The World cruise ship in Port Victoria |26 November 2011

The visitors were warmly welcomed with traditional music and a folkloric show at the New Port.
They also received small gifts and souvenirs.

The cruise ship will be in Port Victoria for three days, from November 25-27, and will be back again on December 1. On the other days, it will be touring the outer islands. Tours around the islands of Curieuse, Praslin and La Digue have also been scheduled.

More visitors are expected to join the ship at the weekend for the tours around the islands.

The World, which mainly caters for people over and around the age of 55 who want to enjoy tranquility and serenity away from routine life, last visited Port Victoria in 2006.

The 196m vessel has a gross tonnage of 43,524 tons and flies the flag of The Bahamas. It is 30m wide and has a 6.7 m draft, 12 decks, and a maximum speed of 18.5 knots (34.3 km/h).

The ship has 165 residential units (106 apartments, 19 studio apartments, and 40 studios), all owned by the ship's residents. The ship carries between 100 and 300 residents and their guests.

M-A. L.