The US Virgin Islands are recovering following the impact of Hurricane Maria earlier this year
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 11th.
The ship’s arrival will mark the return of leisure cruise travellers to the largest of the US Virgin Islands after nearly two months.
Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas docked on the island on September 17th, 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 US Virgin Islands commissioner of tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty.
“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 US Virgin Islands,” noted the commissioner.
She added: “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 11th, 18th and 25th, while the smaller Viking Sea, with a capacity of 930 passengers and 550 crew, will arrive on November 15th and 28th.