FREDERIKSTED — Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn will dock in St. Croix three times this month, beginning Saturday.
The ship’s arrival will mark the return of cruise ships to the Big Island after Hurricane Maria ripped through the island nearly two months ago.
“St. Croix looks forward to welcoming the passengers and crew of the Norwegian Dawn this weekend, and sharing with them our warm, resilient Crucian spirit,” said Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty. “We thank the countless Virgin Islanders and relief workers who have been working to restore power, clear roadways, prepare beaches and many of our key attractions so that visitors can experience our special Virgin Islands brand of Caribbean hospitality.”
Taxis, tour operators, and government agencies are working together to establish recommended routes for shore excursion tours. Norwegian Dawn will call in St. Croix on November 11, 18, and 25.
In December, Norwegian Gem, Seabourn Sojourn, and Seabourn Odyssey will also call in the tropical destination.
The anticipated schedule for cruise ship calls to St. Croix follows:
Nov. 11 – Norwegian Dawn
Nov. 15 – Viking Sea
Nov. 18 – Norwegian Dawn
Nov. 25 – Norwegian Dawn
Nov. 28 – Viking Sea
Dec. 2 – Norwegian Dawn
Dec. 8 – Viking Sea
Dec. 9 – Norwegian Dawn
Dec. 14 – Seabourn Sojourn
Dec. 16 – Norwegian Dawn
Dec. 25 – Seabourn Sojourn
Dec. 27 – Norwegian Gem
Dec. 30 – Seabourn Odyssey
Meanwhile, St. Thomas, which felt the brunt of Hurricane Irma, is expected to get its second ship on November 10 when Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas calls to the island.
The Seabourn Odyssey arrived at the WICO dock on Nov. 3 — it was the first cruise ship to visit the territory after the storms.
SUNSHINE RETURNS TO ST. CROIX: Here the Carnival Sunshine docks at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility.