Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas is one of two massive cruise ships to pull out of the Port of Los Angeles this year.
For the first time in about 15 years, the usually vibrant, year-round cruise season will lie dormant this summer at the Port of Los Angeles.
Problems first appeared two years ago with the arrival of the H1N1 flu virus, prompting cruise companies to cancel voyages or reroute ships bound for Mexico.
Now, the local cruise industry is sinking because of a relatively weak economy, coupled with the ongoing drug-related violence in Mexico, said Chris Chase, business development manager at the Port of Los Angeles.