Barbados registers growth in cruise arrivals
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| Published on Monday, November 23, 2009 |
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BRIDGETOWN, Barbados -- An additional 24,000 persons are expected to cruise to Barbados over the coming winter season following the inaugural call of the Mein Schiff cruise ship.
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| Director of Cruise Tourism at the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), Ryan Blackett, presenting a token of appreciation to Mein Schiff captain, Kjell Holm, to commemorate their inaugural call to the Bridgetown Port. |
Previously known as the Celebrity Galaxy, Mein Schiff made its initial visit to Barbados on Monday November 9 and one week later welcomed aboard officials from the Barbados Port Authority, the Barbados Tourism Authority, Foster & Ince Cruise Services, Platinum Port Agency, the media and other important guests for an official tour of the vessel.
The ship, which will primarily target the German market, boasts the longest bar and the largest spa afloat, and can accommodate in excess of 2,600 passengers. Mein Schiff will continue to offer two – 14 night cruising options throughout the Caribbean from November 2009 until April 2010.
Speaking during the official welcome ceremony, Captain, Kjell Holm said that TUI Cruises, a new brand created following a 50-50 partnership between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises, was a “win-win situation”, since both companies had great prowess in the travel and cruise industries respectively.
At the end of October, Barbados registered a 6.7 per cent increase in cruise ship arrivals compared to the corresponding period January – October in 2008. As more travellers continue to seek greater value for their travel monies, many are turning to the all-inclusive cruise option. This ought to prove profitable for the Caribbean, which remains the world’s No. 1 cruise destination.
Meanwhile, officials of the Bridgetown Port have expressed their intention to implement a major redevelopment project at the Bridgetown Port to enhance its homeporting prospects, as well as improve the overall welcome experience for cruise visitors. | | | | Reads : 983 | | | |
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