BASSETERRE: The Federation’s Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance M. Drew joined hundreds of residents capturing the arrival of the Star of the Seas, as it made its inaugural cruise in the territorial waters of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“The magnificent sister ship to the Icon of the Seas, carrying nearly 10,000 passengers, makes its inaugural call to our shores,” posted Prime Minister.
“This is a proud moment for our nation as we continue to attract some of the world’s largest and most luxurious vessels,” said Dr. Drew as he expressed “Special thanks to the Government and Hon. Marsha T. Henderson [Minister of Tourism], and her dedicated team for this tremendous achievement that continues to strengthen our tourism sector and boost our national development.”
The St. Kitts Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has pulled out all the stops to ensure an unforgettable visit by Star of the Seas when it makes its inaugural call to Port Zante.
The Star of the Seas, now on a 7 days round trip Eastern Caribbean Perfect Day cruise, arrived from St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands.
The UDC has planned a welcome “with the full power of Kittitian culture during a Cultural Explosion from 10:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M.”
Visitors will be able to “experience authentic local food, handcrafted goods and products, live music and performances, culture everywhere you turn,” the UDC promised.
The event takes place takes behind the Old Treasury Building on Port Zante.
It is expected that officials of the Ministry of Tourism, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, government officials, private sector representatives and guests will go onboard to participate in a plaque exchange ceremony and tour the second Icon-class ship.
The ship is operated by Royal Caribbean International and entered service in August 2025. It shares the title of the largest cruise ship in the world with its sister ship, Icon of the Seas.