By Precious Mills
BASSETERRE St. Kitts (Thursday 28th September 2023)- Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson has revealed that for the 2023-2024 cruise season, there will be a total of 342 calls, bringing a capacity of 857,488 to our shores which includes highspending passengers and a visit by the world’s largest cruise ship as well as She made the disclosure on Thursday 28th September 2023 in giving remarks on topic having indicated that “Sunday 1st October 2023 marks the beginning of the cruise season and with it comes many opportunities.” According to her, we will welcome a total of eighteen (18) inaugural calls.
She said the largest ship in the world called Icon of the Seas will be visiting our shores on 30th January 2024 with a capacity of 7, 600 passengers. Henderson went on to say that featured on the inaugural line-up will be several high-end vessels from various lines which includes Celebrity X Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
“These magnificent ship redefines luxury and offer an unparalleled experience to our discerning guests with opulent amenities and personalized services, these vessels attract high-spending passengers who seek exclusivity and indulgence. Their presence ensures that our destination remains at the forefront of the luxury travel markets, stimulating economic growth and creating avenues for local businesses.
This is in fact keeping with our goal of attracting high value visitors who contribute significantly to the local economy through shopping, dining and excursions,” she said According to her, similar to last season, we will see fewer calls from Carnival Cruise lines due to the removal of a number of ships from its fleet including – LOCAL NEWS –
Carnival Fascination. “We will continue to experience the effects of the loss of San Juan as a home port. This has resulted in the shortening of cruise itineraries as cruise lines are now taking a longer cruise to the eastern
Caribbean due to home porting out of Florida. This fact is covered by critical challenges we’re facing in our industry today,” she outlined. The Tourism Minister also highlighted that the introduction of regulations to protect the environment through the emission of carbon emissions from cruise lines has become a major concern for industry partners.
“We’re all aware that it is our responsibility to protect our environment. We support all efforts geared towards climate adaptation and climate mitigation.” She added that one of the efforts being undertaken by cruise liners to protect our environment is the concept of slow steaming whereby cruise lines are required to lessen vessel speed to conserve fuel and gas emissions.
“Being mindful of this concept and the voyage from Florida to destination in the Eastern Caribbean, cruise liners now experience extended itineraries. We as a destination will continue to receive calls from Carnival nonetheless and all other cruise lines that have previously graced our shores.
So for this upcoming season, we’re poised to welcome a total of 342 calls, bringing a capacity of 857,488 to our shores,” she remarked. Front Page Image: Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson seen while delivering remarks about the upcoming 2023-2024 cruise season (Spokesman Screenshot: Facebook/Kittitian Heartbeat)
