The arrival on Saturday of the largest cruise ship to visit Antigua – P&O Cruises Arvia and the homeporting operations that accompanies it – were the subject of praise for the country over the weekend.
The vessel docked at 6:00am at St. John’s Harbour amidst strong winds of 28 knots which normally would have made docking difficult, however, according to Captain Paul Brown, the Arvia entered the harbour and docked without a hitch.
The Arvia arrived with over 4000 passengers and a crew of approximately 1700 persons.
It’s arrival was the successful culmination of a massive operation involving Antigua Cruise Ports, the Antigua Port Authority, the Immigration and Customs departments, the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority and the Arvia’s local agent, Delisle, Walwyn and Francis.
Captain Brown explained that three charter flights arrived in Antigua and Barbuda with more than 700 passengers from the United Kingdom who were set to join the cruise in St. John’s
From here, they would go on to enjoy either 7 or 14-day cruises that will end in Antigua and Barbuda from where they will return to the UK on a departing charter flight.
Captain Brown, who has been transporting tourists to Antigua and Barbuda for thirty-two years, said he was “very pleased” with the government’s investment in developing the facilities at St. John’s Harbour.
These include the fifth pier which was designed to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships.
“I appreciate the developments including Heritage Quay, the Nevis Street Pier and now this new facility. It’s a huge investment, but one that will pay dividends in the end,” he said.
Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez said he was pleased with the Arivia’s smooth arrival as a great deal of planning preceded its arrival.
“We have officials from P&O Cruise Line here observing what has been happening as this is the first season with four scheduled calls.
“Next season we are hoping to see an increase and we also know that Royal Caribbean will also be keeping an eye on what has been happening here as they too are looking at possible homeporting, but also to bring their bigger ships which [are] wider and a little longer than the Arvia,” he said.
Fernandez noted that Royal Caribbean had also been monitoring the Arvia’s arrival and ability to dock, especially in the face of windy conditions.
General Manager of Antigua Cruise Ports, Dona Regis-Prosper, said homeporting operations is important as it will help to develop the skills set of cruise and tourism industry workers.
“Apart from the impact on revenue and the economy, it’s very important that we develop our human capital so there are significant skills that are being developed here in Antigua today,” she stated,
Spokesman for Delisle, Walwyn, Francis, Clayton Perkins, explained that the arrival of the Arvia signalled the culmination of six months of planning.
He also noted that the company employed an additional ninety people to ensure the operation was adequately manned.
The services of thirteen large capacity buses were also engaged to ensure that arriving passengers were smoothly transported from the V. C. International Airport to St. John’s Harbour.
The next departures under the new homeporting arrangement will take place on 11th and 25th February and 11th March.
Once the winter tourist season ends, new cruise departures will resume in November and continue in each cruise season until 2025.
. Capt. Paul Browne and Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez exchange pleasantries with the Arvia in the background
