NEWS from Miami’s Carnival cruises confirmed that the world’s largest cruise operator is to reopen its pier at Puerta Maya in Cozumel, Mexico on October 16th.

The pier at Cozumel has been closed since Hurricane Wilma caused millions of pounds worth of damage in 2005.

Carnival’s 2,052-passenger ship Carnival Ecstasy and sister liner 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy visit Mexico’s Puerta Maya in October.

The pier has two new berths and Carnival claim the new facility, costing $50 million, can withstand a category 5 hurricane.

Puerta Maya’s new nine-acre cruise center will officially reopen on the same date. The new centre now features a wide variety of shops and restaurants, along with a new transportation hub capable of accommodating dozens of taxis, buses as well as rental car facilities. .

Port authorities told Holidayinsiders.com that Carnival’s Fantasy and Ecstasy will be the first of 550 cruise-ships to visit the new facilities over the next year.

“Epitomizing the ‘fun in the sun’ landside experience that is so closely associated with Caribbean cruising, Cozumel is the region’s most visited cruise ship destination by far. its gorgeous beaches, a variety of retail outlets and restaurants, and excellent watersports opportunities are enhanced only by the gracious hospitality of its residents,” said Giora Israel, Carnival’s vice president of strategic planning and port development.

“The re-opening of Carnival’s pier at Puerta Maya will provide cruise ship guests with easy and convenient access to all the wonders of this fascinating destination, along with unique on-site shopping and dining experiences,” he added.