A first at St. Kitts’ Port Zante: Four cruise ships dock in a dayA first at St. Kitts’ Port Zante: Four cruise ships dock in a day

Celebrity Summit and Seabourn Odyssey were at the new second pier, while Anthem of the Seas and Britannia were at the first pier. The vessels carried a total of 10,629 passengers.

New pier's arrival area is under construction

Limited operations started today at the second cruise pier, where Celebrity Summit (with a maximum capacity of 2,450 passengers) and Seabourn Odyssey (450 passengers) berthed. An arrival area is under construction to serve that pier. Meanwhile, passengers use a concrete walkway to get to the Port Zante Arrival Hall.

Britannia (with a maximum capacity of 4,372 passengers) and Anthem of the Seas (4,905 passengers) were at the original pier.

Prime Minister Timothy Harris, Tourism Minister Lindsay Grant and Transport Minister Ian Patches Liburd, along with other tourism and port officials, were on hand to welcome passengers at the newly opened second pier.

Historic day

‘This is indeed a historic day for St. Kitts, as never before have we had four larger cruise ships docked at the same time in Port Zante,’ Harris said. ‘We are moving in the right direction, and the Team Unity Government will continue to invest in projects that empower our people and enlarge the economic opportunities and freedoms within St. Kitts & Nevis.’

Grant said the second pier will keep St. Kitts high on the list of the cruise lines' top Caribbean ports of call.

Marquee port

‘This is yet another competitive edge in the Caribbean cruise industry, affirming St. Kitts' enviable position in the cruise market,’ Grant added. ‘Indeed, I am proud to note the growth of our cruise arrivals, the sector's contribution to GDP, the increase in certified taxi and tour operators and our attainment of marquee port status.’