By the Caribbean Journal staff
The first commercial cruise ships called on St Maarten on Tuesday since Hurricane Irma, a major step in the island’s recovery.
Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Sea made its inaugural visit to St Maarten, welcomed by a delegation including Minister of Tourism Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher.
Viking Sea is homeporting in San Juan, sailing 10-day Caribbean cruises including stops in Barbados, St Lucia, Guadeloupe, Antigua, St Kitts, St Maarten, St Croix and St Thomas.
The cruise ship was in port with 672 passengers, mostly from the United States.
Cruise visitors received a steel pan welcome.
Viking Sea will be continuing its Caribbean itinerary through March 2018.
Also on Tuesday, TUI Cruises’ Marella Discovery ship called on the island.