Popular Royal Caribbean Port Reopens After 14 Months
Popular Royal Caribbean Port Reopens After 14 Months originally appeared on Parade.
It's been just over 13 months since a minor cruise accident effectively shut down San Juan's Pier 3 terminal on the shores of Puerto Rico. But thankfully, the Caribbean docks are once again open, inviting Royal Caribbean's cruise ships back to the popular island destination.
Over the past several decades, San Juan has remained a fan-favorite port of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, allowing visitors to disembark in the gorgeous island nation and explore the Eastern Caribbean city for themselves.
Sadly, in April 2024, San Juan's Pier 3 was shut down indefinitely when MSC Cruises' MSCMeraviglia accidentally struck and damaged a dolphin mooring structure within the pier's docking area.
Since then, the pier -- which is used almost exclusively for Royal Caribbean's larger Oasis- and Icon-class ships -- has been undergoing expansive repairs, refitting the docks so that it's able to once again hold the popular cruise company's gargantuan vessels.
The news came in an official statement from port officials within San Juan on Friday, June 27, confirming that the repairs had been made successfully approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
"Pier 3 West has been officially restored, after completing a rigorous structural assessment in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard requirements. The slora restriction is lifted and the full use of the facility is enabled," San Juan Cruise Port posted on Facebook.
'It has been a long road, but our priority has always been to meet all the requirements established by the regulatory agencies and ensure the safe arrival of cruise ships in the coming years,' the port quoted its general manager, Clarivette Diaz, as saying.
"We deeply thank all the technical teams, consultants and agencies who made this long-awaited breakthrough possible," the organization concluded. "We continue to work with commitment so that San Juan continues to lead as the base port of the Caribbean."
It's worth noting that, while Pier 3 itself has been closed, preventing Royal Caribbean's massive Oasis- and Iconic-class ships from visiting, the port has remained open to the company's smaller ships, including Quantum-, Freedom-, Voyager-, Radiance- and Vision-class vessels.
Popular Royal Caribbean Port Reopens After 14 Months first appeared on Parade on Jun 29, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
China is quietly supplanting Russia as Cuba's main benefactor
By Dave Sherwood JATIBONICO, Cuba (Reuters) -Hours over rutted roads inland from Havana, the small Cuban city of Jatibonico is a snapshot of late 19th-century living, its streets crowded with horse-drawn carriages and lacking power much of the day and night. The town's decrepit sugar mill - once the country's largest - sits idle, lacking the parts, electricity, and fuel it needs to operate. Two years ago a Russian company, Progress Agro, announced it would import machinery, fertilizer, and know-how to revitalize the mill, which once employed 2,000 people. "When are the (Russians) coming? That's all anybody talks about," said Carlos Tirado Pino, 58, a mill maintenance worker among the few to retain his post. Meanwhile, just outside town and out of sight, three bulldozers clear an abandoned cane field to prepare for the installation of a Chinese-financed solar park that will deliver 21 MW of electricity - one of 55 similarly sized such solar parks underwritten by China across Cuba this year. Cuba is in desperate need of help. Shortages of food, fuel and medicine, grueling hours-long blackouts and plunging tourism and exports - combined with renewed U.S. sanctions under the second Trump administration - have devastated its economy. A Reuters review of various sites on the ground suggests that where many of Russia's most recent promises have fizzled, China has discreetly stepped up to fill the void, pushing ahead with a number of critically-timed projects aimed at helping Cuba salvage its economy. Cuba joined China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2018, and China has since invested in several strategic infrastructure projects on the island, including major projects in transportation, port infrastructure and telecoms, while Russia, mired in a war in Ukraine and leery of lending more money to crisis-racked Cuba, has faded as a historic partner. "Russia's promises have always been bigger than its performance," said William LeoGrande, a professor of Latin American politics at American University. "If China is now stepping up its assistance in light of Cuba's desperate conditions, that could prove to be a real lifeline." Neither the Russian nor Chinese embassies in Havana responded to a request for comment. CHINA DELIVERS The solar park project positions China as a pivotal partner for Cuba at a time of nearly unprecedented crisis: the country's national grid has collapsed four times in the past year alone, leaving millions in the dark and shuttering schools and businesses. On February 21, Cuba inaugurated a solar park in Cotorro, outside the capital, in a ceremony that included China's ambassador to Havana, Hua Xin and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who lauded the project in a statement as a "collaboration from our sister Republic China." The fine print of the agreements between Russia and China and longtime ally Cuba remain largely confidential, making it difficult to discern how either country operates in Cuba, through private companies or via public financing and how the Cuban government might be repaying them. Since then, at least another eight have come online, according to grid operator UNE, churning out nearly 400 MW of sun-fueled energy together with existing parks - about a third of the mid-day deficit. New Chinese-funded projects alone are expected to push that figure over 1,100 MW by the end of the year, according to official estimates, nearly covering the daytime shortfall and saving Cuba precious fuel to burn at night. Officials at the February event announced China was participating in a project to modernize Cuba's entire electrical grid, with 55 solar parks to be built in 2025, and another 37 by 2028, for a total of 2,000 MW - a massive undertaking that, when complete, would represent nearly two-thirds of present-day demand. The port of Mariel - Cuba's main shipping center just west of Havana - saw traffic from China begin to tick up in August of 2024, according to shipping data and two foreign businessmen who declined to give their names for this story. Ships arriving last year from Shanghai, Tianjin and other prominent Chinese ports carried solar panels, steel, tools and parts. The "kits" came complete with fuel for overland transport to assure the panels would make it to their destinations, the sources said. The arrival of Chinese ships is being felt across the Cuban countryside, as tractor trailers with Chinese markings rumble across pot-holed roads to reach far-flung destinations like Jatibonico. Truck driver Noel Gonzalez, who on a recent morning delivered a load of gravel fill to the solar park site on the city's outskirts, said he was both amazed and grateful for the Chinese diligence. "The Chinese (workers) come and periodically check every liter of petroleum, every route we take," Gonzalez said. Fulton Armstrong, a former U.S. National Intelligence Officer for Latin America, called China's investments a "big benefit" but warned they won't be enough to overcome the Trump administration's renewed sanctions on the island. 'Havana can't bank on either Russia or China coming in with magic pills," he said. "Only massive amounts of Chinese trade and assistance could pull the island through – and that just doesn't seem plausible." China's strategic investments in Cuba coincide with U.S. accusations that China is installing 'spy bases' on the nearby Caribbean Island, though Cuba and China have denied the allegations. RUSSIAN ROULETTE Two years ago, as Cuba's economy was still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and U.S. sanctions, Russia too was ready to lend a hand. In May 2023, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko arrived in Cuba for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the reopening of the island's largest steel mill, a project made possible thanks to $100 million in Russian financing, Cuban state-run media reported. Chernyshenko called the mill's reopening a "fine example of Russian-Cuban cooperation." The mill's plant director, Reinier Guillén, promised output of steel bars from the facility would soar to 62,000 metric tons in 2024. But Russia's investment did not translate into production. Cuba's statistics agency ONEI reported in April that the island had churned out just 4,200 metric tons of steel bars in 2024. On a recent weekday morning, the mill was quiet. A prominent smoke stack was idle, and no activity could be seen within the plant. Esperanza Perez, a lifelong local resident who works at a small bakery in a ramshackle development of shanties and crudely-built homes, many without electricity or water, said the mill had sat idle for months. "Talk is cheap. When (the mill) is running, we hear the noise, see the workers, but I haven't seen any sign that it is operating," said the 37-year-old Perez. "We've seen no benefits here." Cuba's government did not reply to a request for comment on the discrepancy in output. But fuel and electricity generation shortages have affected industry across the island, crippling production. The day after the ribbon-cutting at the steel mill, Chernyshenko appeared with Diaz-Canel to sign at least eight agreements between Cuban state agencies and Russian state and private companies, according to a document obtained by Reuters summarizing those deals. The wide-ranging agreements included a deal to guarantee Cuba a supply of wheat for bread making, the opening of a well-stocked "Rusmarket" in Havana, the restoration of historic architecture in the capital's historic district and cooperation in artificial intelligence. There was even a bold plan to rebuild the crumbling Tarara residential beach community, whose coveted white sands and palm-fringed waterfront just minutes from Havana have been largely off-limits to foreign capital since 1959. But on a recent visit, most of the homes at Tarara appeared abandoned or in disrepair, with only a small number near the beach refurbished and no sign of Russian investment. At the community marina, a single boat, its bottom covered with slime, swayed at the dock, the harbor's entrance blocked by sediments and its waters stagnant. Plans to open the Rusmarket - initially celebrated as a foot in the door for Russian vendors and products - have been delayed for two years. The nearby Yumuri department store, where Russian investors planned to open a bigger shop in June or July stocked with everything from Russian auto parts to canned trout and children's toys, also appeared largely abandoned. A Russian agreement to restore the 19th century Santo Angel building in Havana's historic Plaza Vieja, in a nod to Cuba's rich architectural history, also appeared stalled. Reuters was unable to make contact with CGC Investments, the Russian firm that had inked many of the 2023 deals. Neither the Russian embassy nor its Foreign Ministry responded to a request for comment. To be sure, some of Russia's promised aid has come through. Russian state-backed companies have supplied cargos by sea of both wheat and oil to the island. And Russia, like China, has promoted tourism to the island, offering a bump in foreign visitors and much-needed foreign exchange. In May, two years after the 2023 flurry of announcements, Russia's Chernyshenko announced a plan to subsidize interest rates for businesses interested in investing as much as $1 billion on the island, calling Cuba a "reliable partner." "There's still a lot of hard work to be done, we'll advance little by little,' Chernyshenko told reporters in Moscow, adding that "it is impossible to achieve things immediately, as if by magic.'
Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Associated Press
Millionero Issues Urgent Warning on Rising Phishing Scams: How Users Can Stay Protected in 2025
KINGSTOWN, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amid a growing wave of phishing scams targeting the crypto industry, Millionero, a trusted spot and perpetual exchange, is taking a stand. The company is urging all users to stay vigilant and follow key safety measures as scammers impersonate brands, executives, and platforms with increasing sophistication. 'We've seen spoofed emails, fake Telegram groups, and even fraudulent messages pretending to be from me personally,' said Syed Suleman Kazim, CEO of Millionero. 'That's why we're speaking up now—to protect our users before it's too late.' A Personal Message from the CEO 'I, Syed Suleman Kazim, will never contact you via email, WhatsApp, Telegram, or any other channel to request your account information, passwords, seed phrases, or 2FA codes. No Millionero employee will ever do this. If you receive such a message, assume it's a scam.' Five Quick Safety Checks Before You Click What Millionero Will Never Do 2025 Security Tips From the Millionero Team A Final Word of Caution Even if you're not using centralized exchanges, avoid clicking random Telegram or Zoom links, which can auto-install malware. Some attacks silently hijack your device, giving hackers access to wallets like MetaMask. Install antivirus software and scan your system regularly—some malware bots are designed to hide from detection. About Millionero Millionero is a high-speed, Europe-focused global exchange offering spot and perpetual trading. Our platform prioritizes security, clarity, and compliance, with a matching engine that executes in milliseconds and safeguards that align with MiCA standards. Learn more at Contact: Alpha Jallow [email protected] Disclaimer: This content is provided byMillionero. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an 'as-is' basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
After 40% Rise, What's Next For Carnival Stock?
LISBON, PORTUGAL - JUNE 03: Carnival Miracle, a 88,500 GT Spirit-class cruise ship operated by ... More Carnival Cruise Line, sails the Tagus River after departure from the cruise terminal on June 03, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images) Carnival (NYSE:CCL) shares have increased by approximately 11% in the past month and nearly 40% over the previous 12 months. These recent improvements come after the cruise line reported a set of second-quarter results that exceeded expectations (for the November fiscal year). Revenue was approximately $6.33 billion, reflecting a rise of about 9% compared to the previous year, while net income increased to $565 million, a significant rise from just $92 million a year ago. Carnival has also raised its full-year forecast, indicating that adjusted net income would be 40% greater compared to 2024. The demand for leisure cruising has remained strong following Covid-19 due to appealing prices when compared to land vacations, along with a preference for an all-inclusive, packaged travel experience. Cruise lines such as Carnival have been benefitting from increased capacity, growing onboard revenues, and some price hikes in recent quarters. Furthermore, Carnival has been concentrating on enhancing its fleet, which has led to robust operating performance and profitability. On July 19, 2025, Carnival will open its Celebration Key destination in the Bahamas. This new site could enhance revenue and brand perception by providing a unique and fully controlled private island experience for guests. So, should you buy Carnival stock after its recent results? Carnival's recent performance and future outlook appear strong, and the company's valuation is also reasonable. However, the stock isn't an unequivocal buy for several reasons. We reach our conclusion by comparing the current valuation of CCL stock with its operational performance over recent years, as well as its current financial health. Our analysis of Carnival against key metrics such as Growth, Profitability, Financial Stability, and Downturn Resilience indicates that the company exhibits weak operational performance and financial health, as outlined below. Nevertheless, for investors looking for lower volatility than individual stocks, the Trefis High Quality portfolio offers an alternative – having outperformed the S&P 500 and provided returns greater than 91% since its inception. How Does Carnival's Valuation Compare to The S&P 500? In terms of what you're paying per dollar of sales or profit, CCL stock appears slightly undervalued compared to the wider market. • Carnival has a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 1.3 compared to 3.1 for the S&P 500 • Moreover, the company's price-to-free cash flow (P/FCF) ratio stands at 17.0 versus 20.9 for the S&P 500 • Additionally, it has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 16.4, while the benchmark's P/E is 26.9 How Have Carnival's Revenues Increased Over Recent Years? Carnival's Revenues have experienced significant growth over the past few years. • Carnival's top line has increased at an average rate of 130.2% over the last 3 years (against an increase of 5.5% for the S&P 500) • Its revenues have grown 12.7% from $23 billion to $25 billion in the last 12 months (as opposed to 5.5% growth for the S&P 500) • In addition, its quarterly revenues increased by 7.5% to $5.8 billion in the latest quarter from $5.4 billion the previous year (compared to a 4.8% improvement for the S&P 500) How Profitable Is Carnival? Carnival's profit margins are approximately at the median level for companies within the Trefis coverage universe. • Carnival's Operating Income over the past four quarters was $3.8 billion, indicating a moderate Operating Margin of 15.1% • Carnival's Operating Cash Flow (OCF) during this timeframe was $5.1 billion, suggesting a moderate OCF Margin of 20.0% (in comparison to 14.9% for the S&P 500) • For the previous four-quarter period, Carnival's Net Income was $2.1 billion – reflecting a poor Net Income Margin of 8.1% (compared to 11.6% for the S&P 500) Is Carnival Financially Stable? Carnival's balance sheet appears very weak. • Carnival's debt was $28 billion at the conclusion of the most recent quarter, while its market capitalization is $34 billion (as of 6/26/2025). This results in a very poor Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 84.4% (in comparison to 19.4% for the S&P 500). [Note: A lower Debt-to-Equity Ratio is preferable] • Cash (inclusive of cash equivalents) constitutes $833 million of the $49 billion in Total Assets for Carnival. This culminates in a poor Cash-to-Assets Ratio of 1.7% How Resilient Is CCL Stock in a Downturn? CCL stock has performed significantly worse than the benchmark S&P 500 index during some recent downturns. While investors are hopeful for a gentle landing by the U.S. economy, what could happen if there were to be another recession? Our dashboard How Low Can Stocks Go During A Market Crash illustrates how key stocks performed during and following the last six market crashes. • CCL stock fell 79.6% from a peak of $31.31 on 2 June 2021 to $6.38 on 10 October 2022, compared to a peak-to-trough drop of 25.4% for the S&P 500 • The stock has yet to recover to its pre-Crisis peak • The highest value the stock has attained since then is $28.49 on 30 January 2025 and it currently trades at around $26 • CCL stock dropped 84.6% from a peak of $51.90 on 17 January 2020 to $7.97 on 2 April 2020, compared to a peak-to-trough decline of 33.9% for the S&P 500 • The stock has not yet recovered to its pre-Crisis level • CCL stock decreased 70.7% from a high of $51.33 on 9 October 2007 to $15.02 on 20 November 2008, compared to a peak-to-trough drop of 56.8% for the S&P 500 • The stock fully bounced back to its pre-Crisis high by 13 July 2015 modest valuation, concerns remain for Carnival stock, particularly regarding its weak financial standing and resilience during downturns. Investing in a single stock poses risks. Conversely, the Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, comprising 30 stocks, has a history of consistently outperforming the S&P 500 over the past four years. Why is this? As a collective, HQ Portfolio stocks have delivered superior returns with reduced risk compared to the benchmark index; it has shown less volatility, as depicted in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.
