The British Virgin Islands is set to welcome its first passenger cruise ship since the advent of COVID-19 on July 1.
This was confirmed by the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) in a media release on Friday June 25, which said Celebrity Millennium will be the ship to berth the territory shores from St. Maarten.
According to the release the ship will be calling at the cruise pier in the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park (CBRTPP) and will also be making stops in Barbados and St. Lucia.
“The BVIPA and the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park teams have been working diligently with the Ministry of Health and Social Development, BVI Tourist Board, local cruise agents, and the cruise lines to ensure a healthy return to cruising,” the BVIPA stated.
All passengers and crew members to be fully vaccinated
The BVIPA also outlined the protocols that will be followed by the cruise vessel which will consist of all vaccinated persons.
“Celebrity Millennium pre-boarding requirements call for guests over 16 years of age to be fully vaccinated along with vaccination of crew. Additionally, testing, pre-screening and embarkation measures are in place along with other onboard mitigation measures to ensure the health and safety of communities the ship visits as well as its guests and crew,” the release said.
It added, “While on land, cruise travelers must be in accordance with the existing BVI public health protocols. These include the wearing of face masks by guests and crew in public and communal settings, physical distancing of 6 feet must be observed during both embarkation and disembarkation for on-island and sea-based excursions, and hand washing and sanitizing must be easily available during disembarkation and excursions.”
BVIPA’s Managing Director Mrs. Oleanvine Maynard encouraged residents to do their part in ensuring that cruising returns successfully in the BVI.
She said, “For a healthy return to cruise, we as a Territory must be prepared and do our part to keep both our residents and visitors safe. Cruise tourism is a part of our economy and the people of the British Virgin Islands play an important role in the resumption of this industry.”
The BVI was expected to receive its first passenger cruise ship initially in June, however, the cruise was cancelled after a number of positive COVID-19 cases were detected.