2002 Cruise Ship Season begins

His Excellency Governor Tom Macan and his wife were among several dignitaries attending a reception on board the first cruise ship to call on the British Virgin Islands for the 2002 winter tourist season.

The Sea Princess, which came in from St. Maarten for the day on Thursday, was also on its inaugural visit to the territory.Other guests at the reception included officials from the Chief Minister’s Office, the BVI Tourist Board, Ports Authority, Customs and local shipping agents Romney Associates.

Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board Mr. Stanley Gordon and Chairman of the BVI Ports Authority John McCleverty welcomed the captain and crew to the BVI. Mr. McCleverty and agents Romney Associates presented commemorative gifts to captain of the Sea Princess Tony Yeomans.
In return, the captain presented plaques to the Ports Authority and Romney Associates. In his remarks, Captain Yeomans referred to the BVI as an exceptionally beautiful destination and said its potential for attracting visitors is tremendous.

The Sea Princess brought close to 2,000 passengers to the BVI, some of whom chose to browse around Road Town, take a tour of Tortola or to be ferried to The Baths on Virgin Gorda.The ship was the first of 41 expected to call on the BVI for the season.