Ilma and MV Villa Vie Odyssey grace Saint Lucia’s shores with their inaugural visits

Two vessels namely, Ilma and MV Villa Vie Odyssey marked their inaugural port calls to Soufriere on Saturday, 16^th November, 2024. The vessels brought hundreds of passengers to the island nation, marking a significant boost in the tourism sector of the country.

As per the details, the inaugural calls of both the cruise ships were commemorated with a plaque exchange ceremony aboard the vessel. The ceremony was attended by several tourism delegates, including the Ministry of Tourism, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, as well as representatives from Port Agents Cox & Company and Platinum Port Agency.

The delegates extended a warm welcome to the captains of both the vessels, celebrating the beginning of new and prosperous relations between the country and the vessel. The authorities also thanked the captains, crew members and all passengers boarding the vessels for choosing Saint Lucia as a port of call.

Ilma is the second superyacht by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection which made its inaugural visit to Saint Lucia. The vessel has the capacity to carry 448 passengers and is known for its exceptional amenities and warm hospitality.

The Captain of the vessel, Ilma, Magnus Bengtsson expressed his admiration for Soufriere’s charm and his excitement to be in the part of this world. He said that it is his pleasure to be in Saint Lucia on behalf of Rich Carlton Yacht Collection. He thanked everyone for giving him, the crew members and all the passengers a pleasant and calm welcome on their inaugural call to Saint Lucia.

The Captain of MV Villa Vie Odyssey, Valentin Giuglea also lauded the breathtaking beauty, vibrant culture and traditions of the country. He thanked the authorities for the warm reception of his passengers and crew members, making their inaugural visit to Saint Lucia memorable and comfortable.

The General Manager of Saint Lucia Cruise Port also shed light on the inaugural visit by these vessels. He said that they are thrilled to welcome these exceptional and beautiful cruise ships to the shores of the country. He further expressed his desire of providing a plethora of experiences to all their passengers and crew members, making their visit unforgettable.

He also said that they are committed to showcase the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Saint Lucia to all their passengers. He further said that they are adamant to enhance the growth and development of the island nation.

The Corporate Communications and the Marketing Manager at SRDF (Soufriere Regional Development Fund), Lovely St Aime Joseph ensured to continue to collaborate with tourism stakeholders. She said that they are making every possible effort with a motive to ensure that Soufriere remains a part of choice for each tourist.

“I would like to welcome you to Soufriere. Thank you. We are the jewel in Saint Lucia’s Crown. It’s a town of breathtaking beauty, culture, history. Our people are very warm and inviting, so we have no doubt that you will certainly enjoy the experience in Port Soufriere,” stated Lovely St Aime Joseph.

The Member of Parliament, Emma Hippolyte also shed light on the importance of these visits by Ilma and MV Villa Vie Odyssey. She said that these visits by the cruises will play a huge role in developing the Soufriere as a leading tourism destination. She said that all these visits by the vessels are boosting the business of taxi operators as well, proving to be highly beneficial for them by keeping them busy transporting passengers between the ports.

“I’m excited. And even when I walked in, the taxi drivers are saying. So, it is saying that they are happy. We are happy,” noted the Member of Parliament of Soufriere, Emma Hippolyte.

She further said that it is extremely important for them to welcome new vessels into the port and welcome a large number of travellers to the country. She shed light on her commitment to continue to make efforts with a vision to make Saint Lucia, a premier cruise destination for travellers.

The Government of Saint Lucia has also shared their desire to surpass the record set by them in 2019 by welcoming the highest cruise arrivals in the 2024-2025 cruise season, that is 459. The administration said that they are committed to break all their past records by creating more job opportunities and boosting the economy of the country.