Largest Port of St. Maarten Security Effort Underway for an Enjoyable One-day Stay by Cruise Passengers and Crew
The Port of St. Maarten is ready to welcome eight cruise ships on Wednesday, 18th December. It will be one of the highlights of the 2013-2014 cruise ship season, and the only day that will see more than 22.000 passengers in port at one time.
The Port of St. Maarten has been working with a number of stakeholders in order to make the one-day stay of cruise passengers and crew a memorable one.
St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo is appealing to the community to assist as they have always done in the past to provide a holiday season welcome to the country’s cruise guests.
"Cruise tourism is what makes our country tick. It is a very important segment of our economy and we have to do everything to protect it and safeguard our visitors in order for them and the cruise lines to continue to visit our destination.
"It’s the holiday season and it’s going to be busy in Philipsburg, on our beaches, restaurants and wherever you go. Please be patient and courteous, and enjoy our guests and give them a grand St. Maarten welcome, so at the end of the day when they reflect and look back at the great time they had, they will say I will be coming back for the St. Maarten hospitality," CEO Mingo said on Monday.
Mingo would like to thank all involved in advance for their assistance and planning for this great day including the emergency and security services, adding that the safety and security of the cruise passengers and crew is a top priority for the destination in order to safeguard the livelihood of all those who are dependent on tourism.
Telecommunication provider Telem on that day will launch the cruise ship crew WIFI lounge where hi-speed internet service will be available. Crew members are seen as an important group that should also be catered too by the destination because they also have a considerable spending power while in port.
The ships that will be in port are: Carnival Dream 3652 cruise passengers; Celebrity Reflection 3030; Crystal Serenity 1096; Norwegian Gem 2466; Norwegian Sun 2250; Oasis of the Seas 5400; Ventura 3100; Westerdam 1848.
The last time that the Port of St. Maarten catered to such a large gathering of cruise passengers was back in 2005 with nine ships in port and over 18,000 cruise passengers.
PHOTO CUTLINE: In 2005 with nine ships in port, but only Pier 1 could accommodate four ships. On Wednesday, with Pier 2, eight ships can dock simultaneously.