Lack of adequate port infrastructure, mainly in the Caribbean, is the reason behind the decline in cruise ship arrivals in the past five years.
Although both coasts (Pacific and Caribbean) receive cruise ships at their ports, the one in Limón, in the Caribbean, is the most affected, as cruise goers must walk between trucks and containers when they disembark due to lack of adequate infrastructure.
Countries are making significant efforts to strengthen this sector, according to the Tourism Promotion Agency of Central America.
Honduras recently reported the arrival of 470,000 cruise passengers in the first six months of 2011, over 188 cruise ships, 115 of which landed in Mohogany Bay, which recently opened a new dock. According to the country’s authorities, the activity in the country earned it $40 million, an increase of 17% compared with 2010.
StarClippers, a luxury cruise ship line, has included Costa Rica as one of its destinations.
The first ship is expected to arrive by the end of 2010.
Elfinancierocr.com explained that the company will operate a route from Costa Rica to Nicaragua, visiting Puerto Caldera, Playas del Coco, Santa Rosa National Park, Samara, Puerto Carrillo, Curú National Reserve, Tortugas Island and San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua.
Star Clippers Cruise Ship Company, with high-end ships, plans to include Costa Rica in a new route for 2010.
The ship that will sail to Costa Rica is the "Star Flyer," with a 170 passenger capacity.
Leticia Vindas wrote on the El Financiero website: "They are 115 meters-long, 'traditional style' ships, but with luxury services. They sail throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asian and French Polynesia, and Costa Rica in 2010."