SEYCHELLES: Queen Victoria Docks At Port Victoria Seychelles

The grand Queen Victoria cruise ship from the CUNARD Group today docked at Port Victoria in the Seychelles. This 293 meter long luxury cruise ship is on a world tour and arrived in the Seychelles with just under 2000 passengers on board and about 900 crew. Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture accompanied by Colonel Andre Ciseau, the CEO of the Seychelles Ports Authority, Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism, Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board and Joe Morin from Mahe Shipping went on the Queen Victoria Cruise Ship soon after it docked and were welcomed on board by Christopher Rynd, the Commodore of the ship.

In a small ceremony in one of the upper lounges of the ship, Minister Alain St.Ange welcomed the ship’s Commodore and his Senior Team saying that he valued their call to Port Victoria. The Minister said as he presented Commodore Rynd with a framed picture of Seychelles with words marking the arrival of the ship in Port Victoria that the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Seychelles Ports Authority and the Seychelles Tourism Board are working jointly to ensure that each cruise ship feels welcomed in Port Victoria. “We value you Port Call and hope that you will find time to get ashore and see a bit of Seychelles. Your passengers are on excursions and it is important for us that you also discover our Seychelles” said Minister St.Ange.

When he was questioned by the press about the value to Seychelles of such a large ship in Port Victoria, Minister St.Ange said that two thousand passengers and nine hundred crew would today see Seychelles. “This is like a tourism trade fair. Instead of giving our brochure we these visitors are seeing first hand the beauty of Seychelles.

They can then tell their family, friends and acquaintances about Seychelles as a holiday destination. This increased the visibility of our islands and ensures we remain relevant in the world of Tourism. Secondly the excursions sold and the sales by local artisans are all business taking place when such a ship in in Port Victoria” said Minister St.Ange.

Excursions for about 50 percent of the passengers was prebooked and organized by the local DMC whereas the other passengers strolled into Victoria of took taxis of local guides for personalized tours. Cat Cocos speed ferry also took passengers to Praslin on excursions.

Inside the Port itself a kiosk had been erected and a local bank was playing music as passengers disembarked. A small artisanal village was also set up around the Port Offices.

The Queen Victoria is scheduled to leave Port Victoria at 4.30 pm this afternoon

SEYCHELLES: Luxury Cruise Ships In Port Victoria In Seychelles

Two cruise ships ̶ MSC Sinfonia of the MSC Cruises and MS Nautica which belongs to the Oceania Cruises fleet left Seychelles earlier today after getting a taste of the Seychelles’ experience.

The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange accompanied by the principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune and the chief executive of the Seychelles Ports Authority Lieutenant Colonel Andre Ciseau and its director for business development David Bianchi paid courtesy calls on the captains of the two ships as they were tied up alongside the quay in Port Victoria.

MS Nautica’s previous port of call was in Cochine, India before arriving in Seychelles on November 8.

The ship which is of 180 metres long, is carrying a total of 629 passengers and 399 members of crew.

MSC Sinfonia’s previous port of call was in Jordan before making its way to Port Victoria. The ship which is carrying a total of 1800 passengers is a one-day trip to Seychelles.

A strong team of 726 crew members ensure that the passengers enjoy their holiday at sea in luxury and comfort.

Minister St.Ange said it is important on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Seychelles Ports Authority to welcome the captain, his team and the passengers to Seychelles and to hold discussions.

One main point discussed was the involvement of local artists to perform on the ships, to promote the Seychelles’ culture and raise the profile of the islands.

Gifts were exchanged on both ships as souvenirs of these port calls.

Minister St.Ange said these books will help the passengers to learn more about Seychelles.

During discussions held with the captains, Minister St.Ange was happy to hear that the passengers had positive feedback on their short visit to Seychelles.

Except for the rain, the visitors have described Seychelles as a safe and beautiful destination and have appreciated the help received during their stay.

Minister St.Ange said cruise ship business is part of the tourism industry of Seychelles and everything which touches this vital industry which is the pillar of our economy needs to be protected.

MS Nautica is expected to be back in Seychelles during the month of December. Minister St.Ange and his delegation were given a tour of the two ships.