The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board announced that the Pacific seaport city of Puerto Vallarta will see 118 cruises call on its shores this year, 43 % over 2013 when 81 cruises called the port.
Puerto Vallarta will welcome 52 cruises from September through December of this year, which added to the 64 already touched Vallarta waters will reach a total of 116, 81 more than the received arrivals last year.
International cruise ships calling on Puerto Vallarta this year will leave an economic impact of $25.6, representing an increase of 43% percent compared to 2013.
The four cruise lines that most often call on Puerto Vallarta are Norwegian, Princess, Carnival and Holland America, in that order. As for passengers, Puerto Vallarta is estimated to end the year with the arrival of about 266,800. For the rest of the year will be two arrivals triples, eight double and three overnights.
A total of 141 cruises have already confirmed stations to Puerto Vallarta for 2015, including Carnival Cruises will call on the destination throughout the year with the Coral Princess being the first on September 26. Carnival represents 34% of arrivals; Princess 20%; Norwegian 19% and Holland American 16%.
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s leading tourism destinations popular with North American visitors for its picturesque Banderas Bay, colonial center and lush Sierra Madre mountains that surround the port of call. Today this world-class destination is a top choice among cruise lines for its wide array of activities, great weather year round and the calm and protected waters of its bay, one of the largest bays in Mexico extending over 62 miles of pristine coastline.
Coral Princess’ passenger will be challenged with choosing amongst the many offshore excursions on offer upon their arrival in Puerto Vallarta– from shopping at Galerias Vallarta across the street from the Marina or strolling around the historic downtown area bordered by a 6-mile long Malecon (boardwalk) home to hundreds of fine art galleries, jewelry shops, arts and crafts markets, tequila stores and over 360 restaurants. International visitors can receive a tax refund for certain goods they purchase in Puerto Vallarta before they board the ship with Moneyback.
Those with a more adventurous spirit will find that Puerto Vallarta has it all, from paddle boarding, scuba diving to rappelling down a waterfall and tequila tasting. Tour Operators such as Canopy River offer unique opportunities to Zipline or raft across rivers, hike or ride mules down the Sierra Madre Mountain range. At Dolphin Discovery visitors can swim with dolphins and sea lions while others can opt for exploring the country side on ATVs with Wild Treks Adventure. Vallarta Adventures incorporates cultural, adventure and ecological activities in its tours which range from visiting a ghost mining town in the middle of the jungle to all-inclusive beach day and even the fastest zip-line in Mexico. Go Gay!PV also offers numerous outdoor adventures for LGBT visitors.
Passengers who prefer to keep their heart rate at rest and looking for a relaxing day by the beach can opt for the many luxurious offerings at Puerto Vallarta’s adult-only Beach Clubs, including Sapphire Beach, Mantamar Beach Club and Casa Velas’ Ocean Club. Spa treatments are also a big favorite with CasaMagna Marriott Ohtli and Villa Premire’s Spa one of the most frequented. Passengers can also get a day pass to enjoy a day lazing by the pool and other facilities at the many hotels in Puerto Vallarta including Secrets, Westin or Fiesta Americana, among others.
SOURCE Puerto Vallarta Port