The Swedish-American liner, M/V Kungsholm, looked like one of the largest ships in the world when it was anchored in tiny Caneel Bay.
She was gigantic!
Maybe because this was the first time in the history of the islands that a luxury ocean liner visited both the island and a US National Park.
Filled to maximum capacity with four hundred passengers from New York, the ship first stopped in St. Thomas and then sailed to Caneel Bay to enjoy three hours ashore.
Swimming
Visitors spent the morning taking advantage of all the wonderful amenities the beautiful resort had to offer including swimming, sampling tasty, pineapple daiquiris, and touring the hotel operations.
A midmorning buffet was later provided by the manager, Leslie Moore Jr., and his excellent staff.
Anchoring
One of the outstanding achievements of this venture was the superb handling of the ship by the harbormaster, Captain Engle Simmons.
The smooth anchoring of the ship within 1,000 yards of the beach without a hitch received high praise from the cruise ship’s captain.
Pleased with the fun time everyone had and the inaugural visit to St. John, Arthur B. Johansen, Assistant Passenger Traffic Manager, sent a radio message to his superiors,
“Visit to Caneel Bay enthusiastically received by all passengers; wonderful weather; refreshments beautifully arranged, cruise doing well.”
Don’t forget to visit the Shop!
