Antigua and Barbuda: Valiant Lady docks at Heritage Quay with 2270 passengers

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda: The Ministry of Tourism welcomed the Valiant Lady of Virgin Voyage Cruise Ship to Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday, 18th January 2024. The ship will make five more cruise calls for the 2023/2024 season.  

It is to be noted that Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism of Antigua and Barbuda, Colin C. James, the CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, along with representatives from Antigua Cruise Port and the ship’s agent Bryson’s Shipping, welcomed the “Valiant Lady.”

Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, expressed his happiness during the inauguration and plaque exchange ceremony of the Virgin Voyages cruise line to the island.

While expressing his happiness, Minister Fernandez stated that “after previous negotiations, we finally get to welcome and celebrate this accomplishment of having Virgin Voyages doing 5 calls to our shores this season.”

The Valiant Lady is an adult-only cruise ship that hailed from Puerto Rico. It will depart from the Redcliffe Quay pier at 10 pm, having a late departure time out of Antigua, which will play a pivotal role in providing better business opportunities to the stakeholders of St. John’s.

Moreover, Valiant Lady was the first “lady ship” from Virgin Voyages to visit the twin-island nation. The majestic vessel eased its way into Heritage Quay with 2,270 passengers onboard. The adults-only ship will make five more trips to Antigua before the end of the season.

Captain Justin Lawes brought 1000 crew members and 2400 visitors to Antigua and Barbuda. He also praised the smooth sailing into the twin-island nation and the hospitality services of the personnel of Port Operation.

The residents of Antigua and Barbuda also extended their happiness through social media accounts. One person with a Facebook handle stated, “I have waited 3 years for this moment Virgin Voyages to reach our shores, St John’s damn she’s so pretty under the night lights Valiant Lady.”

While another person with a Facebook account Harold Camacho commented the following “Yeah it’s here today, saw it this morning, still docked up till now.”

January is the busiest month for Antigua Cruise Port

The administration of Antigua and Barbuda also welcomed the Valiant Lady of Virgin Voyages and shed light on the remarkable achievements of Antigua Cruise Port. Arvia had her first turnaround call of the year on 13th January and SeaDream II had her first homeporting operation with the organization at the Nevis Street Pier on 14th January.

Overall, January is the busiest month for Antigua’s cruise port, as 91,706 cruise passengers visited the island by the 18th of January with 42 calls. The month will close with 76 calls and over 160,000 arrivals of passengers.