BVCOCT

14 15 The opportunitywas also used to update each cruise line on the latest port and cruise facilitydevelopment and the availabilityof newservices such as fuel bun- kering and the possibility for provisioningwhile in the port of St.John’s. Michael not only thanked the cruise lines for the confidence theyhad demonstrated by including ad- ditional calls for the destination,but also expressed ap- preciation for the cruise lines’valiant efforts in support of hurricane recovery throughout the region but more so for Barbuda andDominica. “The collective efforts of our collaboration towork with our cruise line partners showthat we are stronger and better whenwework together tomove forward as one,in the interest of all our destinations.The commit- ment to our cruise line partners is that wewill ensure that we offer a superior product bydoing everything necessary to improve the guest experience during their visit with us,”Michael said. Areas of significant interest to each cruise line included the availabilityof newtours and attractions to ensure that adequate shore excursions were available. This would add to the appeal of the newitineraries and ensure strong customer satisfaction scores. The cruise lines also reinforced the need towork closelyand collectivelywith the destinations to repair the negative perceptions in themarket that the entire Caribbeanwas devastated.Antigua and Barbuda used this opportunity to share its efforts in using social me- dia and a PR campaign to combat that perception in its overseasmarkets. The three Eastern Caribbean destinations agreed to collaboratewith the cruise lines in an effort to have key influencers and travel bloggers cruise to each des- tination to share firsthand positive images andmes- sages that the Caribbean is indeed open for business OPENING LINES and offers a first class experience to its cruise guests. The keymessage from the cruise lines was that it was their intention tomaintain the Eastern Ca- ribbean itineraries asmuch as possible particularly with Puerto Rico resuming its unique operations as a homeport in the verynear future.Thismeans that although the itineraryplanning situation remains fluid,most of the calls that have been diverted to the destinations post Hurricane Irma andMaria are still andwould remain in place. The destination has alreadybegun the process of planning for the increased cruise ship calls bycon- veningmeetings with all relevant support services and cruise tourismpartners to ensure thatAntigua offers a first class experience to all its cruise guests in the days andweeks ahead.