Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, kicked off the month of November on a high note in the international tourist cruise industry, with the arrival of two ships, marking the start of a busy season. In total, 21 cruise ships are expected to dock in this popular coastal destination, including two triple arrivals and four double arrivals.
According to the Administration of the National Port System (ASIPONA) of Puerto Vallarta, the Discovery Princess and Koningsdam cruise ships arrived early on Wednesday, both originating from Mazatlán, Sinaloa. The Discovery Princess brought 3,516 passengers and 1,367 crew members, while the Koningsdam carried 2,446 passengers and 981 crew members. This brings the total to 8,310 visitors, with nearly 6,000 being passengers, who spent an estimated $750,000 USD while ashore.
The triple arrivals are scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, and Thursday, Nov 16. Additionally, double arrivals are planned for Tuesday, November 15, and Wednesday, November 22.
On Wednesday, November 8, the massive Norwegian Bliss, one of the world’s largest cruise ships, will return to our port. Measuring 333 meters in length, it can accommodate up to 4,000 passengers and employs over 1,700 crew members. With a gross weight of more than 168,000 tons, it’s the largest cruise ship to visit Puerto Vallarta.
As part of the triple arrival on Thursday, November 16th, two National Geographic ships, Sea Lion and Sea Bird, will dock in the port. These smaller vessels, at 45 meters in length, are designed for expedition cruises, allowing them to navigate through narrow and wildlife-rich areas inaccessible to larger ships. Each ship has a capacity of 62 passengers, spacious observation decks, and offers adventure and research tours.
In other cruise-related news, Puerto Vallarta reached a significant milestone on November 1st. The city celebrated the arrival of its one millionth passenger by sea, solidifying its status as a preferred destination for cruise passengers. The lucky couples, Amir Tolentino and Fátima de Tolentino from Mexico and Rhonda Hendershort and Stacey Kemp from the United States, were awarded as the one-millionth passengers in the Puerto Vallarta port area.
By the end of October, Asipona Vallarta had recorded a total of 476,000 cruise passengers and 524,000 passengers on tourist and recreational vessels, resulting in a cumulative total of one million passengers
To mark this special occasion, the Port Community organized a warm welcome for the honored couples. They received delightful gifts, including Charro Hats, Rebozos, T-shirts, a bottle of tequila, tours, meals, and a $500 USD gift card, complemented by Mariachis and the enthusiasm of cruisers and crew members.
As Puerto Vallarta continues to attract cruise ships and passengers, the city remains a premier destination in the world of tourism.