Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas cruise ships to visit the island for the first time.
Next year Puerto Rico will welcome the largest cruise ships in the world, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, both from the Royal Caribbean line, as announced today by Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s Executive Director, Ingrid Rivera Rocafort and Port Authority Executive Director, Colberg Ingrid Rodriguez.
This announcement is part of the commitment made under the administration of Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla to attract mega-cruise ships to the island, once the renovation of the Pier 3 is completed. During the summer of 2016, the mega-cruise ships will complete a combined total of 10 trips, which will generate 60,000 additional passengers to the Port of San Juan.
“The arrival of the two ships represent an economic impact for Puerto Rico of approximately $6.4 million, only in this first season,” said Rivera Rocafort. “With an average capacity of 6,000 passengers and 2,400 crew members, the ships will set sail from ports in Florida with seven-night itineraries, visiting several Caribbean destinations.”
Meanwhile, the Port Authority Executive Director reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue to modernize and adapt the Port of San Juan docks to the demands of the tourism market and attract more mega-cruise ships.
“The port entrances of the cruises, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas is evidence that we have recovered the strength and confidence of the cruise industry in the region,” said Colberg Rodriguez. “The arrival of both cruises is an achievement made possible thanks to the expansion of Pier 3, that included an investment of $9.3 million to place the Port of San Juan at a level that it deserves, and provide incentives to attract cruise ships. The demonstrated effort and interagency support between the port and Puerto Rico Tourism Company have been key in the record number of cruise passenger arrivals to the country.”
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, agreed that the recent enhancements made to Pier 3 have been key to making the upcoming inaugural trip a reality.
“It is with great pride that Royal Caribbean announced that the two largest and most innovative ships in the world, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, will be coming to Puerto Rico for the first time in the summer of 2016,” Bayley said.
Puerto Rico hotel occupancy rates increase in February
Puerto Rico’s tourism industry continues to grow, as noted by Ingrid I. Rivera Rocafort, while announcing an increase of hotel occupancy rates for February 2015, compared to the same month during the previous year.
“PRTC is pleased that the country’s preliminary numbers in hotel occupancy for the month of February 2015, project a strong increase trend of 4.8 points, compared to the same month in 2014. This specifically indicates a 86.1 percent occupancy in February 2015 and compares to a 81.3 percent in February 2014,” said Rivera Rocafort.
“Additionally, it reflects an average rate increase of 1.4 percent, which equals a $189.59 fee in February 2015 compared to $186.93 from the previous year.” The data also signifies that the hotels revenue per available room increased to $ 163.24 in February 2015 versus $151.97 in February of 2014,” said Rivera Rocafort.
According to the data, which is based on daily surveys conducted by PRTC, 12,384 more rooms were sold this year during the month February than the previous year.
“This increase in hotel occupancy, based on our preliminary numbers, combined with the record number of cruise ship visitors to the island, encourage us as we continue our efforts to increase visitors, strengthen maritime and air access, and offer a varied and attractive destination as well as maximize our efforts to promote Puerto Rico as a unique five-star destination,” said Rivera Rocafort.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
