The first of 14 scheduled stops in Port Little Bay began on Tuesday December 8, 2015 for the Star Legend.
The ship which can carry up to 212 passengers besides crew is the newest small ship in the Windstar Cruises fleet.
Acting Premier Claude Hogan led a small delegation to welcome the captain, crew and passengers to the island on Tuesday morning.
Hogan and Captain Richard Reville exchanged plaques after a brief conversation. Reville, shared that his first visit to the island was 20 years ago as an officer in the Royal Navy. He had been on island assisting with the evacuation of residents. The captain said he was very pleased to be back to the island on a much more positive voyage.
Reville noted that Montserrat is a nice fit for the cruise line which boasts a 60% repeat customer rate. Passengers average 50 years and older and are very interested in being active and exploring the islands. He added that many passengers noted that the addition of Montserrat to the itinerary was the main reason they’d booked the tour.
Along with the ship’s tenders three local boats were put into service to transport crew and passengers. Crafters were encouraged to set up at Marine Village to showcase their products. However, several expressed dismay that there was little or no interest from the passengers. Many had been whisked away in taxis for the island tours and others chose to lounge on the beach.
Local agent for the on island excursions Mrs. Roselyn Cassell Sealy of Travel World said in a radio interview last week that every opportunity will be given for local crafters to offer their products to the travelers but they were not obligated to buy from them.
The ship’s captain noted that the island has an opportunity to woo the passengers which could encourage them to return for longer stays.
Windstar is expected to visit Montserrat every Tuesday until the end of March 2016.
