Royal Caribbean’s – Icon of the Seas
Basseterre, St. Kitts – St. Kitts and Nevis celebrated a major milestone in its cruise tourism industry on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, as the Federation became the first official destination visited by the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas. Part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, the ship selected St. Kitts and Nevis as its inaugural stop after departing Miami on January 27 for its maiden voyage.
The arrival of this groundbreaking vessel at Port Zante in Basseterre marks a significant achievement for the islands. It reflects the global appeal of St. Kitts and Nevis as a premier cruise destination and highlights years of development, collaboration, and investment in the nation’s tourism infrastructure.
A New Chapter for Cruise Tourism
The visit of Icon of the Seas symbolizes a new era for the Federation’s tourism sector. The ship’s decision to call at St. Kitts and Nevis underscores the destination’s strong reputation, modern facilities, and commitment to providing a high-quality experience for travelers from around the world.
Government officials and tourism stakeholders were on hand to welcome the vessel, reaffirming the importance of continued partnerships and innovation in maintaining the islands’ competitive edge in the cruise market.
Tourism Authority Celebrates the Milestone
Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, expressed pride and enthusiasm during the inaugural call. He emphasized the significance of being chosen as the first port of call on the ship’s revenue voyage.
According to Thompson, the strong partnership between St. Kitts and Nevis and Royal Caribbean continues to grow, driven by a shared vision for the future of cruise tourism. He noted that the presence of such an iconic vessel at Port Zante is a clear indication of the Federation’s ongoing progress.
Royal Caribbean Recognizes the Achievement
Russell Benford, Vice President of Government Relations for the Royal Caribbean Group, also reflected on the importance of the moment. He described the ship as the product of seven years of innovation, design, and construction, explaining that the arrival in St. Kitts and Nevis represents the culmination of a tremendous global effort.
Benford expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality shown during the visit and highlighted the excitement surrounding the ship’s future relationship with the islands.
Cultural Celebrations Mark the Occasion
To honor the historic arrival, St. Kitts and Nevis hosted a series of cultural performances and festive activities. These events showcased the islands’ rich heritage, vibrant music, and warm community spirit. Cruise passengers were treated to authentic displays of local culture, offering a memorable introduction to the Federation.
The celebration not only welcomed visitors but also expressed national pride, signaling the Federation’s readiness to embrace new opportunities in the expanding cruise tourism landscape.
As Icon of the Seas continues its journey, St. Kitts and Nevis stands proudly as the first destination to welcome the world’s largest cruise ship—an achievement that highlights its rising prominence and commitment to excellence in Caribbean tourism.