Puerto Rico continues to rebuild and reestablish its all-important tourism industry in wake of Hurricane Maria.
Last week, the Caribbean destination achieved a morale-boosting milestone with the return of Carnival Cruise Line.
The 110,000-ton Carnival Conquest arrived in San Juan November 30, signaling the first of many visits to the American territory in the weeks to come.
While there's still plenty of work to be done across the island, Carnival Conquest's 3,200 passengers were able to disembark, explore Old San Juan and take part in a variety of shore excursions, the cruise line said.
Meanwhile, Carnival Fascination-which is currently being chartered to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to house relief workers following a devastating hurricane season in the Caribbean-will resume cruise departures from San Juan in early 2018.
The ship is set to kick off its year-round seven-day southern Caribbean schedule from the Puerto Rican capital February 18.
For now, Carnival Conquest's noteworthy arrival in San Juan last month marks yet another positive step for the resolute destination.
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) recently hosted several "Rebuild Days" inviting visitors to come and assist in recovery efforts as part of a meaningful holiday vacation while the owners of the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino revealed plans to open a second hotel property.
Luis Munoz Marin International Airport is fully operational and San Juan Harbor is open along with dozens of hotels that are currently accepting reservations.
Puerto Rico's ability to convey the message that it's open for business will be key to propelling it on its path toward long-term recovery. After all, healthy tourism to the island will be paramount in providing the dollars and resources necessary to ensure it remains one of the region's premier destinations.
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