Cozumel recorded the arrival of 900,000 cruise passengers in January and February, an increase of 22 percent compared to 2023.
According to the Comprehensive Port Authority of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo), 958,527 national and international tourists were welcomed at the Port of Cozumel in the first two months of 2024.
To date, the Punta Maya, Punta Langosta, and SSA México shipping terminals on the island have registered the arrival of 284 cruise ships, with visitors coming from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Bahamas, Panama, Norway, Switzerland, Germany and Portugal.
M/S Sky Princess, M/S Disney Fantasy, M/V Celebrity Reflection, M/S Scarlet Lady, M/S Adventure of the Seas, the Carnival Conquest, M/S Oasis of the Seas and M/S Ruby Princess were some of the cruise lines that have arrived this year.
With an estimated average spending of US $80 per tourist, the island has taken in around US $76 million in just 60 days, according to the local tourism secretariat.
As per Puerto Maya website, Cozumel ranks as the 4th busiest port in the world, accommodating 2,943,760 passengers annually. The remaining three positions are held by Port Everglades, Port of Miami, and Port Canaveral.
In addition to Cozumel, Mahahual is another popular port in Quintana Roo. During the first two weeks of 2024, they welcomed over 100 cruise ships.
During the initial 14 days of 2024, a total of 106 ships docked, with 31 arriving in Mahahual and 75 in Cozumel. Notably, the Icon of the Seas, recognized as the largest cruise ship globally, made its debut in Cozumel on February 8, marking its inaugural stop in the western Caribbean.
This immense vessel, measuring 1,197 feet (365 meters) in length, was officially inaugurated by renowned soccer player Lionel Messi in Miami at the end of January.
Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, the ship boasts 20 decks, 2,805 staterooms, accommodates 2,350 crew members, and can accommodate a maximum of 5,610 passengers.
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