Icon of the Seas at Port Zante, St Kitts. Photo: SKN Info

The Royal Caribbean ship, which is on its maiden seven-day voyage, arrived at Port Zante with over 5,000 passengers.

St Kitts and Nevis is the second Caribbean country to receive a commercial visit from Icon of the Seas.

A cultural show was held to display St Kitts and Nevis’ vibrant heritage to the visitors.

A host of local officials were on hand to witness the historic berthing of the world’s largest cruise ship.

“We are just really pleased that St Kitts and Nevis is the first port of call on its inaugural revenue sailing, and we really value our relationship with Royal Caribbean and we will just grow from strength to strength,” said Ellison Thompson, CEO of St Kitts Tourism Authority. 

Thompson said the prospect of having Icon of the Seas as a frequent visitor to St Kitts and Nevis is an exciting prospect for the local economy.

Russell Benford, Vice President of Government Relations for the Royal Caribbean Group, was pleased with the warm welcome that travellers received and expressed excitement about future visits.

“This ship, the Icon of the Seas, represents seven years of dreaming, innovation, design and construction just to get her here today and I am so happy to be here in St Kitts and Nevis to celebrate her inaugural call. We are super excited and we appreciate the hospitality,” he said.

The Icon of the Seas cruise left Miami on January 27 and made a stop at CocoCay, Bahamas.

Following the stop in St Kitts, the vessel will head to St Thomas, US Virgin Islands before heading back to Miami on February 3.