October 1, 2026 — Mexico has picked Puerto Vallarta as its next cruise homeport. The plan doubles the port from three berths to six and would let passengers fly in and start a cruise there, instead of only visiting for the day.
What was announced
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus announced on September 30 that Puerto Vallarta beat competing bids from Mazatlán, Los Cabos and Nayarit to become the country’s new cruise homeport. The plan:
- Berths: from three to six
- Homeporting: cruises would start and end in Puerto Vallarta, not just call there
- Construction start: 2027
- First homeport sailings: expected in 2028–2029 (exact dates TBA)
- Cost: TBA
- Cruise lines committed: none announced yet
The local tourism board said the goal is to bring more visitors to the city, including passengers who stay before or after their cruise. The governor said the investment is meant to reverse a drop in visitors after a February security incident and unfavorable exchange rates.
The announcement came the same week that Hurricanes Polo and Rachel forced Carnival, Princess and other lines to cancel Puerto Vallarta calls on Mexican Riviera cruises.
What it means for airline travelers
- A fly-cruise option from Mexico’s Pacific coast. Puerto Vallarta’s international airport (PVR) already has plenty of U.S. and Canadian service. Homeport cruises there would let you skip several sea days out of Los Angeles or Long Beach.
- Pre- and post-cruise stays. Expect cruise lines and hotels to promote packages built around a night or two in Vallarta, which is handy if you need a buffer for standby travel.
- Nothing to book yet. No line has announced sailings, so there’s nothing to change in your plans. We’ll report deployments as they’re announced.
- Interline and industry fares: No change to travel-industry rates or eligibility has been announced.
Sources
- Travel Weekly — Puerto Vallarta cruise port tabbed for large expansion
- Cruise Hive — Every Cruise Ship Impacted By Hurricane Rachel So Far
