Cruise tourism in Mexico is on track for continued growth in 2026. During the first quarter, Mexican ports received 3.6 million passengers, a 9.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025, reported the Federal Ministry of Tourism (Sectur).
At the same time, 1,080 cruise ship arrivals were recorded, representing a 4.8% year-over-year increase. According to the Ministry, these figures reflect the continued demand for routes to Mexican destinations and the consolidation of the country’s port infrastructure.
Sectur Secretary Josefina Rodríguez noted that the sector’s performance is due to the confidence of cruise lines and the diversification of tourism products. She also highlighted the role of this activity in generating local income and its impact on value chains linked to services, commerce, and transportation in coastal regions.
The Pacific region stands out for its dynamism, registering 1.19 million passengers and 382 arrivals, representing increases of 38.2% and 18.3%, respectively. In this region, Huatulco reported 20,045 passengers, nearly double the number from the previous year (+93.2%), while Cabo San Lucas reached 428,799 passengers, a 69.6% increase.
Other ports also showed significant growth: Puerto Chiapas recorded 12,663 passengers and seven arrivals, with increases of 65.9% and 75%, respectively, indicating greater diversification of port calls in southern Mexico.
Data from the Mexican Navy (Semar) indicates that the average number of passengers per cruise ship increased from 3,172 in 2025 to 3,329 in 2026, a 5% increase. This indicator suggests an adjustment in vessel operating capacity or higher occupancy levels.
The first-quarter performance occurred within a context of investment in port infrastructure and coordination among authorities, factors that have allowed Mexico to maintain its position within the global cruise industry.
As reported by REPORTUR.mx, during a working tour focused on strengthening security, urban infrastructure, and tourism development, the Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, recently led a meeting with members of the Technical Committee of the Cruise Tourism Trust, along with representatives from major international cruise lines, as well as Michele Paige, Executive Director of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).
Source: reportur
