Castries, Saint Lucia: The Port of Castries welcomed the arrival of the stunning cruise ship Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady. The cruise ship made its inaugural visit to the destination port on Jan 17, 2024.
As per the sources, the ship’s inaugural visit marked the beginning of a promising partnership between Virgin Voyages and Saint Lucia. It also fosters economic growth and provides travellers with an exciting gateway to the Caribbean.
The state-of-the-art vessel ‘Valiant Lady’ is known for its innovative design. The eco-conscious features bear a length of 909 meters and a draft of 27 meters, which can hold 2770 capacity of passengers.
Reportedly, the celebration took place as the voyage vessel boards. The Deputy PM and Tourism Minister, Dr Ernest Hilaire, also attended the inaugural ceremony.
The tourism minister, Hilaire, presented a plaque to commemorate the occasion. He was conjoined by the Ministry of Tourism, representatives from Platinum, Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, the Office of the May of Castries and the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association.
Dr Ernest Hilaire, as Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, remarked that they are thrilled to welcome Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady to the shores, marking a milestone in the continued partnership with the innovative cruise line.
“This visit not only reinforces the commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences but also broadens the options available to travellers seeking the beauty and warmth of the destination,” said Minister Hilaire.
The Valiant Lady docked in the Port Castries, which was witnessed by the guests and locals. A spectacular ceremony was displayed of maritime prowess in innovative, luxurious and Virgin Voyages’ signature style.
Notably, Valiant Lady was recognized as the 13th inaugural cruise call of the 2023-24 cruise tourism season, with more scheduled calls in 2024.
It was a momentous occasion that signified a new era for both Virgin Voyages and the vibrant tourism scene in Saint Lucia. Passengers who were aboard Valiant Lady were treated to the delightful sounds of steel pan and saxophone music as they arrived to explore the enchanting beauty of the destination.
