The Explora III luxury cruise ship made its inaugural port call to Anguilla this week during a seven-night Caribbean cruise from Puerto Rico to Miami.
About 650 of the 784 passengers on board came ashore on Thursday, 5 November, to experience the island’s beaches, restaurants, bars and activities.
A team of government and tourism officials were invited onto the boat by Captain Pietro Sinisi and the Explora III team, through the vessel’s local agent Bennie’s Travel and Tours.
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Among the group were Premier Cora Richardson Hodge, tourism minister Cardigan Connor, and Sherman Williams, chief executive officer of the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority.
Also present were Kendisha Hall-Prentice, chief marketing officer at the Anguilla Tourist Board, tourism planner Joleyne Robin-Williams and Cabinet press secretary Verlyndah Hodge.
The captain welcomed the delegation aboard and hosted a traditional plaque exchange ceremony to mark the vessel’s first visit to Anguilla. They were then given a private tour of the ship.
In a press release, the government said the call highlights Anguilla’s luxury cruise appeal and offers opportunities for local taxi and tour operators, vendors, retailers and restaurants.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to Captain Sinisi and the Explora III team for their gracious hospitality, and to Bennie’s Travel and Tours for facilitating the invitation and local arrangements.
“We look forward to welcoming Explora III, its crew and guests back to Anguilla in the future,” it added.
Operated by Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, Explora III is the third vessel in its fleet.
The 268-metre ship has 461 ocean-front suites with private terraces, seven restaurants, five heated pools and 12 bars and lounges.
