Uruguay launched the 2025/2026 Cruise Season in Montevideo

During the opening ceremony, Tourism Minister Pablo Menoni emphasized the Ministry's commitment to further strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors, with the aim of facilitating cruise ship arrivals, increasing vessel length of stay, and promoting the return of visitors to the country. He also highlighted that the industry generated $14,638,000 in revenue last year, a figure that reflects its economic importance and contribution to national employment.

The event was attended by the captains of two international cruise ships currently docked in the port of Montevideo: Raffaele Iaccarino, of the MSC Fantasia (MSC Cruises), and Stefan Vikingsson, of the Viking Jupiter (Viking Cruises).

The president of the ANP, Pablo Genta, emphasized the importance of cruise tourism for the development of port activity and for the revitalization of various areas of the capital that provide services and attractions to visitors.

For her part, Karina Fortete, Director of the Tourism Division of the Montevideo Municipality, emphasized that the arrival of cruise ship passengers presents an opportunity to promote the city, showcase its transformations, and encourage longer stays. She also reaffirmed the municipality's commitment to professionalizing the tourism offerings, strengthening the quality of services, and consolidating the authenticity that distinguishes Montevideo.

The 2025/2026 season began in October 2025 and ends in March 2026. 139 ships are scheduled to arrive in Uruguay.

100 cruise ship calls at the Port of Montevideo, plus approximately 35 technical calls.

39 cruise ship calls at the Port of Punta del Este.

MSC and Costa Cruises continue to carry out passenger exchange at the Port of Montevideo.

Inter-institutional coordination to strengthen activity

Throughout the year, the Ministry of Tourism and the ANP, in coordination with the municipalities of Montevideo and Maldonado, state agencies and private tourism operators, carry out actions aimed at consolidating Uruguay's position as a cruise destination in the region.

Key promotional activities include Uruguay's participation in leading international trade fairs such as CLIA's Cruise360 (Santos, Brazil), Seatrade Cruise Global (Miami, USA), and Seatrade Europe (Hamburg, Germany). These events provide an opportunity to showcase the competitive advantages of Uruguayan ports, attract new cruise lines, increase the number of port calls, and encourage investment in the sector.

Within this framework, official delegations are holding meetings with cruise line executives and regional authorities, with the aim of strengthening Uruguay's presence in the Southern Cone itineraries.

Economic impact and production chains

Cruise activity is a significant driver of the national economy, as it boosts multiple services related to transportation, hotels, gastronomy, entertainment and excursions.

In addition to direct spending by passengers and crew, this segment generates indirect income associated with port services, agency operations, provision of food products, fuels and other essential inputs.

Source: Ministry of Tourism of Uruguay.