The cruise industry in Mexico continues to thrive, as popular vacation destinations across the country expect to see a total of 8.7 million tourists arriving by ship in 2019.
According to El Financiero, a recent study from the Cruise Lines International Association(CLIA) revealed that Mexico was the world’s leading cruise destination, with ports around the country welcoming over 527,000 passengers in June alone.
The June numbers represent a 7.1% increase for cruise arrivals when compared to the previous year. And, with new ships, new operators and increased interest in sailing the Mexican Riviera, the West Coast cruise market is expected to see its best year since 2009 in terms of passenger capacity.
This fall, three giant ships, including two Norwegian Cruise Line vessels and a Princess Cruises ship, will begin sailing from California to the Mexican Riviera, and a number of planned startups will exclusively feature Mexican Riviera ports, including Cruise and Maritime Voyages and Grupo Vidanta.
Other big players on the West Coast include Princess Cruises, Holland America and Disney.
But Carnival Cruise Line remains the biggest player in the market by far, with an estimated 57.1 percent of the capacity sailing mainly shorter, three- and four-night cruises. “We are hoping that for the second semester, especially for the November and December season, there will be an increase in the arrival of travelers,” the director of Princess Cruises, Ruth Leal, told El Financiero.
And that’s likely to happen come December, when Carnival’s brand-new Vista-class ship, the Carnival Panorama, starts offering year-round seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán.
Overall, the CLIA’s expected cruise passenger arrival estimates for 2019 indicate 11% growth and 870,000 more travelers reaching the ports of Mexico as compared to 2018.
During these Mexico cruises, guests can relax on world-class beaches, visit centuries-old historical sites, enjoy unforgettable dining and shopping opportunities, and experience exciting tours and activities. So what are you waiting for? Call your travel agent TODAY!
Sources: El Financiero • Cruise Lines International Association • LA Times
