Cozumel Cruise Arrivals to Surge in 2026

Cozumel, Mexico — The island of Cozumel is projected to conclude the year 2025 with approximately 1,285 cruise ship arrivals, a figure that narrowly surpasses the 2024 total by just four vessels. According to forecasts from the Administration Portuaria Integral de Quintana Roo (APIQROO), a significant increase in these numbers is anticipated for 2026, driven by growing demand from cruise tourists.

Miguel Alonso Marrufo, the APIQROO representative on the island, provided the data. He stated that last year, 2024, saw 1,281 arrivals with 4.623 million passengers. This represented a substantial increase compared to 2023, when the port received only 1,156 cruise ships carrying 4.086 million passengers, signaling significant growth in the destination's popularity.

Based on these figures and the arrival schedules communicated by cruise lines, the year 2026 could see a considerable rise in the number of arriving ships. This is expected to push passenger numbers beyond 4.6 million, though it remains uncertain whether the 5-million-passenger mark will be reached, which would set a new arrival record for Cozumel.

Carnival Corporation, a major cruise line, is projecting a significant increase in maritime tourist arrivals, further solidifying the island's status as one of the most important ports in the Caribbean. According to the company's plans, it aims to reach 2.2 million passengers in 2026, after having contributed 1.7 million passengers last year.

Alonso Marrufo indicated that the peak season for cruise ship arrivals will begin in the last two weeks of November. The numbers are expected to grow through December and January, which are projected to be the strongest months for vessel arrivals, accompanied by a corresponding increase in passenger disembarkation.

The arrival numbers in recent weeks have not been at their highest, with only 16 ships docking. However, a rebound is expected during the week of October 20-26, with 22 ships scheduled to arrive. This number is forecasted to hold steady for the following week, from October 27 to November 2, according to the APIQROO arrival calendar.