Tourism Minister welcomes P&O Arvia’s arrival as a wonderful addition to regional cruise tourism

Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, Carlos James has described the addition of P&O Cruises’ Arvia to the Caribbean as a wonderful opportunity for the region’s growing cruise sector.

The minister was present at Heywood’s Beach, Barbados on Thursday, March 16, along with Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados and Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, a release from the Ministry of Tourism states.

Also in attendance was Barbados’ Tourism Minister, Ian Gooding-Edghill, for the naming ceremony of P&O Cruises newest vessel, Arvia.

Minister James said following the region’s on-going recovery from the COVD-19 pandemic and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ recovery from its volcanic eruption, P&O Cruises
Arvia will add value to the cruise sector by bringing an additional 5,200 plus passengers to Caribbean destinations.

Built as part of P&O Cruises’ new Excel Class fleet, the Arvia has a capacity of over 5,200 passengers and a crew of 1,762. During the ceremony, Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises president appeared, and Arvia was officially named by international performer, Nicole Scherzinger. The event was hosted by popular United Kingdom broadcasters, Sara Cox and Trevor Nelson.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which boast 32 islands and cays, saw a spike in cruise calls this season while it prepares for a major transformation of its tourism industry.

In addition to the focus on port expansion and the development of a number of major hotels, sites and attractions for experiential tours, the state also welcomed daily non-stop flights from Miami International Airport this March. Virgin Atlantic currently services the destination from Heathrow, while Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines services its Toronto and New York routes, respectively.

The release states further that the multi-island destination will see the completion of at least three hotels by year-end, including international brands such as Sandals Resorts, Holiday Inn and locally-owned Myah’s Luxury Suite. It is expected to add approximately 1,000 rooms by 2025, including a Marriot Resort and Royal Mill Hotel and Villas.

In Photo: Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, SVG’s Tourism Minister Carlos James, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Government Relations, Marie McKenzie.