The mega vessel MS Eurodam 2008, of the Holland America fleet, made an inaugural call to Saint Lucia on Feb. 18, carrying about 2000 passengers.

It was the first plaque exchange ceremony to take place on board a vessel at the newly-extended Dolphin berth at Point Seraphine, since its formal opening on Jan. 13.

The small delegation comprising Tourism Minister Hon. Dominic Fedee and representatives   from the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority and Cox and Company Ltd. was greeted by Captain Eric Barhorst who described the inaugural visit as a special one for the MS Eurodam.

“Holland American Line has been regularly coming to Saint Lucia and I have been here many times on my other ships but we found out the Eurodam has never been here. So we are very happy to host this little ceremony to commemorate out first visit to your beautiful island.”

Chief Executive Officer at Cox and Company Ltd, agents for Holland America, Matthew Beaubrun who was present at Sunday’s plaque exchange ceremony, noted that Holland America Line was one of the pioneers which has been very supportive of the cruise industry, having started its journey to Saint Lucia in the 1960s.

“So we are very pleased to have you all here, and I wish you well on your journeys. Please do enjoy the beautiful island of Saint Lucia. We are doing a lot of work in terms of developing the port, and this work here is just a start and you are going to see more and more in terms of development in the long- term. It will become a better and better port for your passengers to visit.”

Tourism Minister Hon. Dominic Fedee, welcomed the MS Eurodam 2008 to Saint Lucia, and highlighted the broad economic spinoffs from the cruise industry.

“So for all of the taxi drivers, tour suppliers, cruise agents and the people in the market, the cruise industry is of great significance. We want to thank you profusely for coming, and extend a special welcome. We are flattered that you find Saint Lucia a destination worthy on the itinerary of Holland America.”

The MS Eurodam 2008 has a passenger capacity of about 2000 and a cabin crew of over 860.