It’s been a rough start to the year for the Port of Los Angeles. In 2010 the port had about 730,000 cruise passengers. In 2011, the numbers were down to 615,000. Now, Disney Cruise Line has announced that they have canceled the last four Mexican Riveria cruises.

The Disney Wonder first came to the Port of Los Angeles in a highly publicized, two-year contract, which required the port to spend $2.5 million in renovations. It is currently estimated that when the ship pulls into a port $1 million is funneled into the local economy.

As it stand now, the Disney Wonder will still sail its 7-night Mexican Riveria cruises out of the port for schedule dates between January 8 and April 22. It will also keep the schedule between October 28 and December 2. However, the December 9, 16, 23 and 30 cruises have been canceled. Passengers already booked on those sailings will be given the option to take another cruise or get a full refund.

Disney has not provided specifics about the reason for the schedule change. The company did note that it is preparing for their 2013 itinerary and will be making that announcement when the time is right.

According to Phillip Sanfield, spokesman for the Port of Los Angeles, cruise line itineraries are generally scheduled 18 to 24 months ahead and that Disney’s contract extended ran from 2011 to 2012. He was not told specifically why Disney is moving from the Port of Los Angeles, but notes there are usually a variety of reasons to move these floating assets, and the negative perception of travel in Mexico could certainly be a factor.

For more information on the port on Los Angles, check out Peter’s interview with CBS Los Angeles.

For more information, check out:

• Peter Greenberg’s answers  “Is it safe to travel to Mexico?”
• Mexico & Central America category
• Travel Planning & Cruises
• Cruise Critic’s Review of Disney’s latest ship