On January 3, 2023, Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea became the first ship in 15 years to dock on Isla Margarita, Venezuela, the company said.

Venezuelan Minister of Tourism Ali Padrón arrived at the island especially for this event and visited Captain Robert Fronenbroek and Cruise Director Manuela Bzdega onboard the Amadea.

“We at Phoenix Reisen thank you for the warm and colorful welcome provided to our guests and the crew,” the company wrote on social media.

The Bahamas-flagged ship docked at the Caribbean island of Margarita carrying almost 500 passengers, mainly from Spain, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

“For many years Venezuela was off the radar of cruise ships,” said Tourism Minister Ali Padron, as he welcomed the historic docking.

The arrival of the Amadea may open the food for other cruise lines to return to the country. 

The Amadea is currently on its 23-day voyage which departed from Villefranche (Nice) France, on December 20 with calls in Cadiz, Spain; Funchal, Madeira; Bridgetown, Barbados and Scarborough, Tobago among other destinations. The journey will end in Puntarenas, Costa Rica on January 11.