Luis Molina, spokesman for the Port of Santo Domingo announced that the Royal Caribbean cruiseship, Legend of the Seas will inaugurate the renovated Sans Souci cruiseship terminal, part of the modern port revamping underway for Santo Domingo. The ship is booked for 16 December. The company expects a new record year in arrival as the port proves itself as a popular destination with tourists. The port offers easy access to several attractions, such as the Colonial City and Calle El Conde shopping, steps away from Don Diego dock, and the Columbus Lighthouse, Three Eyes caves and Santo Domingo Aquarium, walking distance from the Sans Souci dock.
Molina says that the season starts 31 October, with the arrival of the Braemar ship, from the Fred Olsen line. The Don Diego docks at the port received cruise ships for last season, but December marks the start of Sans Souci dock activity.
Randolfo Rijo Santana, general director of the port company, Sans Souci Ports said the company has invested almost US$200 million in the refurbishing. US$400 million investment has been scheduled to convert Santo Domingo into a “megadestination” for Caribbean cruising lines.
For 2007-2008, Royal Caribbean has announced stops of the Legend of the Seas on 16 December and 13, 27 Jan, 10, 24 Feb and 9, 23 March 2008.