The Emerald Azzura Luxury Cruise Ship
The Emerald Azzurra, a luxury vessel operated by Emerald Cruises, made its inaugural call to Nevis on Tuesday, February 27, as part of its maiden Caribbean cruise. The sleek 100-passenger ship anchored off Charlestown, bringing 62 guests and several crew members to the island for the first time.
The visit marked an important moment in Nevis’ growing cruise tourism sector, offering passengers an opportunity to explore the island’s scenic beauty, historic charm, and warm hospitality.
Warm Welcome from Tourism Officials
A welcoming ceremony was held onboard the ship in the Amicci Lounge, where representatives from the Nevis Island Administration and the Nevis Tourism Authority greeted the captain and crew.
Presentation of Commemorative Gifts
John Hanley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, presented Captain Julian Burgess with a plaque to commemorate the occasion. He expressed gratitude for the ship’s visit and described Nevis as one of the most beautiful and friendly islands in the Caribbean.
Pheon Jones, Marketing and Sales Director for the Nevis Tourism Authority, also presented a commemorative gift and encouraged passengers to explore the island’s attractions. He invited them to stroll through historic Charlestown, visit the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, and enjoy island tours and local activities.
Representing the Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority, Human Resources Manager Ineata France welcomed the visit and presented an additional commemorative plaque to the Captain.
Captain’s First Visit to Nevis
Captain Julian shared that the inaugural call was also his personal first visit to the island. He expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and confidence that guests would enjoy their time in Nevis.
He noted his hope that Emerald Cruises would continue to make Nevis a regular stop on future itineraries. In return, he presented tourism officials with a plaque marking the ship’s first call to the island.
Tour of the Emerald Azzurra
Following the ceremony, the Nevis delegation was treated to breakfast aboard the ship and taken on a guided tour of the vessel. The Emerald Azzurra is known for offering an upscale, yacht-style cruise experience designed for intimate travel throughout the world’s most desirable destinations.
Premier Brantley Welcomes the Visit
Although Premier Mark Brantley, Minister of Tourism, was unable to attend the ceremony, he extended his appreciation to the captain, crew, and passengers for choosing Nevis as one of their first regional stops.
He emphasized that Nevis represents the authentic Caribbean and encouraged future visits, noting that the island offers an unforgettable blend of beauty, heritage, and hospitality.
A Strong Cruise Season for Nevis
The 2023–2024 cruise season has been a promising one for Nevis, with 52 scheduled calls. This includes inaugural visits from both the Emerald Azzurra and the Ritz-Carlton Evrima, highlighting the island’s growing appeal among luxury cruise lines.
As Nevis continues to strengthen its position in the regional cruise market, visits from high-end vessels such as the Emerald Azzurra are expected to contribute to increased tourism visibility and economic activity.