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St. Croix Call Friday Signals Return of Cruise-Ship Stops

Nov. 26, 2008 — St. Croix will welcome the first cruise ship of the season Friday when Oceania Regatta docks at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in Frederiksted, marking the return of regularly scheduled cruise calls to St. Croix after a long hiatus.
Welcoming festivities planned by the Department of Tourism will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until the ship's departure at 6 p.m. Entertainment includes performances by the Rising Stars Steel Pan Orchestra, The Guardians of Culture Mocko Jumbies, the St. Croix Educational Complex Quelbe Band and the St. Croix Heritage Dancers.
A private "plaque and keys" ceremony is also planned aboard the ship, where Tourism Director Beverly Nicholson-Doty will present a plaque to the ship's captain commemorating the ship's inaugural visit to St. Croix.
After passengers have enjoyed a day of shopping, sightseeing tours and other adventures, they will be bid farewell by Department of Tourism greeters, more local entertainment and a St. Croix T-shirt gift.
"We must all take the opportunity to make our guests feel welcome and show the world that St. Croix is a destination rich in history, culture, natural beauty and warm hospitality," Nicholson-Doty said.
Oceania Regatta's visit comes as the result of a year-and-a-half effort on the part of the Department of Tourism and Gov. John deJongh Jr. to persuade cruise lines to add St. Croix to their itineraries.
In August the Department of Tourism and the Economic Development Authority hosted the Preparing the Path conference on St. Croix, aimed at preparing the community for the return of the cruise industry. The free conference, attended by nearly 200 participants, covered topics from customer service and tour operations to marketing native arts and crafts and starting a business. In November, the agencies sponsored two days of free customer-service training designed to prepare local business leaders and their front-line employees for the arrival of cruise passengers.
The next cruise call is scheduled for Jan. 5. More than 60 calls are scheduled for St. Croix in 2009.
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