Carnival Cruise Line is building a first-of-its-kind destination concept in the Mexican Riviera.
The cruise giant, in partnership with ITM Group and Hutchison Ports ECV, announced plans to construct a new shoreside destination in Ensenada, Mexico, on December 5, 2025.
Dubbed Ensenada Bay Village, the $26-million project will focus on celebrating the culture, community, and natural beauty of Baja California, Mexico, with the design heavily inspired by Baja’s landscapes, architecture, and traditions.
It will offer something for everyone, from adventurous travelers to those looking to savor the region's renowned gastronomy.
Highlights include high-energy attractions such as zip lines, river rides, and a scenic boat ride, an adults-only pool area; artisan crafts; chocolate and tequila tastings; and more.
"This presentation reflects our shared vision to create destinations that inspire pride and prosperity," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
"Together with our partners...we are proud to highlight a project that celebrates Baja’s culture, supports the local community, and offers guests family-friendly, authentic, and memorable experiences."
Mauricio Hamui, CEO of ITM Group, added, "Ensenada Bay Village represents a vision we share with our partners to elevate Mexico’s cruise destinations through sustainable, culturally authentic experiences. By working together, we’re creating opportunities that strengthen local communities and enhance Baja’s appeal to visitors from around the world."
Ensenada Bay Village will welcome up to 9,000 visitors per day
It will take around 24 months for construction to be completed. However, the economic impact will be felt well before its scheduled completion.
Ensenada Bay Village will create new opportunities for local artisans, vendors, and tour operators. In total, the project will generate around 350 direct and 800 indirect jobs, delivering more than $120 million in annual revenues for the local economy.
According to Carnival, the destination will also welcome guests from other cruise lines to aid in their mission of inclusive tourism and regional growth.
In terms of the estimated opening date, it's likely the first passengers won't visit Ensenada Bay Village until early 2028, depending on when Carnival breaks ground on the project.
Looking ahead, there are at least six cruise ships scheduled to visit Ensenada in January 2028, including Carnival Panorama, Carnival Legend, Ruby Princess, Crown Princess, Navigator of the Seas, and Ovation of the Seas.
At this time, it's unclear whether the initial opening of Ensenada Bay Village will be a soft launch exclusively for Carnival Corporation guests or if it will be immediable available to passengers from other cruise lines.
Ensenada isn't the most popular port in the Mexican Riviera
Ensenada is frequently overshadowed by other ports in the Mexican Riviera, namely Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán.
Reddit users in a thread on the r/Cruise channel echoed this sentiment, calling Ensenada another "Nassau."
Comments ranged from "It’s a one-and-done for me, just like Nassau" to "Ensenada is Spanish for 'Don’t get off the boat'" and "It’s a skip for me. Even if I have been on the ship for 5 straight days from Hawaii."
With the upcoming Ensenada Bay Village, Carnival hopes to change Ensenada's negative reputation by creating a vibrant destination that brings the best of the region directly to the port area.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
