A major fair for the main companies who offer cruises to Lanzarote and the Canaries is being held in Arrecife on February 19th and 20th. As island authorities attempt to improve upon last years figures, when just over 300,000 tourists docked at Puerto Marmoles.

This two day event will be attended by some of the biggest cruise line companies, such as Royal Caribbean and Pullmantur. In total, nineteen companies are expected to attend the fair, which will be held in the Parque Ramirez Cerda on the seafront of Arrecife. Visitors will get the chance to sign up for exclusive promotions and discounts, with some voyages offered at 55% of their listed price.

Each company will have a stand at the fair, where there will also be live music from Batucada Villa People, El Golpito and the group Raices as well as activities for children. Amongst the companies to be represented is Costa Cruceros, who yesterday announced that they will be reinstating Lanzarote on its tour itinerary from 2012.

The Disney Line Cruise will also have a presence at the fair, alongside Celebrity Cruises, Azamara, Costa Cruceros, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Politours River Cruises, Iberocruceros, NCL, Quail Cruises, The World of Cruises, Pullmantur, Panavision Tours and Croisieurope.

Voyaging by sea has become increasingly popular over the last decade, with the variety of destinations and companies constantly expanding. The port of Arrecife received 300,949 visitors during 2010, an increase of 1.10% in comparison with the number of tourists disembarking on the island in 2009.

This new fair is being organized by the Ayuntamiento of Arrecife in conjunction with the travel company, Viajes La Molina.