The authorities of the port and the Chilean city of Valparaiso expect an auspicious 2026 - 2027 cruise season, with a 25% increase in calls, as well as the receipt of large ships.
The Chilean city often serving as the port for Santiago is a major starting and stopping port for South American and Antarctic expeditions. Many ships sail from here down to the Chilean fjords or all the way to Antarctica.
Valparaiso is gearing up for a bustling cruise seasons, with dozens of scheduled dockings. This brings thousands of visitors to explore the city’s famous colourful hills and vibrant arts scene. A healthy season boosts the local economy, as passengers spend money on local food, tours, and crafts.
The cycle will open on October 5, 2026 with the arrival of Silver Wind in the Pacific Terminal, and will end on April 15 of 2027, when the Roald Amundsen will set sail.
Port Logistics Manager Juan Marcos Mancilla,said that the call planning meeting for the season was very important, as it had the participation of all the agents linked to this activity.
Public suthorities in charge of coordination with the different ships, terminal managers and those responsible for the route of passengers in the city were there.
Among the main novelties in the debut in Chilean waters of four ships of recognized prestige, the Carnival Firenze, Discoverer, the Queen Anne, and Scenic Eclipse II.
Another important fact is the size of the ships that will dock in Valparaiso, such as the Majestic Princess, with a weight of close 132.000 tons and 330 metres long, which is equivalent to about three football fields.
In addition, of the 30 scheduled arrivals, nine will be in the city for at least one night, which breaks the tradition of the passing visitor.
The substitute Mayor of Valparaiso, Javiera Garcia, said that this port is consolidated as the main gateway for maritime tourism in Chile and an increasingly attractive destination at the international level, adding that more visitors mean greater movement for commerce, gastronomy and local services.
The Executive Secretary of the Corporación Puertos del Sur, Eric Petri, recognized the management of the agents to attract large ships, which will allow a greater number of people to show the charms of Valparaiso, recognized as a Wolrd Heritage city.
The executive pointed out that, according to statistics 46% of visitors when they get off the ship take a tour visiting the city and its hills, which refutes the version according to which the vast majority move to the vineyards.
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