Published on Thursday, February 22, 2024

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Tourism Institute anticipates the arrival of more than 300 cruise ships and 270,000 tourists during this year's cruise season, from September 2023 to July 2024.

Authorities' goal is to break the previous record of 91,000 tourists who visited Costa Rica by cruise ship during the 2022-2023 season.

The current season will welcome 204 luxury expedition cruises, as well as 109 regular cruise vessels.

The Dumont-d'Urville of the French line Ponant was the most recent luxury cruise ship to dock in Quepos Port in Puntarenas Province.

The 150 tourists that came on board engaged in tourist activities such as visiting the Carara and Manuel Antonio national parks, walking along Quepos Beach, horseback riding tours and purchasing souvenirs from local businesses among other local interests.

These higher-end tours usually generate more income for local businesses because visitors tend to spend more money purchasing souvenirs, visiting hotels and restaurants, or adventure book tours, according to authorities.

Institute statistics show that 95% of cruise ships stay in port for at least three days and two nights. The average spending per passenger is $3,000.

Most of the tourists are between the ages of 50 and 70 from countries such as the United States, Germany, England and France.

The Dumont-d'Urville cruise ship has four cruises planned to Costa Rica. The first tour was in January, and the remaining stops will take place in February and March.

Tourism is one of the most important economic sectors in Costa Rica.  The country reported a new tourism record reached in 2023, with more than 2,4 million travelers visiting the country.

In 2022, about 2.3 million tourists visited Costa Rica, representing one million more visitors than in 2021.

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What have you heard about expats arriving in Costa Rica on a cruise?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com