Ritz Carlton’s luxury cruise ship, the MV Evrima, visited Frederiksted, St. Croix, for the first time yesterday. While berthed at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility, officials from the Virgin Islands Port Authority and the USVI Department of Tourism hosted a plaque and keys exchange ceremony onboard to welcome Captain Stanislav Mykhailychenko, his crew, and guests to St. Croix. The ship brought 271 passengers and 250 crew members to St. Croix for a 15-hour stay, arriving at 8 a.m. and departing at 11 p.m.
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe said that the visit went exceptionally well. He added that seven new smaller cruise vessels are expected to launch next year, and VIPA will continue discussions with cruise officials to encourage these luxury ships to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, and St. Croix in particular.
The Evrima features a stylish yacht exterior and exclusive art pieces and furnishings on the interior. It can accommodate up to 298 guests, providing a more intimate, high-end cruising experience. The ship was b
uilt in 2022, measures 623 feet long (190m), and weighs 25,400 gross tons. It is the first of what the Ritz Carlton has announced will be three ships in its fleet of luxury cruise vessels.