Last Tuesday, St Kitts and Nevis: Denzil Douglas- Minister of Foreign Affairs of St Kitts and Nevis toured the world’s largest cruise ship– Icon of the Seas. He shared glimpses on social media and expressed pleasure over booming tourism sector.
He said that the interior of the ship is amazing and said that the cruise is once in a lifetime opportunity. Dr Douglas also extended gratitude to Marsh Henderson- tourism minister of St Kitts and Nevis, and said that the ministry has worked hard to make it possible.
The arrival of the Royal Caribbean’s giant has marked the commitment of the tourism ministry towards the enhancement of the sector. He also recalled his vision for the tourism sector and said that the cruise vessel has made it true.
He said,”Last Tuesday, January 30, like many others, including Cabinet Colleagues, etc, I had the opportunity to tour the World’s Largest Cruise Ship, Icon of the Seas.”
He said that Marsha Henderson and her team, to all others before her who helped in any way, should be lauded.
He also recalled the time of the closure of the Sugar Industry in 2005 and the collapse of the economy; Dr Douglas added that the tourism sector emerged as a great assistance for the financial sector of St Kitts and Nevis.
He added that after that, the sector has grown a lot, and the arrival of the vessel has proven it.
Dr Douglas asserted,” But nothing feels better than seeing one’s VISION being realized. After the closure of the Sugar Industry in 2005, we set out as a Government to diversify the economy to one of hospitality services etc”.
“St. Kitts-Nevis was one of the last few Islands, if not the last, to become a Tourism destination, but today, we’re punching way above our weight.”
The icon of the Seas docked at St Kitts and Nevis on January 30, 2024, with over 5,000 passengers. The ship consisted of eight neighbourhoods and 20 decks. The cruise vessel will return to St Kitts again in February 2024.