Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:
WHEN THE cruise vessel Braemer docked at the Ken Wright Pier, Port Antonio, Portland, on Wednesday, it was a visit of a different kind. While the 750 passengers disembarked to enjoy Port Antonio's tourist offerings, tourism officials, the media, 32 students from Bethesda Basic School and two teachers were invited to tour the ship.
The tour took the residents to various parts of the ship, including the captain's bridge, where they were shown various electronic devices which operate and man the ship.
Speaking briefly with The Gleaner, John Butt, cruise director of Fred Olsen Cruise Line, which operates the Braemer, opined that Port Antonio was the ideal tourist destination, with all its splendid natural attributes and friendly people. He said, "Port Antonio is regarded as a perfect tourist destination for European visitors.
WARMTH AND WELCOME
"The warmth is tremendous and we feel very secured and welcome. A lot of credit should be given to this port, and I believe that Montego Bay and Ocho Rios could learn a lot from Port Antonio as to how greetings should be extended."
The Braemer has been visiting Port Antonio for almost two years with many repeat visitors who have indicated to their cruise director, from time to time, that Port Antonio is their favourite destination.
The tour of the vessel was made possible through the coordinated efforts of Karen Murdock, operations manager of Attraction Links Limited; Martine Bramwell of Lannaman and Morris Company, a local agent for Braemer, and Karen Bowen of Caribbean Cruise Attractions Limited.
