Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica marks a new milestone in its positioning as a high-value tourist destination with the inaugural arrival of the Virgin Voyages cruise line to the country.
On the morning of January 19, 2026, the Brilliant Lady made its first call in Costa Rican waters at the Hernán Garrón Salazar Port in Limón, becoming the first vessel of this premium lifestyle line to visit Costa Rica.
This arrival represented a significant event for the Costa Rican Caribbean and for the country’s strategy to attract innovative segments of the cruise industry, characterized by greater added value, extended stays in port, and a strong focus on sustainability.
Virgin Voyages, part of the Virgin Group, operates adults-only luxury cruises and positions itself as a premium lifestyle line, offering a differentiated proposition based on personalized experiences, contemporary design, fine dining, wellness, and entertainment. Its model caters to a traveler profile that seeks authentic destinations with a distinct identity and high-quality experiences.
The Brilliant Lady, which began operations last September, is part of the new generation of cruise ships focused on unique experiences. It has a maximum capacity of 2,770 passengers, 1,160 crew members, and 1,300 cabins, in addition to more than 20 dining concepts, over 10 bars and lounges, swimming pools, a spa, and fitness areas.
“The arrival of this vessel demonstrates the strong interest of international cruise lines in Costa Rica as a competitive, safe, and attractive destination, a clear sign of its positioning within the cruise industry. The first-ever arrival of the Brilliant Lady, belonging to the Virgin Voyages line, will contribute to generating economic activity and boosting the economy of the residents of Puerto Limón and surrounding areas,” highlighted Gustavo Alvarado, Director of Competitiveness and Tourism Sustainability at the Costa Rican Tourist Board (ICT).
2025–2026 Season Figures
During the 2025–2026 season, to date, 91 cruise ships and 117,723 cruise passengers have arrived at the country’s official ports:
- Caribbean: 33 cruise ships and 68,027 cruise passengers
- Pacific: 58 cruise ships and 49,969 cruise passengers
According to the Cruise Industry Economic Impact Study (BREA, 2024), the average expenditure per passenger in Costa Rica is estimated at US$72.74, concentrated primarily on shore excursions, handicrafts, clothing, and local souvenirs, which represent 87% of total spending.
The main source markets include the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, Canada, Italy, Brazil, Spain, and France.