By
Rebecca Gibson |
Carnival Corporation & plc has opened a third US$20 million berth at its cruise pier in Puerta Maya in Cozumel, Mexico.
Designed to accommodate any of the current ships and planned newbuilds across Carnival Corporation’s ten brands, the third berth will enable three ships to be moored at the Puerta Maya terminal at the same time. To mark the occasion, three of the company’s ships – Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Breeze, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Triumph – berthed at the pier before the opening ceremony.
The extra capacity at the expanded pier will allow more of Carnival Corporation’s ships to visit Cozumel, which welcomes 3.3 million passengers annually and is the busiest cruise destination in the Caribbean. In 2014 alone, about 1.5 million Carnival Corporation guests visited Puerta Maya on 25 different ships across six of the company’s brands. It is expected that this number will increase over the coming years.
“Cozumel is the Caribbean’s most visited cruise ship destination and consistently receives high ratings from our guests,” said Giora Israel, senior vice president of global port and destination development for Carnival Corporation. “So the destination is in demand by our guests, and we are excited about officially opening the third berth to our pier, since it gives our brands greater flexibility for visiting Cozumel and more of our guests the opportunity to enjoy the island.”
First planned in 2005, construction work on the third berth started in May 2014. Like the other two berths, which were reopened in 2008 following a US$50 million reconstruction to repair damage caused by Hurricane Wilma in 2005, the third berth has been constructed to withstand a threshold category five hurricane.
“While this is a major milestone for our company, it is also a memorable day for our business partners in Mexico,” said Israel. “Without their collaboration, this project would not have been possible, and we extend our appreciation for their openness and cooperation. We are looking forward to how the expansion of our pier will have an important economic impact on jobs and opportunity for locals. Cozumel, one of the jewels of the Caribbean, has come a long way since it was devastated in 2005 by Hurricane Wilma. And now, with today's opening of our third berth, even more of our guests will be able to make Cozumel part of their vacation experience.”
Located on the south-west of Cozumel near San Miguel, Puerta Maya is one of three cruise terminals in Cozumel and is owned by Carnival Corporation. The terminal also offers a separate shore excursion pier and a welcome cruise centre with more than 50 retail outlets and 15 standalone carts selling local crafts and souvenirs. Onsite dining options within the Puerta Maya complex include the Tres Amigos Bar, Pancho’s Backyard, the waterfront Fat Tuesday bar and Clear Lounge, an underwater oxygen bar with the world’s first underwater photo booth.