Nov. 14, 2007 — The elegant 10-deck Sea Princess sailed into St. Thomas Wednesday morning, heralding Princess Cruise Line's second year of Crown Bay port calls — which, for a short time last month, looked like they would not happen.
Princess Cruises announced in early September that it had canceled 10 calls to St. Thomas because it took too long for its passengers to clear customs.
Stephen A. Nielsen, vice president of Caribbean and Atlantic Shore Operations, thanked the V.I. government, federal Customs and Border Protection and the V.I. Port Authority (VIPA) at Wednesday's formal shipboard ceremony.
"We should have done our homework and pressed to allocate more customs officers," Nielsen said.
Extra Customs personnel were sent From Puerto Rico to process the 1,990 passengers, most of whom are British, Nielsen said.
Good will abounded as plaques were exchanged and the V.I. flag was presented at the festive morning welcoming ceremony. Monique Sibilly-Hodge, assistant Tourism commissioner, presented Capt. Roger Bilton with a plaque, followed by another from the Port Authority presented by Marc Stridiron. Greetings were offered by a representative from Delegate Donna M. Christensen's office and Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone. Finally, a V.I. flag was presented to Bilton by Luis Sylvester, government house Port Authority liaison — standing in for Gov. John deJongh Jr., who is off island.
Bilton, looking rather overwhelmed with all his bounty, flashed a quick smile and, in a clipped British accent said, "We will fly the Virgin Island flag from our mast each time we enter port."
Bilton and Nielsen presented plaques of their own to Arthlyn Samuel, Customs assistant port director for passengers operations, in recognition of the critical role his agency played in facilitating the arrival of the ships.
Also recognized with a plaque were Sibilly-Hodge, representing Commissioner Beverly Nicholson Doty, to Judith James, VIPA director of administration and finance, representing Director Darlan Brin.
Nielsen also took a moment to present a plaque to Steve Vasaturo, St, Thomas port agent, for his efforts in getting the Princess ships back to St. Thomas. "He stepped up to the plate and got it going," Nielsen said.
The Sea Princess actually was in port in October for its first season visit, but Nielsen said there was so much to do that day — with the logistics of U.S. Coast Guard inspections and other first-call operations — that Wednesday was decided on for the celebration.
Bilton and Nielsen noted that the power of the Euro now against the American dollar makes St. Thomas shopping especially valuable.
"In fact," Bilton said, "I'm going right now to buy five iPods."
There were no negative responses about delays from the ship's previous October call, Nielsen said. "The passengers were happy to get here and spend their Euros," he said.
Speaking before the ceremony, Nielsen said it took from 6 until 8:45 a.m. to clear all the passengers through customs. "Under three hours is what we aim for," he said. "That is the typical time for any port call. It went very well this morning."
Nielsen said he would like to see a waterborne system for transporting passengers from Crown Bay to town and to the Havensight Mall. "It would save being stuck in traffic for our passengers, and deliver customers to downtown and Havensight at the same time," he said. "The passengers could shop at Crown Bay before or after their trip."
Nielsen knew whereof he spoke. He is a Caribbean cruise veteran, with more than 37years in the business.
"I first came here in 37 years ago on the Princess Italia," he said.
Water taxis have long been suggested as a means of reducing downtown traffic congestion, but taxi drivers have vehemently objected to the idea, saying it would cut into their revenue. "It would be good for St. Thomas," Nielsen said. "And if it's good for St. Thomas, it's good for taxis and for return visitors. We are talking with the (Cruise Ship Task Force) about it."
The Sea Princess will make St. Thomas port calls through March 29, 2008.
Back Talk Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
