Port Castries hosts its largest cruise ship, the Anthem of the Seas

[dropcap]H[/dropcap]istory was made at dawn on Saturday January 13th when the Anthem of the Seas became the largest cruise ship to sail into Port Castries. Its accommodation was made possible by the completion of extension works at Berth #1 at Pointe Seraphine.

The US $18.8 million project, constructed by Dutch company Ballast Nedam, saw the extension of Berth #1 by 164 feet, at a width of 40 feet with the installation of an additional bollard for anchoring the ship on the concrete extension.

A high capacity foam-filled fender was also added. Three mooring dolphins were constructed allowing mega cruise ships like the Anthem of the Seas to be berthed safely and securely. The extension and dolphin berths are secured by 76 piles driven deep into the seabed and fortified by sea concrete.

The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) says this is the largest investment it has made in 20 years. The US $18.8 million project was financed through the National Insurance Corporation. It was completed within budget and on time.

Stilt walkers, dancers and steelband music welcomed the 4,200 passengers who came in with the Anthem of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises. The local agents are Platinum/Foster & Ince.

The extension of port facilities at Pointe Seraphine will see mega ships visiting Port Castries bringing in thousands of passengers with each call.