Stats: Record 4 Million Cruise Passengers for Cozumel in 2018

Tourism officials in Cozumel report that 2018 was a record-breaking year for the destination. Cruise arrivals were up 4 percent versus the previous year, according to the Quintana Roo Tourism Board, reaching more than 4 million cruise passengers -- a number that accounts for 54 percent of the total number of cruise passengers all of Mexico received in 2018. 

Quintana Roo as a whole welcomed 5 million cruise passengers in 2018, or 70 percent of overall cruise travelers in Mexico, according to the General Directorate of Ports of the Ministry of Communications and Transportation

Tourism officials attributed the success partly due to the region’s status as a top diving destination, having recently won a Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Award. International sports events, including the full and half IRONMAN, the GFNY Cozumel cycling event, and more also draw travelers. 
 
Cozumel is currently gearing up for its Carnival at the end of February, which officials say is the most popular and one of the oldest carnivals in Mexico. It was founded in 1874 by migrating families and consists of a number of colorful festivities leading up to Lent, beginning with pre-carnival events from February 2 to 26 and the carnival, which is held February 27 to March 6. The event includes music, dance, masquerade and family-friendly entertainment on the streets of Cozumel. 

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