A team of cruise industry executives assembled this week on St. Croix to discuss the opportunities on the island for enhancing the Caribbean experience for its millions of cruise customers.
Members of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Platinum Associate Member Advisory Council Conference arrived on the island Wednesday to look at new infrastructure developments and activities across the territory and how they add to the attraction of the island and cruise passenger experience, according to a statement issued Thursday by Government House. The executives will be in the territory through Saturday.
Gov. John deJongh Jr. declared the meetings "most productive, because they highlight the attraction of St. Croix and how it enables cruise companies to remain competitive, which benefits their passengers, while at the same time coordinating schedules to ensure better efficiency in the services they provide to our territory and to the region.”
The team is led by FCCA President Michele Paige and includes senior executives in charge of shore excursions and port developments from Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
"We’d like to thank the people of the Virgin Islands for the warmth they extend to our passengers and a special thanks to St. Croix for hosting our conference," Paige said. "Our gratitude also goes out to the territory’s government for recognizing the importance of infrastructure development – because without infrastructure it would be very tough for us to come here."
Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty said stakeholders on St. Croix were honored to showcase the history, culture and the unique culinary diversity of the island to the cruise delegates as the territory prepares for increasing numbers of cruise calls this summer.
Meeting at the Buccaneer Hotel, the executives are being provided tours of St. Croix, a dinner at Fort Christiansvaern, a “block party” at the boardwalk in downtown Christiansted and a tour of V.I. Port Authority properties. Meetings will also be held with local stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and expectations of increased cruise ship calls.
The schedule also includes a National Park Service tour of Buck Island followed by swimming, snorkeling and a hike around the island. The visit culminates with a tour of the Ann E. Abramson Pier Facility, Jazz in the Park and a farewell dinner at Fort Frederik.
