MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

“Good cruise” season

Punta Arenas port authorities and officials from the Maritime Chamber agreed that the 2002/2003 cruise season was “good”, with sixty vessels visiting Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales between November 10 and April 4.

The statement followed the arrival from Ushuaia of the last cruise of the season "Zenith", with 1,200 passengers and a crew of 660, which will ultimately leave for New York after disembarking passengers in Valparaíso.

"This was a good season, almost very good, superior to 2001/2002", said Leonardo Castex, president of the Punta Arenas Maritime Chamber who emphasized the positive attitude of the local population.

"Every day we receive encouraging remarks about the way residents treat and address visitors, a very positive change that has been pointed out to us by our clients", indicated Mr. Castex.

Port Officer Eduardo Manzanares was also enthusiastic about the season saying that of the 60 vessels only two didn't actually land in Punta Arenas.

"I believe this is very encouraging and will have a very significant impact for the community. We're convinced that the next season will even be better", underlined Mr. Manzanares.