Mega cruise ship Icon of the Seas arrives in Ponce

For the inaugural visit of the Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean had pre-sold an array of 15 distinct excursions, catering to a broad spectrum of interests.

By The Star Staff

The majestic Icon of the Seas, a peerless mega cruise ship recently unveiled by Royal Caribbean, made its debut in Puerto Rico on Wednesday, arriving from the bustling Port of Miami.

The ship docked at the Port of the Americas in Ponce, where it was welcomed by a host of officials, including Gov. Jenniffer González Colón, Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) Executive Director Willianette Robles Cancel and Ponce Mayor Marlese Sifre Rodríguez. Those officials were joined by representatives from various municipalities and the commonwealth government. The Icon of the Seas’ three planned visits in this fiscal year are anticipated to contribute a significant economic impact of around $4 million to the region.

“The docking of the Icon of the Seas, recognized as the world’s largest cruise ship, in the historic city of Ponce represents a transformative moment for the economic and tourism landscape of southern Puerto Rico,” the governor said. “This milestone is a testament to our commitment to decentralizing tourism, showcasing the unique potential of every region on our beloved island. This event will substantially aid small and medium-sized enterprises, providing direct support for thousands of families in Puerto Rico. Today, we present Puerto Rico to the world -- a vibrant, diverse destination eager to embrace tourists with open arms and exceptional hospitality.”

Robles Cancel added that it was a “monumental” day for the island’s cruise industry, “which plays a vital role in our tourism and economy, facilitating thousands of direct and indirect jobs through local businesses eager to serve our guests.”

“At the Tourism Company, we are devoted to unlocking the potential of all our tourist ports and initiating initiatives that will draw more cruise ships and elevate visitor numbers across every corner of the island,” she said.

The Porta Caribe region, the PRTC director noted, is brimming with untapped tourism potential, making it a focal point for collaborative efforts “between the public and private sectors […] aimed at sparking economic activity throughout all municipalities in the region.”

Each arrival of a cruise ship to the island’s ports paves the way for expanding the variety of excursions offered, consequently generating heightened economic activity in popular tourist destinations, Robles Cancel added.

For the inaugural visit of the Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean had pre-sold an array of 15 distinct excursions, catering to a broad spectrum of interests. Options included themed tours that explore the rich history of Ponce, visits to the historic Serrallés Castle accompanied by rum tastings, agrotourism experiences at Finca Don Manuel de Santa Isabel and Hacienda Café Jacanas in Adjuntas, beach days at Playa Santa in Guánica, guided tours, and visits to the rejuvenating Baños de Coamo, among many others.

Sifre Rodríguez, the Ponce mayor, pointed out that the “docking of the world’s largest cruise ship in our city wasn’t a stroke of luck; it is the result of months of dedicated planning and collaboration among municipal government, state agencies, and the private sector.”

“Ponce stands ready to shine brightly on the global stage,” she said. “This historic moment signals a remarkable shift for tourism and economic growth in southern Puerto Rico.”

Robles Cancel, meanwhile, praised the effective collaboration between the PRTC, state agencies, municipalities, operators, and tourism service providers, which ensured seamless procedures and delivered a high-quality experience for visitors. The coordination encompassed various cultural and musical programs, alongside logistical support for transporting tourists to key attractions within the port vicinity.

As the Icon of the Seas arrived at the port, the air was filled with the lively sounds of folk music, creating a festive atmosphere as visitors and crew members prepared to embark on the well organized activities and excursions throughout the day.

The Icon of the Seas set sail from its homeport in Florida on Saturday, embarking on a seven-day voyage that also included stops at St. Maarten and Royal Caribbean’s idyllic private island in Haiti, before making its way back to Miami this Saturday.