The renowned global cruise company Carnival Cruise Line announced last Thursday its return to the port of Acapulco as part of its new itineraries scheduled for spring 2027, marking a significant boost for Mexico’s tourism sector.
Mexico’s Minister of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, who made the announcement, described the decision as “a historic moment” for the recovery and revitalization of the iconic destination in Guerrero.
“Carnival’s arrival after more than a decade is a clear sign of the port’s recovery and the strengthening of tourism in Mexico. This not only benefits Acapulco but energizes the entire tourism value chain—from transportation and tour guides to restaurants and local businesses,” Rodríguez Zamora explained.
According to official information, the Carnival Legend will dock in Acapulco as part of a 16-day voyage departing from Tampa, Florida, with stops in Cartagena, Santa Marta, Cabo San Lucas, and a full transit through the Panama Canal before continuing to Seattle, where it will begin its Alaska season.
The Minister of Tourism emphasized that President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is committed to modernizing the national port system to accommodate larger cruise ships. In this regard, she recalled that more than $15.96 million USD (296 million pesos) have been allocated through a public-private investment to upgrade port infrastructure in key destinations.
During the National Tourism Promotion Caravan in Mexico City, Guerrero’s Secretary of Tourism Simón Quiñones Orozco hailed the news and highlighted that, thanks to coordination with the National Port System Administration (Asipona), the arrival of a Holland America Line ship in 2026 has also been confirmed.
“The reactivation of cruise routes is a key step in revitalizing tourism in Acapulco. We are committed to continuing to promote the destination and offering a renewed and safe experience for both national and international visitors,” said Quiñones Orozco.
Acapulco Mayor Abelina López Rodríguez affirmed that the arrival of the Carnival Legend will be a milestone for the city, while acknowledging the joint effort between federal, state, and local authorities to revive the port’s tourism economy.
With this announcement, Acapulco returns to the map of major international cruise routes, reinforcing Mexico’s role as a key destination in the global maritime tourism industry.
Related: Mexico Strengthens Puebla’s Tourism Projection with the Launch of Its New Destination Brand
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