Seven Seas Explorer, an Explorer-class luxury American cruise ship, paid its inaugural call to the port of Gibraltar on Friday 2nd September.

The vessel built by Fincantieri of Italy for the cruise firm Regent Seven Seas Cruises, entered service in July 2016, and features all balcony suite accommodation.

It has a gross tonnage of 54,000 tonnes, a length of 223 metres and capacity for 750 passengers and 552 crew.

The ship entered service in July 2016 in Monaco and departed on its maiden voyage that same day.

Minister for Tourism, Samantha Sacramento, welcomed the vessel’s arrival as continuing evidence of the Rock’s leading position as a regional hub for the cruise industry in the western Mediterranean.

As has become customary on these occasions, there was an informal ceremony on board the vessel following its arrival and an exchange of commemorative plaques between the ship’s captain and the Gibraltar Tourist Board and Port Authority.

Minister Sacramento said: “We are delighted at this new inaugural visit, yet again highlighting the Rock’s strong performance as a port of call this summer and during these past few years.

“It has been a magnificent summer for the local cruise industry with numerous cruise inaugurals and cruise visits, highlighting Gibraltar’s attraction as a port of call. The success is due to our shrewd investment in the Rock’s tourist infrastructure and incessant efforts to improve and upgrade the tourist product which is paying dividends.

“Our political leadership and steadfast support for all sectors of the tourist trade, both locally and abroad, together with our marketing vigorous campaigns in high profile international events has been a decisive factor in showcasing the Rock’s unique appeal.

“We look forward to the rest of the current summer season, confident that Gibraltar’s position as a cruise port of call will be further strengthened and that many more thousands of tourists will be visiting the Rock and enjoying a memorable experience.

“We continue to work tirelessly to attract more and more visitors to the Rock by sea, land and air and ensure that a vital contributor to our overall economic prosperity remains in such good health. We want to ensure this is the case not just this year, but in the years to come too. That remains our overriding objective as an administration.”