Representatives of RCG and Port St. Maarten during last week’s meeting.
PHILIPSBURG--Representatives of Port St. Maarten Management and the Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) met last week to discuss the port infrastructure, as well as strategies to maintain the port’s top position as a cruise destination.
“We looked at how we can further increase and enhance homeporting opportunities and other potential business based on the port’s Ernest and Young High Level Strategic Plan,” said Port St. Maarten in a press release on Thursday. “Port St. Maarten is committed to working closely with our partners in further enhancing the infrastructure, visitor experiences and building upon a solid foundation that has existed with the cruise industry. Additional discussions will be taking place in the coming weeks with respect to further extending current partnerships.”
According to the port, the meeting also gave RCG executives the opportunity to meet Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) operating company PJIAE Chief Operations Officer (COO) Michel Hyman, who outlined the logistics for the country’s homeporting of RCG’s ship Celebrity Millennium, which begins on June 5. RCG executives were also given a site tour of the homeporting facility.
The almost-2,200 guest Celebrity Millennium will be offering seven-night itineraries through August, but will operate at only 50 per cent of maximum capacity. All passengers and crew must be fully vaccinated against coronavirus COVID-19 prior to boarding.
“All three parties have to be in sync, and close collaboration is needed in order to make a success out of this opportunity [to homeport – Ed.],” said Port St. Maarten.
Port St. Maarten said that this would be the largest vessel to ever homeport in St. Maarten.
“This is [also] the first time that we will be carrying out homeporting operations during the hurricane season and, therefore, will be taking additional precautionary measures to guarantee a seamless operation during the period the vessel is homeporting out of St. Maarten.
“The build-back of the current homeporting facility will take approximately two weeks. The Port St. Maarten team is working at full-speed ahead on the build-up in close collaboration with the [Royal Caribbean] Group to ensure a smooth and efficient resumption of the cruise business to St. Maarten,” said Port St. Maarten.
