Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas sailed into the Port of the Americas in Ponce for the first time on July 7, according to a press release.

The ship was welcomed by the executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), Carlos Santiago Mercado, and a delegation of representatives from the Government of Puerto Rico, which included Crystal Bell, air and maritime access director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company; Héctor Rivera Agosto, executive director of the Ponce Ports Authority; Marlese Sifre, mayor of the Municipality of Ponce, Clarivette Díaz, president of the Puerto Rico Shipping Association; Continental Shipping representatives and Wendy McDonald, regional vice president government relations, Caribbean. Captain Gus Anderson was presented with a commemorative plaque to celebrate Utopia’s inaugural visit to the Island. 

“The Puerto Rico Tourism Company is proud to welcome the Utopia of the Seas in Ponce. In addition to showcasing the world-class tourism offering available on the Island, these technical stops provide us with the opportunity to demonstrate to the international cruise sector the capabilities of our highly skilled and experienced personnel and infrastructure thereby increasing interest and potentiating a rise in technical stops from other cruise ships. Without a doubt, this new service increases the tourism industry’s potential for growth and its contribution to the local economy,” said a statement.

The newest Oasis Plus Class ship arrived at Ponce during a three-day technical stop to complete inspection and training procedures as well as bring supplies and cargo for its maiden voyage on July 19.