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B M & T ••• July/August 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 42 U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS ENGAGES CRUISE LINE LEADERSHIP AT SEATRADE, REINFORCING LEADING POSITION IN EASTERN CARIBBEAN The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism concluded a focused and strategic presence at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, reinforcing its leading position within the Eastern Caribbean and engaging directly with key cruise line partners and industry stakeholders. Over the course of the conference, meetings were held with senior leadership from Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Disney Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line to discuss itiner- ary planning, port operations, and the overall cruise experience across the Territory. Discussions addressed current operations across St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King, Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington, Governor Albert Bryan Jr., and Joseph Boschulte, President and Chief Executive Officer of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO), meet with cruise industry partners during Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami Beach, Fla. Targeted media meetings were also conducted with travel, lifestyle, and trade outlets, supporting ongoing coverage and maintaining visibility across both consumer and industry narra- tives. Conversations focused on the Territory's cruise product, multi-island offering, and on-island experience. "Seatrade is where we engage directly with our cruise part- ners on the decisions that shape itineraries and the overall cruise experience," said Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. "This week, we had focused conversations with our partners and reinforced the role the U.S. Virgin Islands contin- ues to play within their planning." The Territory's presence also highlighted the strength of its multi-island cruise product. St. Thomas serves as the primary gateway, offering immediate access to Charlotte Amalie, retail, and excursions. St. John provides a nature-driven experience through Virgin Islands National Park, while St. Croix offers a distinct cultural and historical experience anchored by Frederiksted and Christiansted. U.S. Virgin Islands leadership in a meeting with cruise line partners during Seatrade Cruise Global 2026. Governor Albert Bryan Jr., Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King, and Joseph Boschulte, President and Chief Executive Officer of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO), alongside a delegation of U.S. Virgin Islands tourism and cruise leadership, meet with cruise line executives during Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami Beach, Fla. Reinforcing industry collaboration, the week kicked off with a celebration of the longstanding partnership with the Florida- Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). On-site activations at the U.S. Virgin Islands booth included a curated cocktail pro- gram and a "Farm to Glass" experience featuring St. Croix– based mixologist KJ Richards, highlighting elements of the Territory's culture and hospitality, along with giveaways from the Department of Tourism, Virgin Islands Port Authority, and Virgin Islands Lottery. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/. ABOUT THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands fea- tures breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry require- ments for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more informa- CRUISE NEWS