Several cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have announced changes to their Western Caribbean itineraries to include the popular port of Cozumel. The new itineraries are the result of the temporary closure of the nearby Costa Maya pier.
With several ships being rerouted from Costa Maya to Cozumel, the number of cruise ships setting sail to Cozumel stands to increase significantly. More than a dozen additional ships are now scheduled to stop in Cozumel periodically throughout the remainder of 2007.
Some of the ships that are currently planning to replace Costa Maya calls with stops in Cozumel include:
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Glory
Carnival Liberty (Western Caribbean)
Carnival Valor
Carnival Victory
Holland America Veendam (Winter Western Caribbean) Holland America Westerdam (Winter Western Caribbean) Holland America Amsterdam (Christmas cruise) Norwegian Sun Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas
Travelers should check with travel agents or cruise lines to obtain the latest updates regarding cruise itineraries for the Western Caribbean.
More than 1,100 cruise ships arrive to the island of Cozumel each year, making it the leading port of call in the Caribbean.
“The island’s extensive facilities can easily accommodate the additional ships that are scheduled to arrive in Cozumel,” said Raul Marrufo, director of the Cozumel Tourism Promotion Board. “We are glad that we are able to help at this time and support the continued demand for cruise travel to the Yucatan region.”
A key entry point for travelers interested in exploring the Mexican Caribbean, Cozumel is world-famous for its diving, snorkeling and other ocean adventures. In addition, the island boasts an exciting array of land activities and attractions for cruise-goers to enjoy while ashore. Guests can visit two national parks, take a ATV or jeep tour through the jungle, go horseback riding, play a round of golf, swim with the dolphins, explore Mayan archaeological sites or enjoy a tequila tour and tasting. Cozumel also offers a wide variety of shopping and dining in downtown San Miguel.
