PORT ANTONIO recently welcomed the world's finest luxury boutique cruise ship, when the MS Europa docked at the Ken Wright Cruise Ship Terminal with 198 passengers, and 278 crewmembers on board. The 28,437-ton cruise ship is a leader in the cruise market in terms of interior design, space per passenger and service.
She was chosen as the world's finest cruise ship by the prestigious "Berlitz Cruise Guide" in 2003, as well as 2001 and 2002. The Europa came to Jamaica en route to Miami from Panama as part of a 15-day cruise that will terminate in New York.
Rosalie Donaldson, the Port Authority of Jamaica's Senior Vice-President of International Marketing, noted that the visit of the luxury liner was a testament of the work being done by the PAJ to restore Port Antonio's profile as a cruise ship destination.
"The five-star plus MS Europa is the flagship of the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the leading operator for premium and luxury cruises in German speaking countries, and it's the supreme example of the kind of ship the Port Authority had in mind when we defined our objectives for the Port Antonio West Harbour Development," said Donaldson. "We are focused on opening up the cruise market to Port Antonio, which is perfect for the higher end of the market."
A state -of-the art ship measuring 198.6 metres in length, the MS Europa has a "pod" propulsion system to aid efficiency powered by two 21,600 kilowatt diesel-electric propellers which fuels efficiency while reducing the noise and vibration levels felt on board.
It is also the only cruise liner in the world to feature Cruise Infotainment System, an integrated television/computer monitor which allows passengers to check email, watch movies or listen to compact discs on demand at no charge.
A trailblazer in the global cruise ship market, the MS Europa boasts state of the art features and 70 square metres of space per passenger. Features include: seven passenger decks, 204 cabins which range from deluxe penthouses with 80 square metres to standard suites of 26 square metres, a business centre, four restaurants, entertainment areas, elevators, swimming pools, a fitness centre, spa, mini cinema and library.
The Captain, Hagen Damaschke, said that he was delighted to spend some time in Jamaica, and despite the short stay, the mostly German passengers were happy for the sunshine.
"Jamaica is definitely one of the highlights especially for passengers coming from Europe who expect sunshine, the reggae music, nice beaches, and Port Antonio is very nice with a small village where passengers can enjoy sightseeing tours," Damaschke said.
