The Mexican cruise port of Costa Maya, which was devastated last August by Hurricane Dean which destroyed much of its pier and port infrastructure, will be again ready for cruise ship visits in July, according to Mexican officials.

The officials told persons attending the annual Seatrade Convention in Miami that Costa Maya not only will be able to receive ships months ahead of schedule, but the pier will be able to accommodate huge new ship's like Royal Caribbean's Genesis and NCL's F3.

Costa Maya marketing director Cesar Lizarraga said the port had been rebuilt in "record time," and said the Mexican government had also played a big role in reconstruction of the neighboring fishing village of Majahual, which also was badly damaged by the hurricane.

"Costa Maya is back and it is stronger than ever," Lizarraga said.

There was no immediate word on when cruise ships, which have been substituting other ports on itineraries that formerly included Costa Maya, would start again calling at the port.