Saint Lucia welcomes Explora II on inaugural visit, highlights strong tourism ties

The Port Castries of Saint Lucia buzz with hundreds of tourists as they marked an inaugural visit of Explora II on Sunday, 17^th November, 2024. All the passengers and the crew members boarding the vessel were offered plethora of experiences, marking the inaugural visit of Explora II memorable for all.

As per the details, the first visit of Explora II was welcomed with a plaque exchange ceremony. The ceremony was attended by several delegates including the Ministry of Tourism of Saint Lucia, the key partners from Invest Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia Cruise Port, Port Agent Cox and Company Ltd.

Several agencies made presentations and presented Captain Serena with a token of appreciation as a part of the plaque exchange ceremony. The Explora II has the capacity to carry 922 passengers and over 600 crew members. The inaugural visit of the vessel marked a significant milestone, symbolizing the beginning of what is hoped to be a long and prosperous relationship between Explora II and Saint Lucia.

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority shed light on the inaugural visit of Explora II and the benefits that can be availed from this growing industry. They said that this vessel can play a significant role in providing substantial economic benefits to the country, boosting local vendors, taxi operators, tour guides, attractions, and restaurants across Saint Lucia.

Saint Lucia 2024-2025 Cruise Season

Saint Lucia kicked off their 2024-2025 cruise season on 10^th October, 2024 with the arrival of the Celebrity Summit and Rhapsody of the Seas, bringing 4,485 passengers and 1,756 crew members to the island. The season was officially launched in a traditional ceremony hosted by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority which was attended by several delegates.

During the official launch of the cruise season, the authorities shed light on their commitment of showcasing the stunning landscapes, rich culture and warm hospitality of Saint Lucia, bringing thousands of passengers to the country.

As per the details, the authorities are expected to mark the inaugural visits by 459 cruise calls, welcoming 823,132 passengers to the island nation. The authorities emphasized on their commitment and aimed at providing a plethora of experiences to all the tourists.

From exploring the lush rainforests, breathtaking beaches to enjoying the Sulphur Springs and mud baths, the authorities called Saint Lucia a place which has something to offer to all their visitors. The authorities said that they are committed to indulge everyone in the rich history and culture of the island nation, experiencing the warmth and friendly nature of the Saint Lucians.

INAUGURAL VISITS IN 2024-2025 CRUISE SEASON OF SAINT LUCIA

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority welcomed the inaugural visit by Ruby Express on 15^th October, 2024. The vessel boasts a capacity of 428 passengers is the newest member of the FRS-Express Des Iles fleet. This addition marked in the island nation would play a significant role in connecting Saint Lucia, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Dominica, with plans to expand across the Caribbean.

Following that, the authorities also welcomed MS Nautica to the shores of the country for the first time on 14^th November, 2024. The vessel marked its inaugural visit with a plaque exchange ceremony, attended by several delegates. The plaque was a token of appreciation presented from the Government of Saint Lucia to the Captain of the vessel, MS Nautica.

These inaugural visits by the vessels are expected to mark a new relationship which play a significant role in boosting the tourism sector and enhancing the economy of the country.