Cozumel, Q.R. — An American cruise ship carrying more than 2,800 tourists docked at Cozumel Thursday after leaving Galveston the week before. It was the first US cruise ship to dock at Cozumel in 16 months.
Cozumel mayor Pedro Joaquin announced the arrival of Carnival Vista at the island’s Puerta Maya dock. He says the recovery of tourism is advancing with the arrival of the ship after months of negotiations.
In a statement, Carnival said the ship is one of the line’s first two to depart from the US since resuming activities last weekend, adding that Cozumel is among the featured ports on the ship’s seven-day Caribbean cruise that departed Galveston July 3.
“The return of Carnival Vista to Cozumel represents a tremendous step forward for the local community,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The resumption of service and pent-up demand for cruising translates to an immediate positive economic impact for our valued destinations partners.
“We look forward to bringing back the benefits and fun of cruising, while remaining committed to our highest responsibilities and top priorities of the health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the many communities we serve and visit.”
In the past five years, Carnival has brought approximately 10 million guests to the port.
The line returned to guest operations this week with Carnival Vista from the Port of Galveston and Carnival Horizon from Port Miami. Sailings on Carnival Breeze and Carnival Miracle will begin later this month, followed by the inaugural sailing of Carnival’s newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, on July 31.
Carnival will resume sailing from the West Coast with Carnival Panorama sailing from Long Beach beginning in August. Additional ships will resume service in August, as well.
Pedro Joaquin also pointed out that Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas arrived in Cozumel for the fourth time since June, this time with 1,103 passengers. He says between the months of June and July, more than 8,100 tourists have arrived in Cozumel on cruises from the companies Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line.
Source: SIPSE
