CIENFUEGOS.— Prospects look encouraging for cruise ship tourism in the city of Cienfuegos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose historical values are attracting an increasing number of visitors.
Speaking to Granma International, José Enrique González Garrido, Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) representative in this central province, noted that cruise ship arrivals are expected to increase from 2017 onward.
He explained that contracts with cruise operators through 2018 have been signed, citing an agreement between Mintur and Adonia cruises, affiliated with the Carnival Cruise Fathom line.
According to the official, the Adonia, with a capacity for 700 passengers is now transporting U.S. citizens to the island under the category of “people-to-people” visits, one of the 12 general licenses under which U.S. citizens are permitted to travel to the island within the framework of the economic, commercial and financial blockade which continues to be imposed by Washington on Cuba after over half a century.
In addition to ships which regularly arrive at Cienfuegos’ Jagua Bay, such as Adonia, Celestyal Crystal, Louis Crystal, Le Ponant, Panorama II and Pearl Mist, adding stays is the Berlin, which is currently scheduled to stop at the city every Sunday for six consecutive weeks, noted the official.
According to the Mintur representative, Cienfuegos is expected to receive around 100 cruise ships carrying visitors from different countries during the winter high season, from November 2016 through March 2017.
José Enrique noted that the increase in cruise ship arrivals has also led to a rise in the number of visitors to Cienfuegos, resulting in continued activity within the city.
In this regard he noted that prospects in the sphere are promising and exponential growth is expected.
Meanwhile, the local Olimpia Medina port is expected to received over 35,000 cruise ship passengers by the end of the period from September 2016 through September 2017; representing a increase of more than 10,000 travelers as compared to the same period from 2015 to 2016.
