Photo Caption: Royal Caribbean International’s ‘MS Anthem of the Seas’ on its inaugural entry into Antigua and Barbuda
St. John’s, Antigua (December 2, 2016) – One of the largest cruise vessels in the world, and the largest cruise vessel to dock into Antigua and Barbuda, the MS Anthem of the Seas, made her presence felt in Antigua and Barbuda today, as she towered over other vessels in Heritage Quay, on her inaugural arrival into Antigua with a host of fan-fare and celebrations from the Government and People of Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Asot Michael extended a warm and hearty welcome to both Royal Caribbean International and MS Anthem of the Seas, her Captain and Crew, during the inaugural ceremony on board the vessel.
The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, The Hon. Gaston Browne, over 200 Government officials, dignitaries, stakeholders and invited guests were present for the on-board inaugural ceremony this morning.
In speaking to the Captain of the vessel on the inaugural visit, the Tourism Minister said, “We view this visit as a true sign of the confidence that Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has in Antigua and Barbuda as a marquee destination capable of offering a first class experience to your cruise guests.
“We could not have thought of a more fitting way to commission the extension and improvements of our Heritage Quay Pier but to have history record that the Anthem of the Seas was the first ship to use these facilities on her inaugural voyage to our shores! So your arrival is an inaugural event – not just in terms of your visit, but for the seminal moment that it marks for our growing cruise industry overall.”
The Heritage Quay pier was extended to accommodate the large quantum class vessel. The commissioning of the extension of the pier is scheduled to take place later this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. with another event, where hundreds of Antiguans and Barbudans have been invited to share in the historic moment.
To further mark the occasion, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, has also announced that duty free shopping will be implemented throughout the Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay area in celebration of the inaugural visit.
Duty free shopping is extended to all residents without the requirement of proof of travel that normally indicates that the goods purchased are leaving the country. This will be for one day only on Friday 2nd December from 9:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m.
This inaugural event will be celebrated with major activities in the Quay well into the evening after the ship has departed.
The 4220 passengers plus 1603 crew will have a major economic impact leading into the busy Christmas shopping season.
