Melodic tunes of the live band echoed through the air as passengers disembarked P&O Cruises’ Aurora and were greeted by the friendly smiling faces of Customer Service Ambassadors. Excited to start their day, passengers traversed the welcome centre stopping at the various local stores to secure their special memento of their trip to Tortola, the port said in a statement.

“We have been to the BVI (British Virgin Islands) five times via cruise ship and we were really impressed coming off the ship and being welcomed to this area, especially with this lovely new shopping center. The addition of these shops in this area has made a big difference, as it adds to the few shops already found in town,” said two Aurora passengers.

Aurora has a passenger capacity of 1,950 passengers. Departing Southampton on 8 October, Aurora began its 15 day journey with its second stop at the Tortola Pier Park in the BVI.

“The Summer season allowed myself and my team the opportunity to strengthen our service quality, in preparation for the new season, ensuring that when customers enter the facility they receive the highest level of service possible and leave with a lasting positive experience. Upon arriving to the facility customers can expect a warm smile and friendly greeting as they come off the ship, live entertainment and a variety of complementary services. We are very excited as the season kicks off to be able to showcase Tortola Pier Park and the wider BVI to new and returning guests,” said Shonia Matthew – Palladino, Customer Service Manager.

The very active cruise season begins on October 2016 and ends in May 2017 with an expected 553,962 passengers and 11 new calls. Tortola Pier Park is open Monday through Saturday, 9am to 6pm and on Sundays and holidays when a cruise vessel is in port; with extended hours for restaurants and bars until 12pm. The new shopping facility now has 47 stores operational and is expecting a few more stores to be opened by the end of the year.