Cozumel Welcomes 4.73 Million Cruise Passengers in 2025

Cozumel closed 2025 with record-breaking cruise tourism figures, reinforcing its position as one of the Caribbean’s leading cruise destinations, according to data from the Quintana Roo Port Authority (APIQROO). The island received 4.73 million cruise passengers aboard 1,300 ships during the year, representing a 2.3% increase compared with 2024, when 4.62 million passengers arrived on 1,281 vessels.

While overall growth was moderate, peak months showed a notable surge. January and December 2025 each recorded more than 160 cruise arrivals, with 161 ships in January and a high of 162 in December, surpassing the roughly 150 arrivals registered in the same months of 2024. Both months are considered high season and reflect the continued preference of major cruise lines to include Cozumel on their itineraries.

Cozumel’s importance within international cruise routes was further strengthened by the arrival of 11 new cruise ships that had not previously called at the island. Among the most notable were Star of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and MSC World America. Several of these visits marked inaugural sailings to the Mexican Caribbean.

Tourism authorities attribute Cozumel’s sustained appeal to its cultural heritage and natural attractions, particularly its coral reefs, which are regarded among the most spectacular in the world and continue to draw visitors seeking nature-based experiences.

Separately, Royal Caribbean’s planned Royal Beach Club Cozumel, scheduled to open in 2026, has generated discussion on social media over concerns about potential beach access restrictions. However, a review of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement confirms that the development will not privatize or restrict public access to the beach, as previously reported by REPORTUR.mx.

Royal Caribbean Pledges Mitigation for Cozumel Beach Club 

MBN reported that Royal Caribbean said it will implement mitigation, restoration and conservation measures to reduce environmental impacts from its planned Royal Beach Club in Cozumel, as outlined in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted to Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). The project, located on oceanfront land adjacent to Quintana Roo’s Playa Sol and Playa Mía, covers a total area of 17.1ha. Of that, the company said only 5.39ha would be used for construction, while 12.03ha would remain undeveloped and free of buildings.

According to the EIS, 15 environmental elements were assessed, with six expected to experience severe impacts during at least one phase of the project. The most significant effects identified include reductions in vegetation cover, particularly medium sub-evergreen forest; impacts on mangrove specimens; loss of some native plant species; and reduced habitat for wildlife. Seven additional environmental elements are expected to face moderate impacts, including changes to soil quality and infiltration, groundwater quality, landscape alteration, and the loss of native fauna. Only air quality and noise were classified as compatible impacts, with minimal expected effects.

Royal Caribbean said the filling includes a “robust mitigation, restoration and conservation plan” designed to address each identified impact. According to the document, the plan involves relocating flora and fauna and restoring affected areas, with 85% of the cleared flora projected to survive through restoration programs. For wildlife, the company projects that nine out of 10 animals would be captured, relocated, or deterred without injury. According to the filing, relocated fauna would be transferred to nearby areas with similar environmental conditions to increase survival rates.