The largest cruise liner ever to visit Bermuda, Anthem of the Seas, was welcomed by a local delegation as it berthed at Dockyard this morning.

Carrying 4,500 passengers and 1,600 crew, the ship boasts 16 public decks and even has a jewel-shaped capsule that ascends more than 300 feet above sea level, offering spectacular views across the ocean.

Led by Acting Premier Bob Richards, the group dined with the ship’s captain Henrik Sorensen and was taken on a brief tour of the new vessel which had its maiden voyage just a year ago.

Mr Richards was joined by Acting Minister of Tourism Development and Transport Grant Gibbons and Minister of Public Works Craig Cannonier.

Anthem of the Seas, the second of the Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum Class cruise ships, arrived to a water cannon salute as it docked at Heritage Wharf.

The vessel is 136ft wide and 1,141ft long with a draft of 28ft and its crew represents 65 nationalities.

It order to visit the island, it required the dredging and widening of the North Channel between St. George’s and Dockyard earlier this year.

Other local guests aboard the ship included Mayor of Hamilton Charles Gosling, Mayor of the Town of St. George’s Quinell Francis and chairman of the Wedco board, Raymond Charlton.

Dr Gibbons presented Captain Sorensen with a plaque and a gift was also delivered by Wedco

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Bermuda, I would like to welcome you, your crew and your guests to our island,” said Dr Gibbons.

“We hope you will take advantage of all that Bermuda hospitality has to offer.

“Royal Caribbean International and Bermuda have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship — designed to provide the best in holiday products for individuals and families from around the world.

“We hope this relationship continues for many years to come.

“We are also pleased to embark on a new relationship with your state-of-the-art vessel, which brings innovative and incredible experiences to the cruise ship industry.”

The ship has a multi-use recreational complex, and a number of special activities that include a skydiving simulator, a surfing simulator and an automated or robotic bartender in the Bionic Bar.

The cruise ship industry press described Anthem of the Seas as “the world’s smartest cruise ship” and “one of the most technologically advanced cruise ships in the world.”

It was launched last April by shipwrights Meyer Werft of Papenburg, Germany.