With a projected economic injection of $1.5 million, this visit by the world's largest cruise ship marks a milestone for Ponce and 17 other municipalities in southern and western Puerto Rico that are taking part in this collaborative tourism initiative.
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June 5 Edition
In a conversation with Platea, the Ponce Tourism Director, Iván "Yuye" Rodríguez, shared key details about this historic day for La Ciudad Señorial and the rest of the Island.
What we know about the arrival:
Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship from Royal Caribbean, docked this morning at the Port of Ponce
It is carrying approximately 7,000 passengers and 2,350 crew members
This is not its first visit to Ponce: between Jan. 2 and 6 of 2024, it made a technical stop without passengers
What we know about the economic impact:
The visit represents a projected economic injection of $1.5 million for Ponce and the region
So far, 1,100 people have purchased tickets for private tours
Between 2,500 and 3,000 excursion participants are expected
What tourism offerings will visitors have?
18 municipalities (Ponce and 17 others) in the southern and western region are offering excursions
Excursions include destinations such as Finca Don Manuel (Santa Isabel), Los Baños de Coamo, Hacienda Jacana (Adjuntas), Yaucromatic (Yauco) and Playa Santa (Guánica)
Ponce as a cruise destination:
Icon of the Seas has two additional visits scheduled: June 11 and June 25
The "Star of the Seas," the Icon's sister ship, will arrive Aug. 6 through Aug. 11 for its technical validation
British cruise line Marella Cruises has already confirmed monthly stops in Ponce for 2026, beginning Jan. 5 and Jan. 25
Ponce has the advantage of having the deepest-draft port in the Caribbean (more than 15 meters deep). According to Rodríguez, this makes it well suited for the new cruise ships being developed by lines such as Royal, Virgin and Celebrity, which expect to carry approximately 10,000 passengers per vessel.
Cultural activities in Ponce during the Icon of the Seas visit
La Plaza Las Delicias will become a cultural hub for visitors, offering art and craft experiences, and tourists will be able to enjoy performances of Puerto Rican folk music, including plena, bomba and salsa on the stage at Plaza José "Cheo" Feliciano.
Unique experiences to round out your visit
The arrival of the world's largest cruise ship can be enjoyed from several strategic points around the city. If you want to take in the view and presence of Icon of the Seas, these are the spots we recommend:
📍Panorama 180 en La Cruceta: This lookout offers a 360-degree panoramic view that includes the Port of Ponce. The elevation lets you take in the full dimensions of the ship.
📍La Boya en el Parque Pasivo Enrique González: This coastal point offers a close-up view of the ship from sea level, ideal for photographs that capture the vessel's presence.
📍Costanera by Sazón y Bahía 419: Though the view is limited, these establishments adjacent to the park combine a dining experience with ship-watching, letting you enjoy local food at the same time.
A route you shouldn't miss in "La Ciudad Señorial"
Platea's in-house tourism team explored key spots to bring you a route that captures the essence of Ponce and is very accessible:
Plaza Las Delicias: The heart of Ponce, surrounded by historic landmarks such as the Parque de Bombas and the Catedral.
Castillo Serrallés: Enjoy panoramic views and learn about the history of the sugar and rum industries in Puerto Rico.
Jardín Japonés: A tranquil natural space with bridges, fish ponds and bonsai trees, no trip to Japan required.
Acueducto Alfonso XII: A historic monument well suited for walks and photography in a natural setting.
La Cruceta del Vigía: A well-known lookout point where you can take in the full bay and the cruise ship in all its splendor.
You can read the full guide with details here and plan your visit accordingly.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
