The post-Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting cruise on board the two Government-chartered cruise ships-Serenade of the Seas and the Caribbean Princess-has been described as a success, despite the dreary financial climate in Trinidad and Tobago for the last few months.

Both ships left the Cruise Ship Complex in downtown Port of Spain yesterday, to begin their journeys across the Caribbean Sea.

The ships were rented as a form of temporary accommodation for delegates and visiting media during the Commonwealth event which ended on Sunday.

Minister of Trade Mariano Browne said the ships were necessary as overall the country has less than 2,000 beds and over 4,000 visitors were coming into the country for the event.

By yesterday, the Serenade, which holds some 2,300 people, was completely sold out for the leisurely voyage. People began arriving at the Cruise Ship Complex boarding area from as early as 1 p.m. for the three-day voyage to St Maarten and back.

When asked how she could afford the trip despite the tough financial times which many have been facing one passenger said, ’It was a steal of a deal. I got a window-less cheap cabin, for about $2,500. I can spend the day on deck so I did not care about the window, it was just such a good opportunity. A good chance to travel and relax. When next would you find a cruise so cheap? This is my Christmas gift to myself.’

Officials from the Tourism Development Company said the other ship, the Caribbean Princess, catered more to the Caribbean crowd not just those from Trinidad and Tobago, and was sold as a cruise out of Barbados.

The ship was set to leave from Barbados yesterday evening and sail to Antigua and St Maarten and be back in the course of four days. Officials said it had about an 80 per cent occupancy level yesterday.

Tickets for the cruise began at about $2,500 and went to about $7,000, varying according to the type of cabin which was requested.