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The Mexican Caribbean is expected to see a major increase in cruise ship passenger numbers this winter following a slow recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mexican Caribbean is one of the top destinations in the country for cruise ships thanks to its large ports and seaside locales. Despite facing setbacks amid heavy restrictions, travelers are once again discovering the joy of traveling on board these large floating hotels.
The cruise ship industry is experiencing a timid recovery in passenger numbers when compared to other forms of international travel such as flying. Despite the slower recovery in cruise ship passenger traffic so far this year, the Mexican Caribbean is gearing up for a busy winter season when travelers head south to escape colder temperatures. The Mexican Caribbean is home to several large ports including Cozumel and Mahahual.
Although Cancun International Airport is seeing record passenger and flight numbers this summer, the same cannot be said for cruise ship traffic. The first four months of the year saw 1.2 million cruise ship passengers visit the Mexican Caribbean compared to the over 2.3 million travelers during the corresponding period in 2019. Travel restrictions remain a concern for some passengers, although many cruise lines have opted for recommending certain protective measures.
The travel situation is expected to improve later on in the year, with major cruise lines launching several popular routes to the Mexican Caribbean this fall. Quintana Roo is the most popular destination for cruise ships in Mexico, and some of the world’s largest vessels are known to frequent its ports.
According to Darío Flota Ocampo, the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council director, the busy cruise ship season will begin in October, as tourists flock to the area in search of sunny weather and tropical beaches. Cruise lines also play a big role in whether or not the optimistic estimates turn out to be true. Authorities say that in order to fully recover cruise ship traffic figures, cruise lines need to operate as many ships as in pre-pandemic times. Between January and April, 655 cruise ships docked in Mexican Caribbean ports, with Cozumel and Mahahual being the most popular destinations in the region.
These Are The Top Deals For Cruises To The Mexican Caribbean This Winter
Cruise ships are one of the most popular ways to travel to the Mexican Caribbean. These floating hotels offer guests the chance to see several destinations in a single journey whilst offering a wide selection of food and entertainment options. Some of the top cruise lines that operate to and from the Mexican Caribbean include Royal Caribbean and the award-winning Celebrity Cruises. Major cruise lines are now beginning to offer deals for the winter season.
Royal Caribbean’s 4-night Western Caribbean cruise from Galveston, Texas to Cozumel starts at just $198 per person this December. Passengers can enjoy sailing the seas from the comfort of the 1000-foot-long Adventure of the Seas featuring unique onboard experiences such as racer slides and live entertainment.
Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises, one of the top premium cruise lines in the world, offers a higher-end experience for passengers seeking maximum comfort. Its 5-night Western Caribbean cruise departs from Miami and starts from $325 per person in November this year. That being said, each cruise is highly customizable, with a range of options when it comes to room categories, onboard services, and guided tours.
With COVID restrictions potentially putting a damper on cruise ship travel, it remains to be seen whether travelers will continue to embrace this once-popular vacation experience.
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