Cruiseliner Cancels Visits
The Carnival Cruise Line announced yesterday that it was cancelling visits to the port of Limón following the increased violence on tourists.

Last Wednesday, a group of Carnival Cruise Line passengers were attacked as they toured the city. One of the assailants was killed by the tourists, causing a wave of international press over the incident.

Saturday the Carnival Cruise Line "Legend", with 3.100 tourists on board, was to have docked in Limón, but the ship never made port, an action that may be repeated in the coming week.

Jorge Cayasso of the Humberto Alavarez agency that handles the arrival of cruise ships at the port said that his is not the first time that tourists have been assaulted. Cayasso said that last December a foreigner was shot in the stomach near the Parque Vargas, which is next to the docks.

"It is difficult to sell or assure the arrival of cruise ships at Limón when a number of tourists have been victim of crime", said Cayasso.

The ministro de Turismo, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, said that police will be posted at the time of arrival of a cruise ship and working together with Japdeva, the Fuerza Pública and the Cámara de Turimso, they will assure visitors safety.

The next cruise ship to dock at Limón is expected on March 12.