Cunard’s ocean liner and flag ship, Queen Mary 2, docked at the stunning venue of Flam in the Norweigian Fjords surrounded by clouds hanging low over the surrounding mountain landscape. Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
The Queen Mary II will make an unscheduled visit to the Austin Monsanto Terminal on Saturday at 6 a.m. and depart at 6 p.m.
“The USVI is open for business. The territory’s merchants, taxi drivers, tour operators, restaurant owners and all others connected directly and indirectly to the Tourism Industry are excited to welcome this additional cruise call to St. Thomas,” said VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe.
The Queen Mary II is a transatlantic ocean liner operated by Cunard Line with a passenger capacity of 2,695 passengers and 1,200 crew members.
Two weeks ago the world's largest cruise ship, the Wonder of the Seas, made its maiden voyage to the USVI when it docked in Crown Bay.
Though Wonder of the Seas accommodates 6,988 total guests and has 2,300 international crew members, it brought along 4,848 passengers and 2,150 crew members to the USVI during its maiden voyage. The ship was built in France and began sailing in March of this year.
V.I. Port Authority Executive Director, Carlton Dowe, thanked Royal Caribbean for the partnership and commitment to the U.S. Virgin Islands. He also highlighted that Royal Caribbean is currently the only cruise line traveling to St. Croix, which Mr. Dowe sees as a testimony to the cruise line's commitment to the territory.
"We look forward to seeing you again, and again and again," Mr. Dowe said during the ceremony where plagues were exchanged. The executive director later told the Consortium that the partnership with Royal Caribbean is projected to see continued growth with more calls both in St. Thomas and St. Croix.
