MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Punta del Este, “invaded” by 12.000 visitors from four cruises on a single day

The majestic vessels anchored in the bay of Maldonado (Pic El Pais)

Punta del Este, Uruguay’s main sea resort on the Atlantic coast received last week on a single day an estimated 12.000 visitors from cruise vessels, challenging transport resources but with singular success given the excellent weather conditions and food and leisure facilities in the city.

A fifth cruise, Celebrity Infinity entered the Maldonado bay the following day when the other four vessels were leaving.

The massive influx demanded an estimated 60 coaches and 50 mini-buses, with some initial inconveniences, considered “logical and expected” which were rapidly overcome. Visitors disembarked from the tenders at two different points, from where they took the different contracted tours.

The four vessels were MSC Lírica with 2.200 passengers; Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas with 1.800; Costa Mágica, 2.720 pax and the Empress with 2.020.

Although the day ended with full success for the cruise industry and land support enterprises, there were complaints from yachtsmen who were prevented from entering the marinas until the bulk of visitors had landed by mid morning.