The Virgin Islands proudly welcomed P&O Cruises' Iona on her inaugural call to the Territory on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Photo: BVIPA

To commemorate the inaugural arrival of cruise ship Iona, a plaque exchange ceremony was held onboard where a plaque was presented on behalf of the Government and the people of the Virgin Islands to Captain Andrew Wolverson. Photo: BVIPA

From left: Christopher Haycraft - Island Shipping, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), His Excellency Daniel Pruce, Akeem R. Pickering – Managing Director of BVI Ports Authority, and Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). Photo: BVIPA

The arrival marks a significant milestone in the Territory's cruise tourism sector, underscoring its strategic occurrence at the pier, highlighting the appeal to major cruise lines and reinforcing its commitment to providing quality service to visiting ships and passengers.

The Iona called to the VI with 4,936 passengers and 1,656 crew members on board. The vessel is currently on a 35-day round-trip Caribbean Winter Cruise itinerary from Southampton with the VI being her first stop. The itinerary includes stops in Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua, St Kitts, and St Maarten before returning to Southampton.

Today, sister ship, Arvia, joined her at the cruise pier in Tortola, creating a remarkable maritime moment for the Virgin Islands. The presence of these two impressive vessels showcases the operational capacity and commitment to excellence in port management.

As the Territory continues to develop its infrastructure and services, the BVIPA remains dedicated to supporting the evolving needs of the cruise industry.

Plaque exchange ceremony

To commemorate this occasion, a plaque exchange ceremony was held onboard, where a plaque was presented on behalf of the Government and the people of the Virgin Islands to Captain Andrew Wolverson.

Present at the plaque exchange ceremony were the Governor, His Excellency Daniel Pruce, Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith, as well as representatives from the BVI Ports Authority, BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission, Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, and port agent, Island Shipping.

This exchange symbolises the Virgin Islands' dedication to fostering enduring partnerships within the cruise industry and capitalising on future growth opportunities.