POINTE BLANCHE--When cruise ship Viking Sea glided into port this morning residents and business felt a notch more of hope following almost three months of looking out at a cruise ship-less Great Bay.\n\n
The last time a cruise ship was in port was very early in September and when the horrors monster Hurricane Irma would wreak were not even a distant nightmare.\n\n
Viking Sea came into port early this morning and its some-930 passengers eagerly headed out to get a first-hand view of the country’s recovery and to indulge in its delights – shopping, dining and lounging on the beach. Snapping up duty-free items was also high on their to-do list. Their first impression of the country was filled with steelpan music, energetic stilt walkers and cultural dancers.\n\n
Caretaker Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher was at the port to welcome the ship along with other government and port officials. The minister went aboard to present a commemorative plaque to the ship’s captain.\n\n
The next cruise ship in port will be Marelle Discovery tomorrow, Tuesday, followed by Marelle Celebration on Friday. The first very large cruise ship Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas is scheduled for Saturday, December 17.\n\n
December is the first month post-Irma to see ships back in port. Only 11 of its 31 days, so far, are ships days.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/71521-first-cruise-ship-with-passengers-post-irma-welcomed-into-port"
