Puerto Vallarta chosen for cruise ship homeport status, potentially doubling its dock capacity

Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination in Jalisco, Mexico, has been chosen to become the homeport for cruise ships, potentially doubling its dock capacity. This development, announced on September 15, 2026, marks a significant shift in the city's relationship with cruise ships, which currently only stop briefly during their voyages.

Under the new homeport arrangement, Puerto Vallarta will welcome and bid farewell to international cruise ships, allowing passengers to disembark and explore the city for longer periods.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus expressed excitement about the potential economic benefits, stating that the project could transform Puerto Vallarta's tourism economy for years to come. The construction of the new terminal is scheduled to begin in 2027 and be fully operational by 2029. Lemus estimated that cruise passengers could extend their stay by an average of two nights, spending additional funds on accommodations, meals, and tourist experiences.

The project aims to help Puerto Vallarta recover from a decline in visitor numbers, primarily due to the weaker Mexican peso and the high-profile capture and death of drug lord Nemesio "El Mencho" Rubén Oseguera Cervantes in February 2026. Asipona, the National Port System Administration of Puerto Vallarta, issued an international tender for the construction and operation of the terminal, inviting bids from Mexican and foreign companies with experience in cruise ship and nautical tourism terminals.

Interested bidders must demonstrate a net worth or subscribed equity of at least 200 million pesos (US $11.65 million) as of the end of 2025.