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Cruise ship expected in VI this week cancels

- According to Premier Fahie, the cancellation was due to rising COVID cases in another destination
The Virgin Islands should have a return of cruise ship with passengers this week; however, it will have to wait a little longer as the cruise liner has cancelled its entire cruise due to rising COVID-19 cases in another destination. Photo: VINO/File
Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) President Ms Michelle Paige, right, seen here with Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1), said the VI will be one of the first destinations to receive cruise ships and that ships will be staying in territories longer to allow passengers to have a more in depth stay. Photo: GIS
Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) President Ms Michelle Paige, right, seen here with Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1), said the VI will be one of the first destinations to receive cruise ships and that ships will be staying in territories longer to allow passengers to have a more in depth stay. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Virgin Islands should have a return of cruise ship with passengers this week; however, it will have to wait a little longer as the cruise liner has cancelled its entire cruise due to rising COVID-19 cases in another destination.

This is according to Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) during an update on the tourism industry today, June 15, 2021.

“The cruise industry is starting to make a comeback. I was able to meet recently with many cruise liners in the United States to cement BVI’s position in this industry.

Cruise cancellation

“The first cruise ship was due to call in the BVI this week; however, due to increased COVID-19 cases at a destination stop prior to ours, the cruise liner took the decision to cancel the rest of the cruise,” Premier Fahie announced.

The Premier assured the Virgin Islands and tourism stakeholders that the territory is still on target to receive cruise ships in the very near future.

“More information on this sector of our tourism product will be made available to the public in short order.

“I am asking all the stakeholders within this industry of the BVI to prepare yourself and get your businesses ready to welcome the return of cruise ships.”

VI will be one of first destinations for cruise ships- FCAA

Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) President Ms Michelle Paige had met with Premier Fahie on June 3, 2021, to discuss a safe return of the cruise industry to the Virgin Islands.

Ms Paige had that the FCCA has noted the commitment made by the Premier to put the necessary protocols in place to have the safe resumption of cruise ships to the VI.

She also said that the VI will be one of the first destinations to receive cruise ships and that ships will be staying in territories longer to allow passengers to have a more in depth stay in the territory.

18 Responses to “Cruise ship expected in VI this week cancels”

  • Rubber Duck (15/06/2021, 12:31) Like (51) Dislike (8) Reply
    Ok , this may surprise you but I believe the BVI government is to be congratulated on it’s recent handling of Covid. The emphasis on the importance of being vaccinated and the easier and more simple entry rules for those who have been vaccinated is exactly the way to go.

    Those who remain unvaccinated are going to have to take their chance and put up with invasive tests, quarantine and greater expense. Frankly it’s their problem.
    • Local (15/06/2021, 20:29) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      Rubber duck so because you vaccinated means you cant get covid keep dreaming , dont force your believe on others ,those of us that are not vaccinated will continue to practice safely as we been doing , those that had it are still alive ,you just want to go back to living the same old way you better read your bible.
  • Excuses Government (15/06/2021, 12:37) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    Not surprised. I expect this. Plus a lot of excuses.. thats this government MO..... We have enough for tourist to see...Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, Virgin Gorda....Leave st Kitts out of the equation....So if St Kitts sink we sink...
  • BS! (15/06/2021, 12:47) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm sure that this doesn't help: https://bb.usembassy.gov/travel-advisory-update-for-the-british-virgin-islands-u-s-embassy-barbados-june-9-2021/
    • Thanks (15/06/2021, 17:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thanks for the link to the US Embassy page, but I don't get it, why are they advising US citizens not to travel here? We have very low covid numbers.....
  • whatever (15/06/2021, 12:59) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cruises coming where passengers cannot patronize the businesses is nothing to brag about.
    • cruiser (15/06/2021, 19:49) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      I would agree, I want to get off the ship to shop, to go sightseeing and have lunch at a beach restaurant.
  • Hmmm (15/06/2021, 13:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good news
  • Vaccinate Please (15/06/2021, 13:13) Like (8) Dislike (13) Reply
    Please get vaccinated, to protect the Territory.

  • resident (15/06/2021, 13:19) Like (4) Dislike (16) Reply
    This is another reason that everyone who can needs to get vaccinated. More vaccinations = fewer Covid cases = more cruise ship passengers visiting.
  • An era where ntn makes sense (15/06/2021, 13:28) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    Lol smh I thought the cruise ships have vaccinated staffs and passengers ? Why cancel because of so call cases ?
    • Thoutful Sailor (15/06/2021, 23:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Its actually 90 or 95%, so i suppose ther could be some spread, and their industry was hit so hard, they probably don't want to take any chances.
  • Rabbit Hole (15/06/2021, 13:28) Like (25) Dislike (6) Reply
    I heard that laboratory mice are refusing to have the jab until it's been fully tested on humans.
  • Won my bet (15/06/2021, 13:37) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    A cool extra $200.00 just went into my I bet you it would not happen old MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE CONTAINER.
  • Vaccine (15/06/2021, 15:02) Like (12) Dislike (12) Reply
    So if all are vaccinated why are they not allowed. It’s either we believe the science BS or we don’t. Make your mind up Andrew.
  • bvi (15/06/2021, 16:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who expected it? Nowhere did BVIPA or Government say anything about a ship coming this week.
  • Ear to ground (15/06/2021, 19:41) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    The street knew a cruise ship was scheduled in mid June. The Celebrity Millennium is scheduled for Thurs. 1 July but that could change because of the lock down in St. Kitts. Less than half the population of the BVI is vaccinated against this virus so that fact is not attractive to cruise ships with 100% vaccinated crew and passengers.
  • Wait (16/06/2021, 05:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    some folk residing in the BVI find it very difficult to understand that COVID 19 is a global matter: the government made the necessary provision to resume cruise ships however the cruise ship operators disrupted its own operations



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