Saint Kitts Tourism celebrated another massive win today.

Icon Of The Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship docked in Port Zante on its maiden voyage, bringing five thousand visitors to the island.

Tourism officials were on hand to mark the arrival of the vessel. Among them, was Minister of Tourism, Marsha Henderson. In noting the significance of the occasion, she said it’s amazing that the largest cruise vessel in the world had docked in the smallest independent nation in the Western Hemisphere.

“It is precisely this contrast that exemplifies the magic and wonder of our industry, transcending boundaries and bringing people together in the name of adventure and exploration,” she said.

Minister Henderson said the arrival of Icon of the Seas will remarkably bolster the island’s tourism product.

These sentiments were echoed by Prime Minister Dr Terrence Drew.

“Our economy becomes the fortunate recipient of great opportunities, as the arrival of the largest cruise vessel in the world anchors our nation firmly on the global map of commerce. It ushers in new possibilities for economic investments and employment, important aspects of economic development.”

He said destination Saint Kitts and Nevis is dedicated to creating an environment that “effortlessly blends the preservation of our natural heritage with sustainable tourism practices.”

This, he said, is an important tenet of the government’s agenda to ensure that Saint Kitts and Nevis become a sustainable island state.

Meanwhile, CEO of Saint Kitts Tourism, Ellison “Tommy” Thompson said he’s pleased that Saint Kitts and Nevis was the first port of call on the ships inaugural revenue sailing.

The Icon of the Seas spans 365 metres or 1,197 feet in length. It boasts 20 decks and could accommodate up to 7600 passengers and 2350 crew members.

The vessel left Miami on January 27 and made a stop in the Bahamas before heading to Saint Kitts. Having left Saint Kitts this evening (January 30) the ship is scheduled to stop in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands record making its way back to Miami on February 3.