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‘It would be a shame if port calls to VI are discontinued’- CCL Captain

- Carnival Conquest makes first call to the VI
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Amid the controversy surrounding the cancellation of port calls to the VI for a the latter part of 2014 and beyond by Carnival Cruise Line and berthing rights negotiations by Government with Disney Cruise Line (DCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Captain of the Carnival Conquest, Francesco La Fauci, has commented that it is a shame if Carnival Cruise Line stops coming to the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO
Amid the controversy surrounding the cancellation of port calls to the VI for a the latter part of 2014 and beyond by Carnival Cruise Line and berthing rights negotiations by Government with Disney Cruise Line (DCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Captain of the Carnival Conquest, Francesco La Fauci, has commented that it is a shame if Carnival Cruise Line stops coming to the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
Carnival Conquest's first call to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Amid the controversy surrounding the cancellation of port calls to the VI for the latter part of 2014 and beyond by Carnival Cruise Line and berthing rights negotiations by Government with Disney Cruise Line (DCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Captain of the Carnival Conquest, Francesco La Fauci, has commented that it would be a shame if Carnival Cruise Line stops coming to the Virgin Islands.

The 10-year-old Carnival Conquest made its first stop to the Virgin Islands on November 14, 2013 and received a warm reception from Premier Dr the Hon. D. Orlando Smith, along with Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority Claude Skelton-Cline, officials of the BVI Tourist Board and representatives of Romney and Associates, the local agent for Carnival Cruise Line.

Captain La Fauci told Virgin Islands News Online he heard there were negotiations with NCL and DCL over berthing rights but noted that it is also important, in the best interest of the territory, that a good relationship is also maintained between the Virgin Islands and Carnival Cruise Line.

“We love the island and would love to keep coming back and also sustaining the economy of the island. The passengers love Tortola and it would be a shame if calls to the island are discontinued. I hope that this negotiation will move forward so that the Carnival Cruise Line will continue to visit the territory,” La Fauci said.

The captain of 16 years noted that he has come to the Virgin Islands many times before with another ship- Carnival Triumph, and was sure to have nice comments for his superior back in Miami. “I am more than glad to keep coming back to Tortola.”

Meanwhile, Premier Smith said the Virgin Islands has had a relationship with Carnival for many years and they had brought many passengers to the territory. “We look forward to a continued relationship…,” Premier Smith said before encouraging the captain to go ashore to get a better appreciation for what the territory has to offer as a tourism destination.

Meanwhile, plaques were presented to the Captain on behalf of Government and Romney Associates, while the BVI Tourist Board presented the Captain with a gift.

The 7-day cruise with Carnival Conquest started in New Orleans, USA and had stops in Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands, La Romana in the Dominican Republic and with scheduled stops to St Thomas, USVI and San Juan in Puerto Rico before heading to Miami.

The vessel brought some 2800 passengers to the Virgin Islands, which the captain said was below the normal figure as there are usually over 3000 passengers. The passenger capacity of the ship is 3700.

19 Responses to “‘It would be a shame if port calls to VI are discontinued’- CCL Captain”

  • 111 (18/11/2013, 08:30) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Look how ndp giving up carnival taking bread out ah we mouth lawd
  • Seriously! (18/11/2013, 08:58) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    The BVI is a beautiful country but there is no way you can tell that from the view aboard the cruise ship. I have been on 3 cruises and the cruise ship dock in the BVI is the weakest I have seen. There is nothing you can see from the ship inticing passengers to come of weather natural or man made.

    Something has to be done to boost our attractiveness in that area it is just not acceptable in the condition it is.
  • Champ (18/11/2013, 09:23) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    if they would one project at a time things would be a lot better.but jumping here and there want to rush and do every thing one time they must end up in problems .election will come and still nothing done sorry ndp we wise up now
  • Real! (18/11/2013, 09:24) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    They LOVE our Islands so much that they flat our REFUSE to pay us any taxes for developing our Ports. They don't want to sign any long term agreements so when things no longer suits them they pack up shop. BVI people you all need to wake up and stop playing politics with everything. Two companies agreeing to give us sure revenue for 15yrs and another company holding us ransom with promises of gold.
  • now sah (18/11/2013, 09:49) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I prefer them to build the queen elizabeth park by the cruise pier because it make more sense to me.
  • egg face (18/11/2013, 10:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    i agree but NDP listens to no one
  • pat (18/11/2013, 11:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    the captain and passengers already love the BVI. Given their itinerary- with all the development at those ports- I would think that BVI is refreshing. Yes, clean up the arrival area- but not a big shopping mall village...
  • yes (18/11/2013, 12:15) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    I must say Shereen Flax looks really nice. Your lip color is popping.
  • I wonder (18/11/2013, 13:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is the minister resonsible for the port he aint in none of these picture I WONDER WHY
  • in the news (18/11/2013, 14:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we still waiting to hear with Orlando came up with to same carnival
  • Enquirer (18/11/2013, 14:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    And what will the Premier, Mark and Claud do? All depends on what has already been signed with NCL and DCL. Only another leak will bring this to light.
    • @ Enquirer (18/11/2013, 20:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      For the first time in a long while I totally agree with you!!!
  • good hands (18/11/2013, 21:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Everyone in life has a different calling but Politics is not cut out for Smith
  • VI Diaspora (25/11/2013, 16:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would strongly encourage those with concern for infrastructural development in the tourism industry to visit the Port of Cozumel, Mexico and use it as an example for enhancing the cruise dock development there in Road Town, also, examples pf some of the cultural tours they have developed to tell the history of the country (Mexico). Should those be possible to be implemented there in Road Town, or other ports of entry, They would no doubt boost as well as enhance the appearance of the port of entry (tourism industry). That can be a stage 1 development should it not be possible to carry the present plans which are now being persued.


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