Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 23, 2025) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, through the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and International Transport, proudly welcomed the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas, during a distinguished Inaugural Plaque Exchange Ceremony held on board the vessel at Port Zante.
The ceremony brought together the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis; the Honourable Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and International Transport; cabinet ministers; senior government officials; representatives from the Royal Caribbean Group; and executives of the Ministry of Tourism, St. Kitts Tourism Authority, St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority, and Delisle Walwyn & Co. Ltd.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Drew expressed appreciation to the Royal Caribbean Group for its continued partnership and leadership in advancing sustainable cruise tourism across the Caribbean.
“The arrival of this remarkable vessel represents more than tourism. It signals a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible growth,” stated Prime Minister Drew. “We recognize that the future of travel and tourism must align with the urgent need to protect our environment, and today, we celebrate a partner who shares this vision.”
The Star of the Seas, the newest vessel in Royal Caribbean’s revolutionary Icon Class, is a landmark in modern cruise engineering. It features state-of-the-art sustainability technologies that advance Royal Caribbean Group’s Destination Net Zero Initiative, aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Minister Henderson commended the significance of this inaugural visit for St. Kitts’ tourism development and its growing reputation as a preferred cruise destination in the region.
“Our Ministry has worked diligently to foster partnerships with Royal Caribbean Group, and today, the Star of the Seas’ call reflects the confidence Royal Caribbean has in our vision, our infrastructure, and our people. This collaboration is a testament to what we can achieve when strategy, hospitality, and ambition converge.” said Minister Henderson.
The Inaugural Plaque Exchange Ceremony, a longstanding maritime tradition, symbolizes the first official call of a ship to a port and the enduring partnership between the destination and the cruise line.
The Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Tourism reaffirm the Government’s commitment to strengthening cruise industry partnerships and ensuring that tourism development continues to support sustainable economic growth, job creation, and community advancement across St. Kitts and Nevis.
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