P&O Cruises has become the first cruise line to call in St Lucia since tropical storm Tomas ravaged the island.
Oceana docked yesterday in the port of Castries ahead of Holland America Line’s Noordam.
The P&O Cruises’ ship was met by the island’s Prime Minister Stephenson King and tourism minister Allen Chastanet after arranging to make donations to the local Red Cross, including two pallets of mineral water, biscuits, mattresses and furniture.
The storm has wiped out agriculture and destroyed 100% of the island’s banana crop.
The town of Soufriere was the hardest hit although roads are expected to reopen soon.
Water supply remains a big problem but supplies are due to return to normal by Wednesday.
All the usual tourist and duty free shops have opened as normal for cruise ship visits, although restrictions remain on passenger excursions.