According to a Notimex report, 2018 could be very big for cruising in Mexico, and it's not all a result of North American travelers.
This year could potentially see up to 15 percent growth in cruise calls in the country from over 3,000 Mexican port visits.
The report further cites Ruth Leal, Princess Cruises' director for Latin America and the Caribbean, as emphasizing European, South American and Japanese travelers seeking out 17 key Mexican destinations.
She was quoted as saying, "Usually, the season is from November to April, when cruise ships return to Europe or other latitudes, but now we will keep a ship giving trips throughout the year for the Caribbean region and where you can include the Mexican ports of Majahual and Cozumel."
Leal anticipates more cruisers to Mexico overall and newcomers particularly thanks to decreasing cruise fares.
The positive outlook comes on the heels of news that CMV Travel and Leisure Group Limited (CMV) also sees great potential in Mexico. The British line is preparing to send its Magellan in 2019 to cater to Mexicans themselves as a source market for regional cruise vacations.
North American travelers still factor largely into the equation too with frequent departures to Mexico from the coast of California. In fact, Long Beach is anticipating the arrival of the larger Carnival Splendor at the end of January to send more passengers to the Mexican Riviera on Carnival Cruise Line's weeklong voyages.
Also upcoming is Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Bliss. While the ship is primarily slated for seasons in Alaska and the Caribbean, it will also feature some seven- and eight-day cruises to Mexico first in October from San Pedro. Princess leaves from the Los Angeles area port for Mexico as well.
Meanwhile, San Diego remains busy as a homeport for Mexican cruises offered mostly by Disney Cruise Line and Holland America Line plus occasionally from Celebrity Cruises.
Most significantly, though, the Carnival Splendor brings greater capacity to the foreign country while the Norwegian Bliss brings larger passenger numbers and a brand new ship. Both show promise for a bright 2018 and even better things to come in the future.
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