The historic cruise ship MS Balmoral, the flagship of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, has made a triumphant return to Cozumel after an eight-year hiatus. The vessel docked at the Punta Langosta International Pier on Thursday morning, bringing over 1,300 tourists to discover the island’s wonders.
Cozumel Mayor José Luis Chacón Méndez welcomed the ship back with open arms, saying, “We’re delighted to have this magnificent vessel return from its long voyage. It reinforces Cozumel’s position as Mexico’s primary cruise port and one of the Caribbean Sea’s most important destinations.”
The Balmoral boasts a storied past, having recreated the Titanic’s original route in 2012 with 1,309 passengers on board and a live band playing nostalgic melodies. Built in 1988, the ship has undergone several refurbishments and modernizations, including a recent 2024 overhaul.
With its impressive size of 43,537 tons, measuring 218 meters in length and 28 meters in width, the Balmoral offers an array of amenities, including restaurants, bars, lounges, swimming pools, jacuzzis, a gym, and a spa. It can accommodate up to 1,476 passengers and 1,000 crew members.
The ship’s current itinerary includes four more Caribbean destinations before returning to Europe, making a stop in Portugal before heading back to its homeport of Southampton. This historic cruise ship is a testament to Cozumel’s enduring popularity as a premier tourist destination.
Source: Lopez Doriga
