For Royal Caribbean, the important thing about Tenerife is the pyramids of Güímar

For Royal Caribbean International, the important thing about the stop in Tenerife is “its mysterious pyramids. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Santa Cruz and visit the Pyramid Park, an area discovered by the world-famous adventurer Thor Heyerdahl. No one knows where the pyramids came from, but we assure you that you will never forget these strange constructions.”

It then recommends tourists to explore “the rich landscape of the Valle de La Orotava, marked by its spectacular viewpoints and impressive scenery. Visit the charming colonial city of Puerto de la Cruz.” In short, without undermining the undeniable attractions suggested, not mentioning the majestic Teide and the Las Cañadas National Park seems like an important omission. Take note, Tenerife Tourism, for appropriate action.

This is relevant because today the megacruiser “Independence of the Seas,” flagged in the Bahamas, is in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It arrived this morning from Funchal on its way to Las Palmas, on a cruise that started in Southampton with various stops. Once again, Royal Caribbean positions this iconic ship in this area of the Atlantic, which is good news for the sector.

Construction number 1,354 from the STX Finland shipyard in Turku (Finland), was built in a dry dock, where it first floated on April 30, 2007, and was delivered to its owners in May 2008. At the time, like the other ships in its series, it was the largest in the world.

It is a ship of 154,407 gross tonnage with main dimensions of 339 m in overall length - 303.21 m in length between perpendiculars - 38.60 m in beam and 8.60 m in draft. It is powered by six Wärtsila 12V46C engines, with a power of 75,600 kilowatts, which drive three azimuth pods – two movable and one fixed – allowing it to reach a cruising speed of 21.6 knots. IMO Code 9349681.

Photo: Pedro de la Fuente