St. Thomas welcomed a bit of Italy on Tuesday morning as the handsome MSC Divina cruise ship sailed smoothly into Charlotte Amalie Harbor and docked at the West Indian Company.
The ship is the largest in the MSC fleet at 1,092 feet long and every inch Italian. In fact, Sophia Loren herself inspired the ship.
Built between 2010 and 2012, it was originally named MSC Fantastica, until the Italian spirit prevailed and the name was changed to Divina in honor of Italy’s screen goddess, Sophia Loren.
Tuesday marked the cruise ship’s second visit to St. Thomas. The Divina was here last November where she underwent an annual U.S. Coast Guard inspection.
Tuesday was a day for celebration. Captain Francesco Veniero received four plaques and a Virgin Island flag in a morning welcoming ceremony that included greetings from V.I.
Police Chief Darren Foy and media personality Addie Ottley, as well as the presenters.
Veniero was just as charming as one would expect of an Italian sea captain, graciously accepting the honors. Assistant Tourism Commissioner Monique Sibilly-Hodge presented Veniero with a welcome plaque, which she followed with a Virgin Island flag. She admonished Veniero to fly it when entering Charlotte Amalie Harbor in the future.
WICO president and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Boschulte, Linda Oliver of C&C Port Services, V.I. Taxi Association President Winston Parker and Coast Guard Lt. Commander Bryson Spangler each took a few words to honor the cruise ship’s presence.
The ship reeks of elegance from its Swarovski crystal staircases to the Sophia Loren royal suite. Guests staying in room number 16007 on deck 16 can revel in the glamour of a suite designed for and with the help of Loren, according to the tour guide. The tour did not offer an inspection of that area.
The ship will sail between Venice, Italy, Miami, St. Maarten and St. Thomas on its 2014 itinerary.
