The MV AIDAPerla of AIDA Cruises made its inaugural call to Dominica on Saturday November 24.
A special ceremony was held on-board the ship where stakeholders and authorities from Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) exchanged gifts and plaques.
The ship docked at the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth.
Director of Tourism and CEO of the DDA, Colin Piper, who was speaking at a ceremony on board the ship, said the arrival of cruise ships to the island allows many citizens to earn a living.
“We are happy that you are here and the reason we are happy is because what you do in terms of bringing vessels to the island also allows a number of our citizens to earn a living,” he said.
Piper continued, “We have a number of vendors, we have a number of tour guides, taxi operators, taxi drivers who earn a livelihood and are able to care for their family as such.”
He thanked the ship’s captain in advance for the other 10 calls the ship is expected to make to Dominica for the 2018/2019 Cruise Ship season.
AIDAperla is the newest and most modern cruise ship of AIDA Cruises. It was built by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding at their shipyard in Nagasaki, Japan. The vessel was delivered in May 2017.
The cruise ship has 1,643 cabins and capacity for 3,286 passengers in double occupancy. AIDAperla has 16 passenger decks (of 18 total decks), 12 restaurants, 3 snackbars and 14 cafes and bars.
Where is Robbie? I thought that he would be at the forefront of the welcoming party.
This is exceptional. A resilient nation indeed. My home, my country Dominica.
Wow, come on Colin piper you can do better than that. having our people earn a living is the only reason that you are happy that the ship calls into Dominica. How about letting them know what they island have to offer them so the passengers will one to returned or recommend the island to their friend.
If I am on a cruise ship and I am being told that the only reason director tourism is happy that we are here is to create employment for the people I would think twice of returning.
DNO I hope you post my comment because you never post my comments. not sure why because I have seen worse comments than mine.
I am surprised that there are some people that would give a thumb down or dislike this comment I think that this is a very good sign of things to come weather you support the ruling party or not.
Next time I would be glad if you would also
speak about our sites. Like the boiling lake.
They can view this from a distance
Our warm sulphur baths etc. You know the sites
better than I do. For the tourists don’t only come
to help out economy but also to have a good
experience
WELCOME, Welcome, Welcome to Dominica. Enjoy your visit and do come again! Dominica is back after Hurricane Maria! The vendors, tour guides, taxi operators can earn income again.