MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

“Norwegian Sun” and “Radiance” open Uruguay's season

"Norwegian Sun" will open the Uruguayan tourist season

“Norwegian Sun” and “Radiance of the Seas” will be making the official opening the Uruguayan cruise season in Montevideo next December 8, which this year is expected to total 182 calls between Montevideo and Punta del Este.

The highlight of the season will take place on January 22 with the arrival of "Mariner of the Seas" and on January 25th, "Queen Mary2". On cruise inauguration day the Minister of Tourism is scheduled to make a speech which will be followed by a colourful display of typical Uruguayan music and dance. As in previous occasions the passengers will be invited to participate of the festivities. "Radiance of the Seas", launched in 2002 with 90.000 tons displacement, carries 2.500 passengers and a crew of 900. It is considered a classic style cruise but also very modern and technologically advanced. It has a spectacular atrium or Centrum, nine stories high with glass- paned lifts that enable passengers to see the huge lobby and gardens while other lifts look out to the sea. She's expected to call in Montevideo and Punta del Este 17 times. "Norwegian Sun" displaces 80.000 tons and has capacity for 2.500 passengers and a crew of 950. She's one of the largest Norwegian Cruise units. Speaking about the coming summer season Uruguay's Deputy Minister Lilian Kechichian said that she was "reasonably optimistic" and recommended that all those involved in the industry should act with a "responsible optimism" "Although last season was very good, we received 110.00 more tourists and an additional 90 million US dollars, the current international situation can be expected to dampen demand", admitted Kechichian. More up to date during October the number of Brazilians coming to Uruguay dropped 8% "but the number of Argentines was up, 11%, because Uruguay is highly competitive price-wise" said Ms Kechichian. She also mentioned that beginning this season foreign tourists will be able to reimburse VAT on Uruguayan consumed products when they leave the country. Four strategic entry and exit points have been chosen for this benefit: Carrasco Airport, Punta del Este airport and the ports of Montevideo and Colonia.