Castries, Saint Lucia: Saint Lucia is delighted to welcome P&O Cruises’ Arvia, the latest and most contemporary addition to the fleet, on her maiden call from the Mediterranean to the destination, on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023.
Arvia joined the P&O Cruises fleet in December 2022, at 185,000 tonnes, 345m in length with 16 guest decks and setting new ground for guest experience, Arvia is P&O Cruises’ second ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the marine industry’s most advanced fuel technology to date.
Arvia, meaning “from the seashore,” is an innovative and future-focused ship and the latest evolution in the P&O Cruises experience, embodying the newest trends in travel, dining, and entertainment to offer varied and contemporary holidays.
The Ministry of Tourism, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, Invest Saint Lucia, Export Saint Lucia, Cruise Agents -Cox & Company Limited, the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association, and the Office of the Mayor is elated to the first-ever excel class ship to Port Castries. Arvia is also the biggest ship as designed by passenger capacity.
The itinerary for Arvia’s inaugural visit to Saint Lucia has been designed to offer passengers the best possible experience. Passengers will be able to explore the island’s stunning natural beauty and its rich culture. They will also have the opportunity to visit the world-renowned Pitons, trek through the rainforest, and experience the vibrant adventure and culinary offerings of the island.
“Arvia’s visit is reflective of the Government’s intentional approach to continuously position the destination within the cruise realm. The country is committed to delivering memorable travel experiences that make cruising one of the great ways to appreciate the destination. At every opportunity, we dialogue with cruise partners on plans for welcoming and increasing cruise arrivals and expanding the island’s enchanting product offerings.” Remarked Lorine Charles-St Jules, CEO of the Tourism Authority.
Over six thousand guests are expected to disembark in the capital for a cultural celebration of traditional music, dance performances, and a taste of the island’s flavours. P&O Cruises Vice President of Port and Shore Operations of Carnival UK, Sander Groothuis, and the captain will join tourism officials for a commemorative plaque exchange ceremony.
With two additional cruise calls scheduled to berth on January 18th, tourism officials are working closely with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and the City Police Department to ensure the management of traffic and other logistics within the city’s circuit.
For more information on Arvia’s historical visit to Port Castries, contact [email protected] or call 458-7101.
