The Caribbean’s Busiest Cruise Port Gets Bigger

Carnival Expands in Cozumel With $20 Million New Berth

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Carnival Corporation has expanded its operations in Cozumel with the launch of a third berth at its pier at Puerta Maya.

Puerto Maya is the Caribbean region’s busiest cruise port, with an average of 3.3 million cruise guests each year.

The company says that the extra capacity will allow even more ships to call on Cozumel.

Last year, about 1.5 million Carnival guests visited Puerta Maya on 25 ships from eight different homeports, according to company data.

“Cozumel is the Caribbean’s most visited cruise ship destination and consistently receives high ratings from our guests,” said Giora Israel, senior vice president of global port and destination development for Carnival Corporation. “So the destination is in demand by our guests, and we are excited about officially opening the third berth to our pier, since it gives our brands greater flexibility for visiting Cozumel and more of our guests the opportunity to enjoy the island.”

Puerta Maya

The new berth had been in the planning stages dating back to 2005, with work finally beginning in May 2014.

The existing two-berth pier had reopened in 2008 after a $50 million reconstruction following damage by Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

“While this is a major milestone for our company, it is also a memorable day for our business partners in Mexico,” Israel said. “Without their collaboration, this project would not have been possible, and we extend our appreciation for their openness and cooperation. We are looking forward to how the expansion of our pier will have an important economic impact on jobs and opportunity for locals. Cozumel, one of the jewels of the Caribbean, has come a long way since it was devastated in 2005 by Hurricane Wilma. It is rewarding to see the island flourishing. And now, with today’s opening of our third berth, even more of our guests will be able to make Cozumel part of their vacation experience.”

Puerto Maya is one of three cruise terminals in Cozumel.