Puerto Rico expects to welcome several new ships in the coming months, including the Carnival Vista, and for the 2017/2018 season, also the new MSC Seaside.

According to Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), Ingrid I. Rivera Rocafort, and Executive Director of the Port Authority, the 2017-2018 fiscal year is set to break records, projecting 1.6 million passenger arrivals on the Island, generating an estimated economic impact of $240 million.

Having hosted the annual trade show and conference of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association earlier this fall, in related news the FCCA has decided to make Puerto Rico the permanent host of its even, starting in 2018.

“We are thrilled with the FCCA’s decision to make Puerto Rico a permanent host of the conference,” said Rivera Rocafort. “The cruise industry continues to flourish on the Island. In November, we are expecting more than 21,000 cruise passenger arrivals to port in Old San Juan. Additionally, we will welcome the arrival of seven cruise ships in one day and a total of 13 ships in two days.”

“Our hard work has definitely paid off. With the increase of cruise ship arrivals we continue to see a positive economic impact in Puerto Rico,” said Colberg Rodríguez. “For the next year the Port Authority will invest $1.5 million in maintenance and improvements of the port’s infrastructure. This investment promotes the importance of preservation across all port facilities and provides a better cruise experience for passengers.”