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Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsLocal newsRitz-Carlton Introduces the First of Its Luxury Sail Line to the V.I.

Ritz-Carlton Introduces the First of Its Luxury Sail Line to the V.I.

Government and tourism officials welcome a new high-end tourism product to the waters of St. John. (Judi Shimel photo)

A premiere resort hotel doing business in the Virgin Islands introduced a new feature Tuesday when the luxury yacht Evrima paid an offshore visit to St. John. Officials from the Virgin Islands Port Authority, the Department of Tourism and the Office of the Governor boarded the vessel as it made its maiden voyage across the Atlantic from Greece.

The vessel dropped anchor near Cruz Bay Harbor with 298 passengers and 246 crew members aboard for a 10-hour stay. Built in 2021, promoters at The Ritz-Carlton said on their website the Evrima was the first of three yachts that will make up their luxury line. Resort promoters say the new accommodation offers travelers top-quality amenities along with the casual freedom of a sailing adventure.

Tourism staffer Angela Payne, from left, Evrima Capt. Duncan Holroyd, Port Authority St. John Dockmaster Lolo Blackwood, St. John Administrator Shakima Jones-Sprauve, Port Authority Board Chairwoman Leona Smith, Port Authority Marine Manager Joseph Cranston Jr., and Assistant Tourism Commissioner Alani Henneman display the USVI flag. (Photo courtesy Alani Henneman)

On board the vessel, the V.I. delegation took part in a plaque and key exchange with Capt. Duncan Holroyd. Assistant Tourism Commissioner Alani Henneman recalled Holroyd expressing his fondness for St. John as a favorite among small island destinations.

“(The) captain said he sailed these areas for 15 years. He loves St. John and visiting islands that are hidden gems,” Henneman said.

Port Authority Board Chair Leona Smith expressed optimism about Evrima’s maiden voyage. “This is the first time this vessel came to the U.S. Virgin Islands and, of course, this is a new ship. This is the first voyage of many to come,” Smith said.

St. John Administrator Shikima Jones-Sprauve said she was impressed by the design of the vessel, standing eight decks high. She praised the artwork chosen as part of the decor. Henneman praised the ship’s sleek lines.

Port Authority Board Chair Leona Smith and Assistant Tourism Commissioner Alani Henneman disembark from their visit to the Ritz-Carlton yacht Evrima on Tuesday. (Judi Shimel photo)

“The ship was beautiful, with great architecture and artwork. The designer was Swedish; there are a number of fantastic deck views,” she said. One person linked to the visit also mentioned the trip’s impressive price tag: $16,000 for a seven-day booking.

Plaque and key ceremonies have been used to welcome new ships to the Virgin Island for decades. The most recent event took place in mid-November when the mega cruise ship Celebrity Beyond arrived at the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal in Sub Base.

Evrima’s next stop is scheduled for San Juan before continuing on to Barbados, where passengers will disembark.

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