THE VALLEY, Anguilla — Luxury cruise vessel Explora III made its inaugural port call to Anguilla, bringing hundreds of passengers ashore to experience the island’s beaches and tourism offerings.

The vessel, operated by Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, arrived with 784 passengers on board. Approximately 650 went ashore during the visit.

A delegation of Government and tourism officials boarded the ship at the invitation of Captain Pietro Sinisi and his team, through local agent Bennie’s Travel and Tours, to mark the occasion.
The delegation included Premier Cora Richardson Hodge, Tourism Minister Cardigan Connor, Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Sherman Williams and Anguilla Tourist Board Chief Marketing Officer Kendisha Hall-Prentice, along with other government and tourism officials.

Captain Sinisi welcomed the delegation and hosted a traditional plaque exchange ceremony to commemorate the inaugural visit. Officials also received a private tour of the vessel.

Passengers who went ashore explored Anguilla’s beaches and coastal attractions, with some praising the island’s beaches and waters.

The port call provides an opportunity for local businesses, including taxi and tour operators, vendors, retailers and restaurants, to benefit from visitors arriving on the luxury cruise vessel.