St. Croix Set to Welcome First Cruise Ship Since Maria on November 11

According to a statement issued by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, the Norwegian Dawn, with a capacity of 2,340 passengers and 1,032 crew members, will dock on the island of St. Croix on three occasions this month, beginning Saturday, November 11.
 
The ship's arrival will mark the return of leisure cruise travelers to the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) after nearly two months. Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas docked on the island on September 17, just days before Hurricane Maria struck.
 
"St. Croix looks forward to welcoming the passengers and crew of the Norwegian Dawn this weekend, and sharing with them our warm, resilient Crucian spirit," said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, commissioner of tourism for the USVIin the written release. "We thank the countless Virgin Islanders and relief workers who have been working to restore power, clear roadways, prepare beaches and many of our key attractions so that visitors can experience our special Virgin Islands brand of Caribbean hospitality."
 
Nicholson-Doty explained that taxis, tour operators and government agencies are working together to establish recommended routes for tours.
 
"Cruise ship passengers contribute important economic activity to the U.S. Virgin Islands," noted the Commissioner, adding that "the combination of cruise traffic, the recovery and construction economy, and the current reopening of hotels to leisure guests on St. Croix are key components of our recovery."
 
Based on confirmations received from the Virgin Islands Port Authority's Marine Division on St. Croix, the Norwegian Dawn's calls to St. Croix will take place on November 11, 18 and 25, while the smaller Viking Sea, with a capacity of 930 passengers and 550 crew, will arrive on November 15 and 28.
 
In December, both ships will return to St. Croix's Ann E. Abramson Pier, which will welcome additional calls from Norwegian Gem, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Odyssey.
 
The anticipated schedule for cruise ship calls to St. Croix follows:
 
Nov. 11 - Norwegian Dawn
Nov. 15 - Viking Sea
Nov. 18 - Norwegian Dawn
Nov. 25 - Norwegian Dawn
Nov. 28  - Viking Sea
Dec. 2 - Norwegian Dawn
Dec. 8 - Viking Sea
Dec. 9 - Norwegian Dawn
Dec. 14 - Seabourn Sojourn
Dec. 16  - Norwegian Dawn
Dec. 25 - Seabourn Sojourn
Dec. 27 - Norwegian Gem
Dec. 30  - Seabourn Odyssey

Meanwhile, St. Thomas, which felt the brunt of Hurricane Irmais expected to get its first ship on November 10 when Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas calls to the island. 
 

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