Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy Asot Michael has thanked the Carnival Corporation for being the first cruise line to make contact with the destination and offering their support and tangible assistance in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
The Tourism Minister offered his gratitude during a courtesy visit with the Captain and Crew of the Carnival Fascination upon their call on Antigua on Friday. He was joined on his visit by CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James, and CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, Darwin Telemaque.
Antigua’s cruise facilities with its four berths were given the all clear following Hurricane Irma and are open to receive all ship calls.
The cruise which originated out of San Juan, Puerto Rico is on a seven-day itinerary, and will make its last stop in St. Kitts, before returning to Puerto Rico. The ship arrived in Antigua’s port to a carnival-like atmosphere complete with steel pan music and cultural performers.
“I would like to thank Captain Donato and Carnival Cruise lines who by their call today to the port of St John’s, has sent the signal loud and clear that we are indeed open for business,” Michael said.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, I would like to thank Carnival Cruise Lines for their support for our destination and the endorsement of our cruise facilities here in the Port of St John’s. Your call today and those that are scheduled for the upcoming season will make the world of a difference.”
The vessel docked with over 1700 cruise passengers and crew, who by their visit to Antigua will be contributing towards the first steps of rebuilding Barbuda.
Captain Candeloro Donato of Carnival Fascination, in his remarks at the reception said: “On behalf of the crew, our guests and myself, we would like to thank you for the warm welcome. Our mission is to support the islands.
“Next week, we should be arriving again and bringing supplies to the island of Antigua and Barbuda to help with the rebuilding of Barbuda,” the Carnival Fascination’s Captain noted.
