Published on Wednesday, July 17, 2024

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

 

The Pacific Coast cruise season concluded with the arrival of the Pacific World cruise, announced by the Pacific Coast Ports Institute (INCOP).

During the cruise season, which runs from September 2023 to June 2024, the majority of the vessels stop in Puntarenas, Quepos, and Golfito.

According to the officials, the Pacific World is one of the most stunning voyages ever handled by the Japanese shipping firm Peace Boat. It measures 261 meters long and 32 meters wide. This ship has nine passenger decks and vast amenities.

The ship docked carrying approximately 1,300 passengers and almost 700 staff members. The 12-hour stay at Puntarenas Port allows guests to see surrounding sights including Monteverde, Esparza, San Ramón, Naranjo, Tárcoles, Sarchí, and Puntarenas City.

Authorities reported 167 cruise ships that arrived at the three Pacific Coast ports, including 67 in Puntarenas, 52 in Quepos, and the remaining in Golfito. "These numbers highlight Costa Rica's popularity as a tourist destination," they said.

"The government is working to improve visitor experiences in Puntarenas," stated INCOP Executive President Wagner Quesada. "Ports are continually updating their infrastructure to ensure tourists arrive safely and have an enjoyable experience."

Visitors could expect high-quality amenities when they arrived, such as cultural events and activities to enrich their stay, they said.

Cruise ships greatly increase economic and tourism services such as transportation, tour guides, national parks, local stores, and adventure sports, among others.

According to officials, the average spending per traveler is $3,000.

Tourism is one of the most important economic sectors in Costa Rica. Over 884,000 tourists arrived in the country via air between January and March 2024, representing a 16.8% rise over the same period in 2023, noted the tourism authorities.

In 2023, the country reported a new tourism record with more than 2,4 million travelers.

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