Mexico’s cruise industry experiences explosive growth
More ships dropping anchor off Mexico’s world-class coasts, including ports in Cozumel, Costa Maya and Calica
Mexico City, Mexico (September 1, 2006) – The Mexican seascape is experiencing a surge in its port activities by adding facilities, modernizing its ports and satisfying the growing demand of cruise travellers. Due to Mexico’s growing popularity, cruise lines are assigning newer and bigger ships, adding itineraries and introducing year-round service to the region.
With more than two dozen ports of embarkation and construction on terminals to handle cruise ships, Mexico is the number one cruise destination in the world. The country received 6.5 million visitors and more than 3,100 cruise ships in 2005. Its appeal is punctuated by white-sand beaches, charming architecture, colourful art, great diving and snorkelling sites and a fiesta atmosphere that is felt day and night.
Cozumel, regarded as the favourite port of call in the Caribbean, is enjoying a healthy and thriving comeback. Most cruise ship itineraries to Cozumel resumed three weeks after Hurricane Wilma passed. The efforts of reconstruction and progress of the island’s infrastructure have paid off: Cozumel received 2.5 million visitors in 2005, and port authorities report receiving 1.3 million passengers up until July of 2006.
Other ports and cruise destinations in the process of expansion or enhancing infrastructure include Chiapas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta and Campeche. In February of this year, Mexico’s Chiapas Port completed a US$7 million construction to receive a significant number of cruise ship calls.
The Campeche Port on the Yucatan peninsula is the gateway to the Mayan world and recently has initiated productive discussions with cruise line officials to bring the cruise business to Campeche. Campeche boasts more than 18 pre-Hispanic sites open to the public.
Mexican cruises call in a variety of enchanting and exciting ports. Listed below are a few that are favoured by frequent cruisers in the Mexican Caribbean.
The Port of Costa Maya, which began operating in 2001, is the newest Caribbean port of call, located in the western Caribbean on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Today the port receives four to five cruises per week. The port of Costa Maya received more than 294 cruises in 2005 and constitutes a new option for the cruise ship passenger seeking adventure at sea and on land, cultural and historical travel and ecotourism outings.
The Port of Calica, the newest gateway to the Yucatan, is only about an hour’s drive from Cancun and Tulum. Just three miles south of Playa del Carmen, Calica is next door to the incredible Xcaret (pronounced “Ish-car-et”) nature park, which is fast becoming one of the most popular attractions on the peninsula. The port of Calica has two terminals: one with a capacity for boats up to 11m long, and another for smaller boats. Divers and snorkelling enthusiasts are fascinated by Calica’s multicoloured waters and thriving aquatic life. Others can just enjoy basking in the sun on one of its many beautiful beaches.
For more information on Caribbean cruises and to book a cruise visit www.caribbean.com/cruises.
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