According to BVIPA in a press release, the reopening of the cruise port has been announced with government approval for June, 2021 for cruise vessels with fully vaccinated passengers and crew.

It said one of BVIPA’s first expected passenger cruise calls to the territory will be the Celebrity Millennium of Royal Caribbean Group’s Celebrity Cruises starting June, 2021, homeporting out of St Maarten.

The regional itinerary includes stops to Tortola, St Lucia and Barbados.

Mrs Oleanvine Maynard, the Acting Managing Director of BVIPA stated that the VI is ‘so excited to be part of this new regional itinerary and while the cruise experience will be different than it was pre-pandemic, we are committed to providing our cruise partners and their guests a safe and enjoyable cruise stop.’

VI ‘committed to providing guests a safe & enjoyable cruise stop’- Maynard

Mrs Oleanvine Maynard, the Acting Managing Director of BVIPA stated that “we are so excited to be part of this new regional itinerary and while the cruise experience will be different than it was pre-pandemic, we are committed to providing our cruise partners and their guests a safe and enjoyable cruise stop.”

According to the press release, the BVIPA and The Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park (CBRTPP) teams will be working diligently with the Ministry of Health and Social Development, BVI Tourist Board, Local Cruise Agents, and the Cruise Lines desiring to call to ensure a healthy return to cruising for the Territory.

The first expected passenger cruise call to the territory during this pandemic will be the Celebrity Milliennium of Royal Caribbean Group’s Celebrity Cruises, starting June, 2021.

100% vaccination of crew

Mr Vance M. Lewis, CEO, CBRTPP commented: “the health and safety of the cruise guests, crew and our local community is our top priority and we will be working very closely with all partners to ensure for a safe resumption of this sector.”

Ship boarding requirements include for passengers over 18 years of age to be fully vaccinated along with 100% vaccination of crew. Additionally, testing, pre-screening and embarkation measures are in place along with other onboard mitigation measures to prevent Covid-19 outbreaks.

Operations at the Cruise Pier for passenger calls were halted more than 12 months ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.