2:42pm Tuesday 30th March 2010
Following last month's murder of a cruise passenger, a leading cruise line has cancelled all calls at the exquisite Antigua.
The action by Star Clippers came 10 days after the body of Nina Nilssen, 30, from San Francisco, was discovered near Pigeon Point Beach, a popular tourist area.
Nina was with a wedding party celebrating her sister's marriage when it was thought that during an onshore break, she wandered away from a nearby barbecue. Her body was found later that day with a single stab wound to the neck. A 24-year-old male has been arrested and charged with her murder.
The five Star Clippers cruises which were due to stop in Antigua will now stop at Nevis. The company are still undecided as to whether or not they will resume calls at the island for next winter's holiday deals.
The companies' unique vessels reflect their heritage, from polished brass and gleaming brightwork. With intentions of providing a relaxing and blissful cruise, much like sailing on a private yacht, its mast stands a proud 226 feet high as well as adorning 21 cotton like, white sails, which show it off in its finest light.
Michael Krafft, chief executive of Star Clippers, said the cruise line would continue to monitor the security situation in Antigua. "Star Clippers has called at Antigua for many years without incident and the island has always been a popular destination with our guests," He said. "We are taking this decision after much deliberation, and we will evaluate our opinions for next winter."
The Foreign Office has informed potential visitors that there has been a rise in crime, including crime involving guns, in Antigua over the recent months.
"You should take precautions and be vigilant at all times," the Foreign Office website says. "Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark."
In other occurrences which took place in Antigua, a British couple, Catherine and Ben Mullany, were murdered at the Cocos Hotel in July 2008 during their honeymoon, and an Australian holidaymaker was shot during an attempted robbery in January 2009.
A spokesman for the Antigua and Barbuda tourism authority said: "We regret any loss of life as the country continues to improve security for all residents and visitors. The government commits itself to implementing programmes to ensure security for everyone."
Numerous cruise lines which call at Antigua are currently operating as normal, including Silversea, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise line however in January, Carnival Cruise Lines removed Antigua from its Caribbean itineraries after several passengers were involved in an altercation with the local police.
It's sad to see how crime can not only destroy a life but can destroy a country and those who live to survive their. No doubt that as crime levels continue to grow in Antigua, it will prove damaging to tourism in Antigua and therefore reduce the countries income.
For those optimistic holidaymakers who love to find tropical holiday deals, have a look for Antigua holidays, as this island is truly magnificent. With pristine, powder like sands and glistening clear blue seas, Antigua is a place of true natural beauty; it's just unfortunate when tourists become victims of crime.
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