By
Rebecca Gibson |
The Port of Spain in Trinidad opened its 2014-2015 cruise season with a call from Saga Cruises’ Saga Sapphire on 13 November.
Saga Sapphire’s 600 passengers were greeted by steelpan music and a cultural display featuring traditional Carnival characters and costumed dancers performing to calypso and soca music. Once on the quayside they were able to look at artwork by local designer and Carnival bandleader Brian Mac Farlane, including depictions of local icons, sites and attractions and replicas of Trinidad’s distinct gingerbread houses. The port’s visitor guides were also on hand to assist cruise passengers with maps and information about the destination.
In light of the current Ebola outbreak, port officials planned Saga Sapphire’s visit in close collaboration with Saga Cruises, Trinidad’s Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, the Tourism Development Company and other key tourism stakeholders. Once the ship entered Trinidad and Tobago’s waters, the vessel had to meet pratique requirements, or pre-arrival clearance, in compliance with international health regulations.