Guatemala begins 2026-2027 cruise season with arrival of Queen Elizabeth

Guatemala has commenced its 2026-2027 cruise season with the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth at Puerto Quetzal. The vessel carried approximately 1,850 passengers and 967 crew members.

The Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (Inguat) projects a total of 44 cruise ships will visit the country between October 2026 and May 31, 2027. Of these, 35 are scheduled to dock at Puerto Quetzal, while nine are expected at Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla. The total number of passengers and crew across these vessels is estimated at approximately 64,350 passengers and 30,682 crew members, totaling 95,032 people.

This sector remains a significant source of foreign exchange for the nation. In the previous 2025-2026 season, the country received 50 cruises, resulting in an estimated economic impact of US$11.71 million from 60,016 disembarking tourists. While the number of scheduled ships for the upcoming season is lower than the previous year, the activity continues to drive tourism to destinations such as Antigua Guatemala, Pacaya Volcano, and various archaeological sites.