Benvenutito, a warm Antiguan and Barbudan welcome to the Captain and crew of the magnificent Costa Deliziosa. We are genuinely honored to be here today celebrating the inaugural call to our beautiful islands and to the port of St John’s. So please accept the warmest welcome on behalf of both The Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda. We’re welcoming you with open arms and warm hearts.
It is a real pleasure and honor to Costa Deliziosa, who are of course now a part of the wonderful Carnival Corporation, one of the largest operating companies in Europe. Bestowing Antigua and Barbuda with a port call for Cost Deliziosa is a true honor. The European market is one that Antigua and Barbuda values very much in do in particular the Italian market. Indeed famous Italian celebrities like, Georgio Armani have made their homes here in our beautiful country. So thank you for sharing your passengers with us. You’re opening up Antigua and Barbuda to an audience we would not otherwise have – allowing us to show them why you chose us as a port of call and why we’re the best destination in the Caribbean.
We would like to thank you for the confidence you have placed in us as a destination and we promise that your almost 3,000 guests and over 1,000 crew members will have an unforgettable experience.
Your arrival is incredibly important for Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, so please know we will be taking the utmost care of your passengers as well as your vessel. You and your guests are an important part of the success of this industry, and so we know that it is our duty to provide your guests and crew with a stay and experience that is above and beyond their expectations.
As part of our promise to improve services on island, our Government has taken steps to ensure we’re providing the most desirable product possible to visitors and residents. A total transformation of the port facilities and downtown St. John’s will ensure that we once again regain our former status as a “marquee” destination in the cruise tourism industry. This development will include world-class casinos, cafes and restaurants, hotels, condominiums, and high-end designer shops.
At very least, we promise to provide your guests and crew with the customer service, warmth and friendliness that they are accustomed to
Work has already begun on these improvements and renovations, so facilities and plans are well in place to offer a first class service not just for your guests, but your crew as well. So let me just say once again: welcome, on behalf of the people of Antigua and Barbuda. From the bottom of our hearts we absolutely hope you enjoy your time with us today.
Do ensure that you disembark so as to have the opportunity to appreciate our beauty, culture and warmth. We hope we’ll be able to greet you and your wonderful vessel once again very soon and wish you a safe onward voyage! Arrivederci!