More than 8,000 cruise visitors came to Trinidad on Christmas Day, December 25, 2019 and Saturday December 28, 2019 on three Cruise ships.
Tourism Minister, the Honourable Randall Mitchell, welcomed these cruise arrivals for the Christmas season.
Minister Mitchell says: "Visitors and cruise lines continue to be interested in coming to experience our unique tourism offerings.”
He thanked all stakeholders, including the Police - for ensuring the visitor experience was enjoyable and memorable.
On Christmas Day, the MSC Preziosa arrived with more than 4,000 passengers from European countries, including Germany, France, Italy and England. Three days later, on Saturday December 28th over 4,000 came on two ships, Volendam, which brought 1,378 and Caribbean Princess with 3,246.
Our visitors, from South Africa, Italy, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Germany, St Maarten, Jamaica, Sweden, Curacao, Grand Cayman, North America, Barbados and Aruba were given a cultural welcome which included live parang music, tassa drumming and dancing, Christmas-themed Carnival Characters, the Moko Jumbies, Dam Lorraine and Midnight Robber.
Visitors were excited by this welcome with many of them saying it was unique and never experienced on arrival at other destinations.
While many of them went on pre-booked tours to popular tourist sites and attractions, including Maracas Bay, Asa Wright Nature Centre and the Queen’s Park Savannah, others opted to relax at the Brian Lara Promenade in the brilliant sunshine under the watchful eye of the Police, who executed increased foot, horse and mobile patrols at all tour locations.
Vendors at the Cruise Ship Complex, authorised taxi drivers and others also had two busy days following the arrival of the visitors.
Visitor Guides were also strategically located at additional venues to ensure the visitor is provided with the information he or she required.