The Coral Princess, a 294-meter luxury cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, docked at Ensenada’s deep-water terminal on May 14 as part of a 115-night “Circle Pacific” voyage that departed Los Angeles in January. The Bermuda-registered vessel carried roughly 1,950 passengers and arrived from Yokohama, Japan, with stops in Vancouver, Seattle, Astoria, and Santa Barbara along the way.
Ensenada Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz greeted the ship’s arrival and used the occasion to promote the port’s international profile. “The arrival of the Coral Princess strengthens our position as the top cruise tourism destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast and broadens our promotion among Asian and North American passengers,” Agatón said, according to local media.
A Monthlong Crossing of the Pacific
The Circle Pacific itinerary covers 60 destinations across 19 countries. Princess Cruises designed the Coral Princess, which can hold up to 1,950 guests, specifically to transit the Panama Canal. The ship is scheduled to arrive at its final port, Los Angeles, on May 16, completing its full loop around the Pacific basin.
Before reaching Ensenada, the vessel traced a path down North America’s west coast from British Columbia. Ports of call included Vancouver, Seattle, Astoria in Oregon, and Santa Barbara in California. Ensenada was the ship’s last international stop before the return to San Pedro’s World Cruise Center in Los Angeles.
Ensenada’s Role as a Pacific Cruise Hub
The port sits on the Bahía de Todos Santos, about 80 miles south of the U.S. border. Its deep-water terminal offers direct pier access, allowing passengers to walk into the downtown area within minutes. Major cruise lines including Princess, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney include Ensenada on Pacific coast itineraries ranging from short weekend sailings out of Los Angeles and Long Beach to extended voyages like the Coral Princess route.
Agatón noted that the arrival of large vessels positions Ensenada as a gateway to the Asian market, not just for cargo but for cruise tourism. After completing the Circle Pacific voyage, the Coral Princess will reposition for Princess Cruises’ summer Alaska season, sailing seven-night “Voyage of the Glaciers” itineraries from Whittier and Vancouver.
The arrival was first reported by Ensenada.net and Multimedios.