The World Cruise Ship in El Salvador. The Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) reported that the residential cruise ship The World, known as the largest private yacht on the planet, arrived at the port of Acajutla in Sonsonate.
The vessel “The World” is a residential cruise ship where passengers own the luxurious apartments onboard.
The luxury residential vessel included El Salvador as part of its global itinerary, staying in the country for over 24 hours.
According to the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), the visit reinforced El Salvador’s growing reputation as a prime destination for international travelers.
The cruise ship brought passengers primarily from the United States, Canada, and Australia, who explored some of the nation’s most iconic sites, including the Izalco and Santa Ana volcanoes, Joya de Cerén Archaeological Park, the Historic Center of San Salvador, and the stunning beaches of the western region.
“This floating community selects safe and high-quality destinations, strengthening our position in the tourism industry and increasing visitor arrivals,” remarked the Ministry of Tourism.
The visit not only showcased El Salvador’s cultural and natural attractions but also provided a significant boost to the local economy.
Businesses in the transportation, recreation, lodging, information, and gastronomy sectors benefited from the influx of tourists.
SEE ALSO: El Salvador Tourism: A Journey Through Pristine Beaches, Colorful Towns, and Enchanting Parks
Cruise Tourism in El Salvador
According to data from the Secretariat for Central American Tourism Integration (SITCA), Between 2009 and 2023, El Salvador welcomed 56,000 cruise passengers aboard 65 ships.
In 2025, over 5 million visitors are expected to reach Central America and the Dominican Republic on 2,188 cruise ships. Among them, 13 ships will dock in El Salvador, bringing more than 18,000 cruise passengers.
As of January 2025, the Salvadoran Ministry of Tourism confirmed that at least seven cruise ships have already scheduled stops in El Salvador for 2025.
SEE ALSO: Exploring El Salvador Culture: Embracing Vibrant Customs and Traditions with Warm-hearted People
Growing Tourism Expectations
Salvadoran Tourism authorities expect more than 4.2 million international visitors in 2025, surpassing the 3.9 million recorded at the end of 2024.
With increasing interest from cruise lines and independent travelers alike, the country continues to strengthen its position as a top destination in Central America.
