Belize's Port Coral: Opening Date And What To Expect

Belize is currently constructing a new cruise port, Port Coral, which is expected to open in late 2021 or early 2022. The new port will be located four miles from Belize City on Stake Bank Island and will offer natural deep-water access for up to four large cruise ships at a time. Port Coral will provide a range of amenities and facilities, including beaches, a pool zone, bars, restaurants, and retail shops, as well as easy access to the mainland for excursions.

Construction of Port Coral

The construction of Port Coral, a new cruise ship docking facility near Belize City, is currently underway. Led by the Feinstein Group, the $90 million project is expected to revolutionise cruise tourism in Belize by providing a desirable stop for Western Caribbean cruise routes. The port will offer safe and easy access to the unique culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of Belize.

Port Coral is being developed on Stake Bank Island, located just four miles off the coast of Belize City. The 40-acre port will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including two large piers, each capable of berthing two vessels. With a total capacity of four Royal Caribbean Oasis-class vessels at any given time, the port will be able to accommodate over 22,000 cruisers in a modern facility.

The construction manager for the project is Inter-coastal Marine Incorporated Company, a leading marine construction company in Central America and the Caribbean. The project includes the construction of two "finger piers", which are two parallel quays that can accommodate four large cruise ships simultaneously. The piers will provide a docking experience that is unique in the world, offering a resort-like atmosphere with three beaches, a zip line, a pool area, bars, restaurants, and retail shops.

The development of Port Coral is expected to significantly improve the cruise passenger arrival experience. Currently, cruise ships calling at Belize City can only anchor a few miles offshore, requiring passengers to take a lengthy tender ride to reach the shore. With Port Coral, cruise ships will be able to dock directly at the port, providing a much smoother and more efficient experience for passengers.

The first phase of the project, valued at $67 million, includes the construction of one pier and all upland works, which are expected to be completed by mid- to late 2022. The second pier is targeted for completion in the second quarter of 2023. The entire project, including the second phase, which involves the construction of a causeway linking Port Coral to North Drowned Caye, is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, barring any delays.

Port Coral's facilities

Port Coral, a new cruise port in Belize, is currently under construction. Led by the Feinstein Group, the port will offer state-of-the-art facilities and easy access to the mainland of Belize, making it a desirable stop on Western Caribbean cruise routes. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, this 40-acre port will feature an array of resort-like amenities for travellers seeking relaxation, adventure, and exploration.

Beaches and Pools

Port Coral will boast three beaches, offering a unique beach experience for families, teens, and crew members. In addition to the beaches, guests can enjoy a pool zone with ample space for swimming and relaxation.

Dining and Entertainment

The port will feature an exciting selection of dining and entertainment options, including bars, restaurants, and daiquiri bars serving local cuisine and fresh seafood. Retail shops will also be available for those who love to shop.

Adventure and Exploration

For thrill-seekers, Port Coral will offer a zip-line and a tethered helium balloon, providing breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, the port serves as a gateway to adventure excursions on the mainland, including Mayan ruins tours and some of the best snorkelling in the Western Caribbean.

Crew Facilities

Dedicated crew facilities will be available at Port Coral, ensuring that crew members have all the amenities and services they need during their stay.

Cruise Ship Docking

The construction of two "finger piers" will accommodate the docking of four large cruise ships simultaneously, making Port Coral a convenient and efficient stop for cruise lines.

With its diverse range of facilities and easy access to the beauty and culture of Belize, Port Coral is set to revolutionise cruise tourism in the region, offering something for every type of traveller.

The impact on cruise tourism in Belize

The construction of Port Coral in Belize is expected to have a significant impact on cruise tourism in the country. Led by the Feinstein Group, the project aims to revolutionize cruise tourism in Belize by providing a state-of-the-art cruise port with modern facilities and easy access to the unique culture and beauty of the country.

One of the biggest advantages of Port Coral is its location. The current cruise port in Belize City, known as the Tourism Village port, is located a few miles offshore, requiring cruise passengers to take a 20-minute tender ride to reach the shore. Moreover, unfavourable weather conditions often lead to cancellations of the port of call. Port Coral, on the other hand, will be located just four miles from Belize City on Stake Bank Island, offering natural deep-water access. This convenient location will allow cruise ships to dock directly at the port, eliminating the need for tender rides and reducing the potential for cancellations due to weather.

The design of Port Coral also contributes to its appeal as a cruise destination. The port will feature two large piers, each accommodating four large cruise ships simultaneously, with a total capacity of over 22,000 cruisers per day. The ability to handle multiple large vessels at once will significantly increase the number of passengers visiting Belize. Additionally, Port Coral will offer a range of amenities and attractions, including three beaches, a pool zone, crew facilities, bars, restaurants, retail shops, and even a zip line. This resort-like atmosphere will enhance the overall cruise experience, providing both passengers and crew members with a diverse range of entertainment and relaxation options.

Beyond the port itself, Port Coral will serve as a gateway to the mainland of Belize, facilitating adventure excursions and cultural explorations. Visitors will have easy access to Mayan ruins tours and some of the best snorkelling spots in the Western Caribbean. The development of Port Coral is expected to increase the number of passengers visiting Belize City, with projections of reaching 1.8 million by 2023, a significant surge from the current 1 million annual visitors.

The construction of Port Coral demonstrates a commitment to investing in Belize's tourism industry and economic vitality. By addressing the need for additional docking facilities in the Western Caribbean, Port Coral is poised to become a highly desirable stop on cruise routes. With its convenient location, modern amenities, and access to the natural and cultural attractions of Belize, Port Coral is expected to have a substantial impact on cruise tourism in the country, elevating the overall cruise experience and contributing to the growth of Belize's tourism sector.

The development of Belize's cruise ports

Belize is currently undergoing a transformation of its cruise ports, with the development of the new cruise port, Port Coral, which is set to revolutionise cruise tourism in the country. Construction of the port is currently underway, with the Feinstein Group leading the project. Port Coral is located near Belize City and will serve as a desirable stop on Western Caribbean cruise routes. With state-of-the-art facilities, the 40-acre port will offer a unique experience to travellers, providing safe and easy access to the culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of Belize.

The development of Port Coral is aimed at enhancing the cruise tourism experience in Belize. The port will feature resort-like amenities, including three beaches, a pool zone, crew facilities, bars, restaurants, retail shops, and even a zip line. The project's first phase, valued at $67 million, will include two finger piers, allowing the port to accommodate four large cruise ships simultaneously. The construction manager for the project, Inter-coastal Marine Incorporated Company, is a leading marine construction company in Central America and the Caribbean, ensuring the highest standards for the new docking facility.

The opening of Port Coral is expected to have a significant impact on the number of passengers visiting Belize. With its convenient location and world-class facilities, the port is projected to increase annual passenger arrivals in Belize City from 1 million to 1.8 million by 2023. This growth will provide a boost to the local economy, as tourism is a major industry in Belize, employing one in four Belizeans. The development of Port Coral underscores the country's commitment to investing in its tourism infrastructure and creating economic vitality.

In addition to Port Coral, Belize has several other ports that play a crucial role in the country's economy. The Port of Belize, located in Belize City, is the largest port in the country and handles the majority of Belize's commercial imports and exports. Another notable port is the Port of Big Creek, a deep-water sea port facility in southern Belize primarily used for banana exports. The Commerce Bight Port, located near Dangriga, is also worth mentioning, although it is currently non-operational.

The opening date

The project is being developed in phases, with the first phase involving the construction of one pier and all upland works, which was targeted for mid- to late 2022. The second phase, involving the construction of the second pier, was planned for the second quarter of 2023.

The development of Port Coral is being managed by the construction company Inter-coastal Marine Incorporated Company, with Mike McFadden of MAC Maritime serving as the cruise industry liaison. The project is estimated to cost around $67 million, with a later estimate placing the cost at $90 million.

Port Coral is expected to revolutionize cruise tourism in Belize by offering a unique docking experience. It will serve as a gateway to Belize, providing easy access to its culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. The port will feature a range of amenities, including beaches, a pool zone, crew facilities, bars, restaurants, retail shops, and even a zip line.

The opening of Port Coral is highly anticipated, as it is expected to increase the number of passengers visiting Belize City significantly. With its modern facilities and convenient location, Port Coral will provide a smoother and more enjoyable experience for cruise passengers compared to the current challenges faced by Belize City.

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