Progreso, Yucatán — The mega-cruise ship Carnival Magic appeared Saturday for the fifth and final time, leaving both tourists and merchants with fond memories.
Its departure makes way for the return of Magic’s sister ships, the Carnival Triumph and Elation.
The Magic brought with it over 4,600 passengers and remained at the port until 11 p.m., giving travelers about five to six more hours than the other ships allowed to explore and spend and merchants and restaurateurs to lure customers. The trips began Feb. 12.
Sipse reported that Progreso’s merchants and vendors benefitted; about 500 tourists on average stayed near the port to enjoy what became a lively beach and downtown before heading off to Galveston, Texas.
On the other hand, the Merida-Progreso was also busy with tour groups heading off to various excursions in Mérida or archeological sites.
A more familiar ship, the Triumph, returns to Progreso on Tuesday after more than a month away. On Thursday, the Carnival Elation will be back on schedule as well. Both come from Cozumel and bring roughly 3,000 and 2,000 passengers respectively.