Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Commute to Cricket World Cup from Montserrat
01-29-2007

BRADES, Montserrat: Preparations are already underway in the Caribbean where thousands of cricket enthusiasts will be heading for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, starting in March.

Many West Indians, young and old, along with visitors from all over the world, are united under a common love for the sport, as the region prepares to host the games. Cricket fans looking to escape the crowds and inflated prices of host islands, while still enjoying the thrill of the game, need look no further than Montserrat.

“Demand for accommodations on the host islands is so high that prices are being doubled or even tripled. Here in Montserrat we have guesthouse accommodations from US$60 per room and rental villas for as little as US$250 per person for a whole week,” commented Ernestine Cassell, Director of Tourism, Montserrat Tourist Board. “As most of the cricket visitors will be in the Caribbean for several weeks, this will translate into an enormous cost saving to them. Additionally, they can experience everything else Montserrat has to offer - a laid-back, friendly atmosphere, beautiful nature, scuba diving and even our active volcano.”

Just a short hop from nearby host nations Antigua and St Kitts, Montserrat’s ideal location makes it possible for visitors to commute to cricket matches on either island and return to tranquil Montserrat in time for dinner.

Group A matches between Australia, South Africa, Scotland and the Netherlands will be held from March 13 – 25 in St Kitts, which is a 30-minute flight from Montserrat. Antigua, which is only a 15-minute flight away, will host the second stage Super 8 matches from March 27 – April 8.

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Montserrat or any of the Cricket World Cup host nations, making island hopping relatively simple.

Daily scheduled flights between Antigua and Montserrat are operated by Winair. Charter airline Air Montserrat will run services to both Antigua and St Kitts. Antigua-based Caribbean Helicopters and Carib Aviation also offer charter services.

This British overseas territory boasts the spectacular Soufrière Hills Volcano, a modern day Pompeii in the form of its buried former capital city Plymouth, alongside lush, green mountains, world-class nature trails, secluded dark sand beaches, untouched reefs and a quiet friendly charm reminiscent of the way the Caribbean used to be.