Port-of-Spain, Trinidad – The arrival of the Saga Sapphire, which brought just over 600 passengers to the Port of Port of Spain on November 13, signaled the opening of the 2014/2015 Cruise season for Trinidad.
A small ship by cruise liner standards, the vessel has been described as elegant, timeless and relaxing with spacious cabins and a host of exciting amenities including an Aqua Spa and fully equipped gymnasium.
In light of the prevailing global health concerns, Saga Cruises, the parent company of the Saga Sapphire, has adopted a zero tolerance approach to persons boarding the ship and enforced all health regulations, as ascribed to by the World Health Organisation and the Cruise Lines International Association, with a view to safeguarding crew, passengers and locals at ports of disembarkation.
Officials of the Port Authority at the Port of Port of Spain worked in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC) and other key tourism stakeholders to ensure all protocols were in place for the arrival of the Saga Sapphire. Once the ship entered Trinidad and Tobago’s waters, the vessel had to meet pratique requirements, or pre-arrival clearance, in compliance with international health regulations.
As is customary, disembarking passengers were serenaded by the melodies of steelpan music and treated to an exciting cultural display featuring traditional Carnival characters and costumed dancers performing to the infectious sounds of calypso and soca music.
On the quayside, passengers had the opportunity to view and photograph the work of local designer and Carnival bandleader Brian Mac Farlane including depictions of local icons, sites and attractions among replicas of Trinidad’s distinct gingerbread houses.
The TDC is also committed to ensuring visitors experience a high level of customer service, and as such, the Visitor Guides were out in full force to assist cruise passengers with maps and information on the destination. All citizens were also urged to extend a warm and hospitable Trinbago welcome to all cruise visitors as they traversed the city of Port of Spain.
