Veracruz (Yucatan Mexico)

Puerto de Veracruz (port locode MXVER) is a large commercial port with cruise capability, but lacks a purpose-built cruise-only resort terminal. The port has substantial marine infrastructure and facilitates mainly container carriers, cargo ships and other commercial vessels. The port's official data system separately tracks vessels berthed, anchored and scheduled.

However, Veracruz' cruise tourist experience is still being developed as the destination returns to international cruise itineraries. The port's larger modernization program primarily focuses on commercial shipping: TEUs/containers (boxships), fluids (tankers), multipurpose cargo, agricultural and mineral bulk (carriers). The project is designed to increase total installed cargo capacity from 22 million to 90 million tonnes.

In September 2026, Margaritaville at Sea added Veracruz as a call port in MAS Beachcomber ship's Western Caribbean cruise schedule, based on homeporting in Galveston, Texas USA. Veracruz state government and ASIPONA (Administración del Sistema Portuario Nacional/Mexico's National Port System Administration) announced that Beachcomber will visit Veracruz for the first time on January 19th, 2028. The ship's max capacity is  ~3500 passengers and ~1,100 crew. The 7-night "Mexico Trio" itinerary also visits Cozumel and Progreso.

Announcements in May 2026 indicated that major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International (RCI), Virgin Voyages, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC), were being considered for inclusion in Veracruz’s future cruise programme. However, contemporary reports noted that specific arrival dates and itineraries had not yet been published. Therefore, these announcements represented planned interest rather than confirmed cruise calls. At the moment, Margaritaville at Sea is the only company with a firmly confirmed/bookable Veracruz cruise.

The port is nevertheless being prepared for the renewed cruise shipping business. The 2028 Margaritaville call (January 19th) was coordinated by ASIPONA Veracruz, the Mexican Navy/ and SSA Marine México, among others.

SSA Marine México is the Mexican subsidiary of SSA Marine (1949-founded, USA-based), one of the world's largest independent marine terminal operators. It operates major port terminals across Mexico, handling containerized cargo, automobiles, general cargo, hydrocarbons, and cruise ships. SSA Marine México's ports include Manzanillo (mainly containerized cargo), Tuxpan, Veracruz (a leading terminal for automobile and general rolling cargo), Lazaro Cardenas (specialized automobile terminal), Progreso (the primary gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula for general cargo and cruise ships), Cozumel (handles a significant percentage of international cruise ship arrivals), and Guaymas (containers, general cargo, automobiles).

ASIPONA's published tariff schedule specifically includes cruise vessels in international shipping traffic, including berth charges and passenger embarkation/disembarkation charges at federal piers.

The port authority provides conventional marine services such as provisioning, fueling, repairs, water supply, and waste management services.

Cruise passengers can expect access to transportation (taxis and shore-excursion bus transfers), tour operators, security-controlled port access, access to the historic waterfront and downtown, restaurants, cafes and shops (outside the port area). 

Tourist attractions within the Veracruz urban area and close to the port include San Juan de Ulua (historical landmark/fortress/island complex associated with Veracruz's maritime history), Malecon Veracruz Puerto (waterfront promenade, very convenient for an independent sightseeing), historic downtown sites (Veracruz Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, traditional cafes, seafood restaurants, local markets), Aquarium of Veracruz (on the waterfront, best for families), Malecon de Boca del Río and the Boca del Río resort (offers beaches, modern hotels and restaurants).

Close to the city (cruise shore excursion options) are bus tours to Xalapa (colonial city), Coatepec and Tlacotalpan (colonial towns), El Tajin/Papantla (pre-Hispanic archaeology and Totonac culture), and Los Tuxtlas (UNESCO biosphere reserve, nature/ecotourism).