CHARLOTTE AMALIE, Virgin Islands – The U.S. Virgin Islands has signed a 10-year deal with the world’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 world that already visit St. Thomas on alternate weeks.

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