The sophisticated radiance class cruise ship Jewel of the Seas made its inaugural visit to the Bridgetown Port today docked with approximately 2 100 guests and 850 crew.
Minister of international transport, George Hudson was welcomed onboard the 13-deck cruiseliner by Captain James MacDonald as members of Royal Caribbean – the Fort Lauderdale-based owner of the cruise line, local agents Platinum Port Agency, representatives from the Barbados tourism industry and representatives from the United States Embassy gathered to welcome the highly-rated vessel to the island.
 In welcoming the captain and his crew to Barbados, minister Hutson said he appreciated and valued the relationship between Barbados and the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL). He said while he acknowledged that there was an international financial crisis, he remained positive that the number of people cruising was on the increase. (MM)
