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St. Maarten getting ready for Genesis class ships
by The Daily Herald
Posted: May 30, 2007 14:03 UTC
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POINTE BLANCHE - In tandem with the assembly of the new Genesis class of ships in European dockyards, St. Maarten is also preparing to implement plans to cater to these ocean-going behemoths.
The 220,000-ton Genesis class ships are set to dwarf the 160,000-ton Liberty of the Seas, which made its inaugural call here Tuesday, and her twin sister Freedom of the Seas, the current holders of the title of largest cruise ships in the world. The ships are 1,112 feet long and 185 feet wide, and can cater to 4,375 passengers and a crew of 1,360.
As the cruise industry races to build larger vessels, St. Maarten, known as an innovative and cutting-edge port of call, is also preparing with a planned expansion and upgrade of Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities.
The island will be ready to accommodate the Genesis class ships in 2009, in time for the first cruise ship of this class to glide off dry dock and make her maiden voyage, Harbour Affairs Commissioner Theo Heyliger said during the welcoming ceremony for Liberty of the Seas.
Not sharing details of the expansion plans, Heyliger said that while Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) had endeavoured to keep the design of the first Genesis ships a secret, St. Maarten had managed to get a glimpse of the future. Based on research, the expansion plans were conceived.
The enlargement of the port in Pointe Blanche will include a possible second pier to accommodate these larger vessels, according to port insiders. The on-land facilities are also tipped to increase in area.
Another venture that will possibly be ready in time to cater to the avalanche-like influx of passengers from the Genesis ships is the development of the vacant land next to the port.
Heyliger hinted at a possible joint venture with RCCL in his speech to ship and port officials and other guests from tourism sector who were aboard Liberty of the Seas.
Asked by The Daily Herald for more details, RCCL Vice President of Land Operations and Guest Port Services Juan Trescastro said he could only confirm that a proposal for a project had been submitted to island officials for consideration.
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