Dec. 1, 2004 — The Christmas season is a time for welcoming visitors and exchanging gifts. And for the second day in a row, St. Croix will be doing just that.
An unexpected visitor, the cruise ship Norwegian Dawn will be arriving at the Ann E. Abramsen pier at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The visit comes one day after a successful bunkering call of the Voyager of the Seas. Vendors will again set up their wares in a blocked-off area of King Street and local musicians will entertain visitors and locals alike.
Alvin Milligan, assistant manger of cruise ship activities for the Tourism Department, said Wednesday afternoon the department is busy getting ready to welcome the ship. "It's been hectic," Milligan said. "The waterfront construction is a challenge, and we have to be in compliance with Port Authority regulations."
Passengers will be allowed to disembark from the ship and will be offered free walking tours of Frederiksted and tours of Fort Frederik.
Passengers can also travel to Christiansted for tours or shopping, Milligan said.
According to Milligan, the ship contacted the V.I. Port Authority Tuesday to request permission to stop in St. Croix. They originally wanted to refuel, but the refueling plans changed, Milligan said.
The ship has a capacity of 2,224 passengers and employs 1,318 crewmembers.
The Merwin Shipping Company is the shipping agent for St. Croix. A Merwin employee said the ship is coming from New York and would be continuing on to Antigua.
He said he did not know about the refueling in Frederiksted. "I have not been given any more information," the employee, identified only as Kell, said.
The ship was originally scheduled to call on St. Thomas. It has not been made clear by V.I. officials why the change of venue took place.
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