OK so I've got to replace my tires.

My Continental Touring Plus on the rear has developed a bulge.
Though I've been fairly pleased with this tire overall, I wanted to replace it with a Marathon Plus.

LBS stocks normal Marathon in 700x28, 32, and 35. I could have them today and be riding them tomorrow.
The Marathon Plus I'd have to order, and figure out some other way to get my bike up and running in the meantime.

My route is cactus/thorny-plant -lined bike path, then through an industrial area to the airport. Normal tires don't last very long between cactus spines, thorns, nails, staples, and broken glass.

Do I sacrifice a great deal of puncture resistance if I go with the Marathons vs the Marathon Plus?

Any advice is welcomed