World's largest cruise Icon of the Seas docks in US Virgin Islands

The magnificent cruise Icon of the Seas made its inaugural call to St Thomas, US Virgin Islands on Wednesday. The cruise, which is on its maiden voyage across the Caribbean, brought 4971 guests along with 2685 crew members.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, which is the largest cruise ship in the world, is anticipated to make regular calls to St Thomas during 7-night Caribbean cruises from Miami.

The cruise dwarfed Celebrity Apex as the two ships were berthed side by side at the Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay, St. Thomas, on Wednesday.

This cruise departed from Miami last Saturday and took its first stop in St Kitts and Nevis on January 30, following which it arrived in St Thomas.

The vessel and its passengers were welcomed to the island by the Governor of the US Virgin Islands, Albert Bryan, and other major stakeholders.

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Notably, three major agreements were signed on Wednesday between the Virgin Islands's Port Authority (VIPA), Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) and Cruise Terminals International (CTI) to commemorate the historic porting of the cruise.

Through these agreements, the island will be able to transform the cruise industry while securing its position as a premier cruise destination in the whole region.

During the welcome ceremony, VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe said that it is a bright day for the Virgin Islands, and the island is proud to welcome the newest and most innovative vessels in the cruise industry to St Thomas.

In addition to this, the VIPA Harbor Pilot John Amaro from St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, was the harbour pilot onboard the Icon of the Seas to assist with the safe berthing of the largest cruise ship in the world in St Thomas. Captain Amaro was awake before the sun and on the Icon, which docked in Crown Bay around 5:30 am.

The arrival was also marked with several local performers dressed as moko jumbies and in different colourful outfits, entertaining the cruise visitors and showcasing them the beauty and culture of the Caribbean.