Vallarta, and the other calling at Puerto Vallarta with two days at Cabo.