St. Kitts has just welcomed the first Viking ship to land in centuries, with its arrival heralding an exciting new era of tourism for this Caribbean nation. Though it’s only been two years since St. Kitts opened up their gates, they’ve already seen more than 100 cruise ships dock at Basseterre port alone
The “st kitts island” is a new destination for cruise ships. The first ship to make an inaugural call was the Viking Sky on April 14, 2018.
Viking Orion, the company’s fourth ocean ship, arrived in St. Kitts & Nevis today for the first time.
The vessel is expected to make 10 stops to Basseterre, the country’s capital, during the autumn and winter seasons of 2021-2022. The Orion was the fourth cruise ship to dock there since the cruise industry reopened after a two-year hiatus.
(Photo courtesy of the Tourism Authority of St. Kitts)
Viking Sea, the company’s second ocean vessel, made its maiden visit to St. Kitts in the 2016-2017 season. Viking Sky, Sun, and Star have all visited since then.
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Viking Orion today,” stated the Honorable Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, Transport, and Ports. Viking Cruises’ continuous partnership with St. Kitts is symbolized by this visit, which underlines Viking’s trust in the location. For existing and new cruise tourists to be able to enjoy our one-of-a-kind attractions, lively culture, rich history, and simply the true Caribbean, we need all of us in the Federation to do our bit.”
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Passengers will be able to pick from a list of permitted excursions while in port. The Brimstone Hill Fortress and National Park, Caribelle Batik, where batik material is created, the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, Palms Court Gardens, the Amina Craft Market, and a multitude of beaches are among the highlights.
(Royal Caribbean International provided the image.)
“We wish to express our gratitude to Viking Cruises for their valuable relationship and for adding St. Kitts and Nevis on the Viking Orion’s debut season schedule,” said Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “While St. Kitts has often hosted inaugural ships, this visit is particularly noteworthy at a time when cruise lines and destinations are collaborating to rebuild the industry in the aftermath of the worldwide epidemic. We are excited to welcome Viking Cruises back and to continue our cooperation for many years to come.”
Viking Orion is now doing extended 14+ night voyages roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale for the duration of this autumn and the approaching winter season.
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