Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta is experiencing a slow period for international cruise arrivals this August, with only five ships scheduled to dock, according to the National Port System Administration (ASIPONA). This marks the third consecutive month of low cruise activity, with the Carnival Panorama, a frequent visitor to the port, making just two appearances this month – on August 6 and 13.
Following this, Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas will arrive on August 20, and the Carnival Firenze, previously known as Costa Firenze before its recent rebranding, will dock on August 27. Carnival Firenze underwent a two-month refurbishment to incorporate popular features from Carnival Cruise Line, while retaining elements of its Italian heritage. The ship is 323 meters long, weighs over 135,000 tons, and can carry more than 4,100 passengers.
The final cruise ship scheduled to arrive this month is the Crystal Serenity on August 30, a smaller vessel with a capacity of just over 1,000 passengers.
Despite the current low season, Puerto Vallarta has seen strong cruise activity in 2024, with 94 cruise ships bringing 285,635 passengers to the port from January to June.
The ‘high season’ for Puerto Vallarta cruise tourism is expected to restart in October with more ships arriving. Local tourism service providers are gearing up for the months ahead, as they prepare to extend their renowned hospitality to cruise passengers, who remain the lifeblood of their businesses.