Ensenada Cruise Committee Reports Growth in Arrivals

-Editorial 

The Ensenada Cruise Committee has resumed its activities as part of efforts to strengthen tourism in the port city, state officials said.

The session was led by Miguel Ángel Badiola Montaño and included representatives from the tourism sector and businesses linked to the cruise industry. Officials said the committee will reinstate regular meetings in line with the state government’s tourism strategy, led by Gov. Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda.

During the meeting, officials presented updated cruise industry data for early 2026. Authorities reported 59 cruise ship arrivals during the first two months of the year, a 16% increase compared with the same period in 2025. Passenger traffic reached 208,669, up 23% year over year.

Officials also outlined the participation of major cruise lines operating in Ensenada. Carnival accounted for 46% of arrivals during the period, followed by Royal Caribbean with 28% and Princess Cruises with 14%.

Committee members reviewed progress on agreements established in December 2025, including training programs aimed at improving service standards across the tourism value chain. Officials also highlighted outreach efforts with other cruise destinations to exchange best practices and strategies.

State tourism authorities reported coordination with Mexico’s consumer protection agency, PROFECO, to enhance visitor assistance and ensure service quality for cruise passengers arriving in Ensenada.

As part of committee activities, participants noted a recent visit aboard the Carnival Firenze, which included executives and enology students from INUE University. The visit was described as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between academic institutions and the tourism industry.

During the session, attendees discussed challenges and opportunities facing the cruise sector, including improving passenger reception and maintaining service quality as visitor numbers increase.

At the conclusion of the meeting, committee members reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination between government agencies and the private sector, with the goal of strengthening Ensenada’s position as a competitive cruise destination.

The session included participation from state and local officials, as well as representatives from customs, port operations, and tourism organizations.