The Shipping Deputy Minister to the President, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, paid an official visit to Miami, USA, from 17 to 21 January, as part of her targeted enhancement of ties with organizations operating in the cruise sector.

Following an invitation from Royal Caribbean, Ms Hadjimanolis held meetings with senior executives of the group and had an opportunity to present the competitive framework of advantages and services offered by the registration of ships under the Cyprus flag, as well as the advantages of establishing a shipping company in Cyprus.

The Shipping Deputy Minister also met with Mr. Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, who affirmed the intention of Royal Caribbean to strengthen its cooperation with the Shipping Deputy Ministry. Furthermore, the prospect for cooperation was also examined, at a meeting held with Norwegian Cruise Line, another group, also holding a significant share of the cruise market.

During her stay in Miami, Ms Hadjimanolis visited Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship ever constructed, which is owned by Royal Caribbean, and had the opportunity to tour the ship and learn about its innovative technologies, designed to protect the environment.

Finally, Ms. Hadjimanolis met with members of the Cypriot expatriate community who are professionally active in Miami. The Shipping Deputy Minister was accompanied by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in the USA, Mr. Evangelos Savva.