Today we welcomed the Veendam Cruise ship to the port of Port-of-Spain for the 2018/19 season. It is the 18th of 25 cruise arrivals expected for the 2018/19 cruise season.
The Veendam docked shortly before 7.30 this morning with an estimated 1,300 passengers from the United States and Canada.
While 300 of them went on pre-booked tours to specific tourist sites and attractions, including Maracas Beach, many others opted to walk the streets of Port-of-Spain and even visit the Queen’s Park Savannah to see the Magnificent Seven buildings, the Botanic Gardens, the National Academy for the Performing Arts and other attractions.
Minister of Tourism Honourable Randall Mitchell welcomes the visit of this and all cruise lines to the country. He said the ministry will continue to encourage all stakeholders to do all they can to ensure there is continued growth and development of the cruise industry in T&T.
Veendam is among a fleet of ships named after colonies in the Netherlands such as Prinsendam and Massdam which have visited Trinidad and Tobago
The vessel is on a 50 day cruise, which began in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. It is expected to visit the port of Scarborough, Tobago, tomorrow.
The Veendam first came to Trinidad 40 years ago, when it docked at the La Brea port and passengers were transported by taxis to Port-of-Spain to view popular sites and attractions here.
Veendam last visited Trinidad in Feb 2017.