Riding a Wave: Mexico Welcomed 5.6 Million Cruise Pax in 1st Half of Year
by Bruce Parkinson
Cruise passengers are using social networks to meet even before boarding.
Mexico’s ports received 5.6 million cruise passengers during the first half of 2025, an 8.4% increase over the same period in 2024, according to the country’s Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora.
The growth in cruise tourism was supported by 1,639 cruise ship arrivals at Mexican ports between January and June, up 7.8% compared to the previous year.
“These figures confirm that Mexico continues to consolidate its position as one of the world’s most attractive cruise destinations,” Rodríguez said.
“The strengthening of the National Port System, through investment announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, along with coordinated efforts at all levels of government, will translate this growth into economic development and well-being for port communities across the country.”
The busiest ports for cruise passenger arrivals during this period were Cozumel and Mahahual in Quintana Roo; Ensenada in Baja California; Cabo San Lucas in Baja California Sur; and Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco.
Cozumel led all ports with 685 cruise arrivals and 2.4 million passengers. Mahahual followed with 302 arrivals and 1.2 million passengers. Cabo San Lucas saw 134 cruise ships and 480,198 passengers.
Tourism officials expect continued growth in the second half of the year, further boosting Mexico’s cruise sector and supporting local economies.
