Art Dynamited For Cruise Ships
A report from the Associate Press covers the removal of a 2006-built steel sculpture to facilitate easier access to San Juan’s cruise piers.
The huge sculpture, which looks like a paper aeroplane, has prevented larger cruise ships from docking at San Juan, Puerto Rico. After explosives failed to dislodge the artwork, crews began to remove the cables supporting its giant wings. The sculpture, which was placed at the site as part of a $30-million project to build a new port in Old San Juan, was partially funded by Royal Caribbean International.
The problem of larger vessels using these berths came to light last December when tourism officials were forced to delay and move a news conference aboard CARNIVAL DREAM when the ship was unable to dock because the sculpture was in the way. An alternative berth at the port was in use, so the ship was forced to sail on to the Turks and Caicos islands.
Final demolition is expected early this week.
Photo credit: by Linda Garrison About.com Guide to Cruises http://cruises.about.com
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I’ve docked next to it so many times and actually love the bold design. It’s too bad they didn’t widen the pier instead. Shame for sure.
Wonder how long it’s been there? My last 7 day eastern cruise there several years ago. I didn’t see it.
I’m glad it’s gone. I have berthed near it numerous times…could never figure the significance of it. I’d rather gaze out over magnificent ships moored there.
I saw it being built, wondered what it was to be, and saw it at completion. What a waste of money. Glad to see it gone. I thought it was a modern interpritation of a babies diaper, airing in the breeze.
Widening the pier would have been a better choice of blowing, pardon the pun, all that money.