Above: the Carnival Conquest in Tortola (GIS Photo/Ronnielle Frazer)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Carnival Conquest cruise ship made its first call to the British Virgin Islands on Thursday in Tortola.

The ship was carrying almost 3,000 passengers and over 1,100 crew to Road Town.

“I am happy to be here for the first time in Tortola and I am looking forward to returning,” said Captain Master Francesco La Fauci, who was welcomed by BVI Premier Dr Orlando Smith and presented with a plaque.

The British Virgin Islands has been working on making various enhancements at the Cruise Pier in Road Town, including landscaping and signage installation, according to Claude Skelton-Cline, managing director of the BVI Ports Authority.

“I was happy to be aboard Carnival Conquest and witness what I understand will be the beginning of many calls to the BVI,” Skelton-Cline said. “I encourage them to make the most of their time here.”

The Conquest was on one of the last segments of a seven-day Eastern Caribbean tour that concludes in San Juan on Saturday.