As part of the strategy to boost tourism and support the ship cruising industry, Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) is ensuring that passenger liners will be able to return once shipping operations resume.
In 2015-2019, Puerto Progreso increased its cruise vessel calls with a total of 30 additional visits, representing 47,8% growth in annual passengers received. In 2019, passenger numbers increased to 470,418 compared to 2015's 318,234 (increase of 152,184 tourists).
While other ports were turning ships away, Progreso allowed dockings for repatriation of both crew and cruisers. As cruise ports closed globally, Progreso showed solidarity by allowing a total of 48 British passengers to disembark Marella Cruises’ liner Marella Explorer 2 on March 31. The Mexican Navy oversaw the operation, directing tourists to Merida Airport and sending them back home via charter flights.
Currently, Progreso is undergoing a USD 2.4-million pier improvement plan named “Puerta Progreso” with construction works expected to resume in the coming months. The new development will feature sustainable fishing activities, jet skis, paddleboarding, kayaking, flyboarding, kite surfing.
By passenger count, Port Progreso is the 6th-largest in Mexico (311,274 travellers). Cozumel, Costa Maya, Ensenada take the top 3 spots at 5.8M, 4.4M, and 3M, respectively.
Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises are the 3 cruise lines that visit Progreso on a regular basis.