Cruise Tourism Soars in Yucatán and Baja California: A Rising Trend

Cruise tourism in Mexico has seen significant growth, particularly in the ports of Progreso in Yucatán and Ensenada in Baja California.

From January to April 2025, Progreso’s port received 74 cruise ships, bringing in around 200,383 passengers, which marks a 131% increase in ship arrivals and a 110.6% jump in the number of passengers compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, April alone saw 26,135 passengers arriving, reflecting a 27.2% increase year-over-year. The local Ministry of Tourism Development estimates an overall arrival of 158 cruise ships and 400,000 passengers by the end of the year, which would represent a 35% increase from the previous year.

To accommodate this surge, Progreso’s Puerto de Altura is set to undergo a significant expansion, funded by an investment of 12 billion pesos (approximately US $634 million). The infrastructure revamping will increase the port’s capacity from 80 hectares to 116 hectares, ensuring it can handle the rising number of cruise arrivals.

Ensenada has also reported substantial growth, welcoming 112 cruise ships, a 20% increase compared to 2024, and hosting approximately 387,846 passengers, equating to a 38% rise in passenger numbers. The port celebrated the arrival of Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, which is the largest ship to dock in its history. This cruise ship is capable of accommodating around 4,800 passengers and 1,300 crew members.

The Baja California Tourism Ministry highlighted the economic impact of this growth, estimating the cruise industry contributes about US $74.86 million to the region. With projections of approximately 351 total ship arrivals and over 1.1 million cruise passengers expected this year, the local economy is set to benefit significantly.

As mentioned, the expansion of Progreso and the successful arrival of major cruise ships in Ensenada indicate a robust recovery and growth trajectory for Mexico’s cruise tourism industry.


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