As expected, the Mexican cruise ship port of Costa Maya -- which took almost a direct hit from category five Hurricane Dean last month -- will be out-of-service longer than originally forecast with developers now hoping to reopen the port in September 2008.

A spokesperson for the port said the first phase of construction and cleanup would begin Sept. 17th with the top priority rebuilding sections of the pier that would enable two ships to berth by this time next year.

The restaurants, bars, shops, pool and beach areas that had been constructed next to the cruise ship pier will also be rebuilt and set to reopen in September 2008, the spokesperson said.

Just a mile south of the port, the oceanfront village of of Majahual was also devastated by Hurricane Dean.

The statement said that "presently, 100 workers are conducting cleanup of the beach and small fishing village. Restoration of services, including phone lines and electricity, are already underway.

"The rehabilitation project, funded with 18 million Mexican pesos, or more than 1.5 million U.S. dollars, by Fonatur, Sectur and the Government of Quintana Roo, also includes the creation of a new boardwalk along Majahual's beach. Fonatur's announcement with specific development plans is expected by the end of the month."