Luxury cruise vessel Silver Shadow docked in Montserrat this weekend, signalling the launch of what is expected to be a “vibrant” cruise season.
The award-winning boat, run by Silversea Cruises, arrived on the morning of Sunday, 8 December, bringing 392 passengers and 302 crew members to the island.
Visitors enjoyed a choice of activities including a trip to the Buried City and volcano observatory, a coastal boat tour, a visit to the beach with snorkelling, and more.
Crenston Buffonge, parliamentary secretary for culture and tourism, met the ship’s captain and his engineers, with whom he exchanged plaques, and enjoyed a tour of the vessel.
He was joined by tourism director Rosetta West-Gerald, Walter Christopher, chair of the Montserrat Tourism Authority, and public relations officer Jenzil Skerritt.
In a Facebook post on 9 December, Buffonge said the boat’s arrival is a testament to Montserrat’s growing appeal as a premier destination in the Caribbean.
He called it a “magnificent vessel” and described the event as “marking yet another milestone in our vibrant tourism season”
“We look forward to sharing the warmth of our people and the beauty of our island with more visitors in the months ahead,” he said.
On its website, Silversea Cruises describes Montserrat as “one of the Caribbean’s most dramatic islands”.
“Montserrat has always done thing a little differently. While the rest of its neighbours were busy promoting tourism in its masses, Montserrat was content to sit back and stay in the (metaphorical) shadow,” it reads.
“The island remains relatively undeveloped for the archipelago, with off the beaten path beaches, hidden creeks and so much natural beauty that we fully expect this little island to soon become the next go-to eco-tourism destination.”
Launched in 1994 as the world’s first all-inclusive, luxury global cruise line, Silversea Cruises officially became part of the Royal Caribbean Group in July 2018.
The company’s largest office is in Miami at the Royal Caribbean Group headquarters. The brand also maintains offices in Monaco, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.
Silver Shadow will be visiting Montserrat again on 7 and 14 January.
For a full itinerary of cruise ships visiting Montserrat this season click here.
