Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill yesterday welcomed the luxury superyacht Emerald Sakara, as it made its inaugural berth at the Port of Bridgetown.
Gooding-Edghill, who was joined by officials from the ministry, Barbados Port Inc., and Platinum Port Agency Inc., exchanged plaques with captain of the yacht, Robert O’Leary.
The minister said he was happy to welcome the captain, the guests and the entire crew servicing Emerald Sakara to the country.
He noted that the Emerald Sakara, like its sister ship the Emerald Azzurra which visited the island during the cruise season 2023/2024, is an air-sea transfer cruise offering.
“The fact that we have the Emerald brand in Port today also closely aligns with the airlift strategy that we are pursuing as a ministry, as well as the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. The fact that we’ve been able to drive significant airlift out of the United States speaks volumes. And the reason for that is, that on this ship today, the Sakara, we will have passengers who are flying into Barbados to embark on the ship here in the Bridgetown Port for the onward journey to Speightstown.
“Again, this speaks volumes, and it aligns very closely with our airlift strategy, not only to increase the arrivals but also to bring smaller vessels to Barbados, and we will continue to build out that strategy,” he said.
The 93 guests on board the luxury superyacht will make history today, it was noted, as the first small cruise vessel to utilise the moorings installed off Speightstown, St Peter.
“The unique opportunity that presents itself today is the fact that this smaller luxury ship will also be journeying all the way tomorrow to Speightstown, which affords the Speightstown community an opportunity to take advantage of all of the economic benefits, that for the first time, a ship utilising the new moorings off the Speightstown area.
“We are aware that there are several planned tours for the community, as well as for the northern part of Barbados. This is exciting news and it also demonstrates the commitment on the part of smaller ships to go into Speightstown,” the minister said.
Gooding-Edghill added that it was a “defining moment” in enhancing Barbados’ luxury tourism offerings and signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the island’s tourism product, which aligned with the Ministry’s vision and strategy of diversifying and enriching its tourism product.
Captain O’Leary, who expressed pleasure at being on the island, said: “It’s nice to be here. It’s nice to be back here. It’s been for me many, many years since I’ve been in Barbados. I was lucky enough to spend my 18th birthday here. I’ve got very fond memories of the shores off here, of many hours spent at the Boatyard, places like that, and places much more beautiful, but great memories of Barbados.
“So, it is very nice to come back, and it’s nice to bring Sakara here. Last year, our sister was here, Emerald Azzurra, this year we swapped, so it’s nice.”
The yacht, which has a carrying capacity of 100 passengers, is known for its boutique hotel-like amenities, intimate atmosphere, and excellent value for money.
Emerald Sakara’s next port of call is Kingston, St Vincent.
In addition to the Emerald Sakara, five other cruise vessels were in the Port, bringing a total of 4 274 cruise passengers to the island. (PR/CM)
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