CHARLOTTE AMALIE, Virgin Islands – The U.S. Virgin Islands has signed a 10-year deal with the *****’s second largest cruise line to help boost tourism and generate revenue.

The Port Authority said Tuesday that Royal Caribbean Cruises has pledged among other things to guarantee a certain amount of passengers and pay a fee to berth at the island of St. Croix. The company owns two of the largest cruise ships in the ***** that already visit St. Thomas on alternate weeks.

Officials said the deal was reached after several years of negotiation and becomes effective October 2016.