Progreso welcomes its final cruise ship before industry takes a pause

Although on the Gulf of Mexico, Progreso’s dock attracts cruise ships with Caribbean itineraries. Photo: File

Progreso, Yucatan — Carnival, the cruise line that sends the most ships to the Progreso port, joined Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity in suspending sailing operations to and from U.S. ports for 30 days due to the coronavirus pandemic.

That means today’s docking of the Carnival Fantasy, based in Mobile, Ala., is perhaps the last leisure ship stopping here for a while.

Its return to Progreso on Thursday is canceled, as is that of its sister ship, the Valor, on Tuesday.

Royal Caribbean Cruises and Florida-based Norwegian Cruise Lines have also already announced the suspension of their ships until April 12 and 11, respectively.

The port’s tourism sector, on which many families depend, has been bracing for this. But upcoming holidays may help make up for the loss.

Mayor Julián Zacarías Curi said local tourism officials will continue to promote the port city, especially with the upcoming Easter and summer vacations, which bring thousands of visitors from within Mexico.

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