Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas made its inaugural call to port VI yesterday November 5, 2012. Photo: VINO

Hon. Vanterpool making a presentation of a plaque to captain of the Vision of the Seas, Lis Lauritzen. Photo: VINO

Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark Vanterpool represented the territory in welcoming the captain Lis Lauritzen and crew of the vessel in place of Premier and Minister for Tourism Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith.

Hon. Vanterpoool presented a plaque as a token of commemoration and appreciation for the ship’s first visit and expressed the government’s appreciation and excitement at having the ship for the first time in the VI.

Captain Lauritzen in turn presented a plaque on behalf of her ship and crew to Hon. Vanterpool and also exchanged plaques with local cruise agent Patricia Romney, who represented Romney Associates Consultants Ltd.

Hon. Vanterpool, who also holds responsibility for ports and harbours, expressed the territory's pleasure of having the first time visitors whom he was sure would not be visiting for the last and encouraged the captain to have her guests and crew experience the real VI hospitality. Captain Lauritzen assured that she would get out at some point during the cruise and experience the tour personally.

He related that there were developments on the cards and promised that the current ‘Tent City’ would no longer be there on her return voyage noting the current preparations being done currently at the Crafts Alive Village and also encouraging guests of the ship to partake in the many tours and to visit the historical sites and Main Street along the way.

The ship departed Fort Lauderdale two days ago, made the VI its first port of call, and will next turn to St Maarten followed by Antigua and St Lucia.

The ship, which is currently on a 10-day eastern Caribbean cruise, is expected to visit at least four additional times in the near future as it continues its journey over the coming months on both eastern and western cruises.

The 78,000 ton Vision of the Seas made its inaugural launch in 1998 and boasts a beautiful interior and exterior with 11 decks and eight pools and whirlpools in addition to eight themed bars and lounges with a crew of over 700 persons.

As recent as October 29, 2012 the Virgin Islands welcomed to its port for the first time the luxurious MV Queen Victoria.

The majestic vessel was launched in 2007 by the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla who is the wife of Prince Charles.
The MV Queen Victoria began its voyage to the Caribbean from Southampton on October 19, 2012. “We have six islands [to visit] starting with Antigua, St. Martin, Tortola, St. Kitts, Grenada and then Barbados. On the way back we will stop on the island of Madeira. We are scheduled to arrive in Southampton on November 11, 2012,” Captain Peter Philpott had stated to Virgin Islands News Online.

MV Queen Victoria is a cruise ship operated by the Cunard Line, and is named after Queen Victoria. It usually has some 2000 guests on board and some 950 crew members, according to Captain Philpott.