Cozumel Port Expands to Host World’s Largest Cruise Ships

Cozumel, Mexico — The Cozumel International Cruise Terminal is undergoing an 882-million-peso expansion to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships, including Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas, which will soon be able to dock simultaneously. The project, led by port operator SSA México, aims to enhance the port’s capacity and safety for passengers.

Addressing Growing Demand

In 2024, the Port of Cozumel welcomed 4,566,358 cruise passengers, according to Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism (Sectur). The expansion will allow the terminal to host three Icon of the Seas-class vessels—the largest in the world—alongside another ship at the same time.

“The expansion of the Cozumel International Cruise Terminal will increase the size of ships that can be received, as current options in the Caribbean for simultaneously docking two Oasis-class vessels are very limited,” documents obtained by Forbes México reveal.

The upgrade will also improve scheduling flexibility and reduce reliance on tender operations, where passengers are transferred from anchored ships to shore via small boats. SSA México noted that this method is “less safe for passengers and limits disembarkation for travelers with reduced mobility.”

Cozumel’s Cruise Industry Dominance

Cozumel is Mexico’s most important cruise port, handling 45% of the country’s annual cruise tourists. In 2024, SSA México’s terminal accounted for 36.61% (469) of all ship arrivals and 38.13% (1,762,000 passengers) of total visitors to the island.

Two other terminals operate in Cozumel: Puerta Maya, which received 1,972,000 tourists, and Punta Langosta, which welcomed over 885,256 travelers.

“With the arrival of a new generation of larger cruise ships—like the Icon of the Seas, which can carry up to 7,500 passengers—modernizing and expanding the terminal’s pier has become essential,” SSA México stated.

A Historic Pier’s Evolution

The Cozumel International Cruise Terminal has operated since 1974. Originally built for ferry services between Puerto Morelos and Cozumel, the pier was later expanded to accommodate global cruise liners. Today, it spans approximately 460 meters and includes a 120-meter pedestrian walkway.

“Over the years, the pier has been modified, expanded, and remodeled to handle the most modern vessels, which continue to grow in size and capacity,” the company explained.

Key Cruise Arrivals in 2024

In 2024, SSA México’s terminal hosted several large ships, including the Icon of the Seas, Oasis, and Freedom. Ninety percent of arrivals were from Royal Caribbean Group brands, including Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises, alongside MSC Cruises, Disney Cruises, Viking Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Azamara Cruises.

The ships docking at the terminal range from the 144-meter MS Hamburg to the 365-meter Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship by gross tonnage.

Top Cruise Ships Arriving in Cozumel (2024)

The arrival of ships like the Icon of the Seas solidifies Cozumel’s status as a premier destination for the world’s largest and most advanced cruise vessels, SSA México concluded.