With the dynamic expansion of the worldwide cruise industry attention is focusing increasingly on the subject of sustainability. International shipping lines have been introducing a whole range of ecological and social measures. Environmentalists and cruise experts are also calling for greater corporate social responsibility.

Tourism officials in Mazatlan, Mexico, are criticizing Holland America for dropping calls at the city through March. In a statement sent to USA Today, Mazatlan Tourism Trust spokesman Julio Birrueta said the safety concerns the line is citing in canceling visits over the next three months are unfounded.

Two cruise lines, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean International, separately will offer interporting options in the Caribbean during the winter 2012-13 season.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ new Carnival Magic made its first call at Puerto Costa Maya in Mexico on Dec. 21. The call was originally scheduled for Nov. 17, but was postponed when the ship required some work in dry dock.

Disney Cruise Line has shortened its 2012 Mexican Riviera season by four cruises. The Disney Wonder cruises scheduled to depart Los Angeles on Dec. 9, Dec. 16, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, 2012, are no longer being offered. The line did not say why the cruises were cancelled.

Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a new travel agent booking engine designed to simplify and speed up the booking process, an initiative that is part of the Partners First program. It's accessible on www.bookncl.com.