Santo Domingo.- The capital is expecting to host at least 70,000 tourists this cruise ship season, which was launched at Santo Domingo port yesterday with the arrival of the Braemar with 1,800 passengers on board.

Luis Molina, executive director of the Sans Souci Group, said that they were making great efforts, together with the Dominican Ports Authority, the Port Special Security Corps and the Navy, to provide the greatest possible protection for visitors to the city.

The cruise season lasts until April 2008, said Molina. Weather conditions affecting the country and the port area in particular postponed the start of this year’s season, which was scheduled to start on October 31.

“The Santo Domingo Port operator, despite the adversity caused by the recent heavy rains, has nevertheless worked to ensure that the 2007-2008 cruise season will be beneficial for the city of Santo Domingo”, he said.