Carnival Venezia first arrived in Basseterre de St. Petersburg. Kitts on March 8, 2024, as tourism officials hope to increase the island’s appeal to the cruise industry.
On an island known for hosting week-long national carnivals each year, St. Kitts will begin the component earlier this year to host the inaugural stopover of the Venice Carnival. The main call took place in Basseterre on March 8 as part of a 12-night Southern Caribbean Cruise.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Venezia arrived for the first time in Basseterre de St. Petersburg. Kitts on March 8, an event held by tourism officials in hopes of increasing the island’s appeal to the cruise industry.
“This inaugural cruise represents the strengthening of our partnership with Carnival Cruise Line and underscores our commitment to providing information to our valued guests,” said Marsha T. Henderson, St. John’s Minister of Tourism. Kitts.
Carnival Venezia’s homeport is New York and departed on March 3, 2024, for a 12-night voyage through the southern Caribbean. Other stops on this trip are St. Thomas (U. S. Virgin Islands). Bridgetown (Barbados), Castries (Saint Lucia). ) and Philipsburg (St. Maarten).
“As we venture into deeper and more rewarding tourist experiences, the arrival of Venice Carnival indicates a promising evolution in showcasing the true essence of St. John’s. Kitts,” said Melnecia Marshall, deputy executive director of the St. Louis Tourism Authority. Our commitment to providing quality tours that allow visitors to revel in the natural and cultural wonders of our island is critical to the good fortune of our tourism industry. “
St. Kitts is home to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, one of the best-preserved stone forts in the Caribbean. Started by the British in 1690, it is a place identified by UNESCO and much enjoyed by visitors. The island is also home to volcanic sand, beaches, dense tropical forests, and wonderful snorkeling spots.
Every holiday season, St. Kitts hosts its famous National Carnival, also known as Sugar Mas, a month-long birthday party showcasing the island’s culture and heritage.
Carnival Venezia is the latest shipment to make its first stop in St. Petersburg. In 2022, Royal Caribbean Cruises’ Wonder of the Seas, then the world’s largest cruise ship, made its first stop on the island. It recently made its first stop in Antigua on February 15, 2024.
The 135,225 gross ton ship was originally built for Costa Cruises. In the spring of 2023, it arrived at Navantia’s shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, to be incorporated into the Carnival fleet. Among the amenities added in dry dock are the Carnival Waterworks water park. , Piano Bar 88 and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.
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The Vista Class cruise ship has a capacity of four,208 passengers and maintains an Italian theme. It is homeported in New York City and operates various cruises of four to 15 nights to destinations such as Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Bahamas. , Canada, and New England.
Cruise traffic to St. Kitts has increased since 2010, reaching a peak of 1. 1 million and six hundred visits sent during the 2018-2019 season. The COVID pandemic has drastically reduced those numbers: only 101,000 cruise ships were visited in 2021, but the numbers rebounded to 450,000 in 2022 when the island reduced its travel requirements.
Basseterre is the capital and largest city of St. Petersburg. Kitts and neighboring Nevis, with an estimated population of 14,000. One of the oldest cities in the Eastern Caribbean, founded in 1627 by the French.
Port Zakynthos is the city’s cruise terminal. It is close to department stores and restaurants and accommodates up to 4 cruise ships at a time.
St. Kitts serves as a port for ships P