BASSETERRE (9th December, 2015): Britannia, the largest cruise ship ever built for UK tourists, brought more than 4,000 passengers on its maiden visit to St. Kitts on Tuesday.
Tourism stakeholders went onboard the Britannia to welcome passengers and crew, and to participate in a plaque-exchange ceremony to commemorate the inaugural visit.
Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Racquel Brown, pointed out that the Britannia was the largest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet, with a capacity of 4,372 passengers. The Britannia will make a total of seven calls to the destination, in a cruise season that promises to bring more than a million passengers to St. Kitts.
“On behalf of the government and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis I welcome all onboard the magnificent Britannia to our shores. I know you will appreciate the warmth, the beauty and the friendliness of our people,” CEO Brown said. “Six ships from P&O Cruises will make a total of 18 calls, bringing more than 55,000 passengers to St. Kitts. This is indeed a significant vote of confidence in our destination, which we appreciate greatly.”
Captain of the Britannia, Paul Brown, said he has been coming to St. Kitts for more than 20 years, and that he was impressed with the gradual development of the island’s cruise sector.
“Indeed it is with great pleasure I brought Britannia in to St. Kitts, which is one of our favorite Caribbean destination,” Captain Brown said. “I have no doubts that our passengers will have a great time, and in their enjoyment they will spend some money to the benefit of your economy.”
Also present at the plaque-exchange ceremony were officials from the St. Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority, Customs, the Police High Command, the media and the ship’s agents Delisle Walwyn & Company Limited.
Britannia is the newest member of P&O Cruises fleet and Britain's biggest and newest cruise ship. In March of this year the ship was officially named by Queen Elizabeth II. Built in Italy, the new vessel has 15 passenger decks, 13 bars and 13 restaurants, a three-tier atrium, a 936-seat theatre, four swimming pools, and a multimillion-pound art collection. It also boasts a spa, children's areas, a gym, library, extensive shops and a sports arena. The 1,082ft long ship can carry 3,647 passengers and 1,350 crew over 18 decks.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
