Preparations are continuing by the West Indian Co. Ltd. for the inaugural visit to the territory of the Eagle-class cruise liner, Explorer of the Seas.
The super-megaship is scheduled for its first call on St. Thomas on Nov. 1.
In a New Year’s Day newsletter, WICO said it has received a permit from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources to strengthen the dock face and encapsulate another 678 feet of the dock, similar to what was done to another portion of the dock three years ago.
In preparation for the arrival of the Eagle-class vessels and as a safety measure, WICO has agreed with the cruise line to widen the extension by 20 feet and an application has been filed with DPNR for a permit modification to undertake this work in the spring. WICO anticipates that the planned modifications would provide for separate vehicular and pedestrian lanes at the dock extension, thus minimizing the potential for accidents.
WICO also reported on New Year’s Day that the development of the Carifest Cultural Theme Park project is progressing satisfactorily.
Test borings have been completed and work on the architectural, engineering and financing phases are well under way, according to the release
The WICO newsletter said the project is "of the utmost importance to this destination because it will offer visitors more than the sun, sand and sea, and even shopping, available at other Caribbean destinations."
