Had these ships visited the territory today, they would have brought thousands of passengers.

One of the cruise ships were carrying at least 3090 guests that would have utilised the taxis, shopping centres and restaurants, bringing in crucial revenue to the VI.

A press release from the Government of the Virgin Islands today, December 26, 2021, further confirmed our information.

“The public and Tourism Partners are notified of the cancellation of the calls of Queen Mary, Queen Victoria, and Wind Surf due to rising numbers of COVID-19 cases aboard these vessels. Cruise ships are part of a mandatory reporting system which include the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and regional ministries of health,” the press release said.

The release stated that once the COVID-19 cases onboard among guests and staff reach certain thresholds, cruise lines often make voluntary decisions not to call at ports until the situation is under control. Countries also have the option to deny berthing in these instances.

Chief Environmental Health Officer Mr Lionel E. Michael said the two cruise ships in the Virgin Islands today, December 26, 2021, had no positive COVID-19 cases onboard.

No COVID-19 cases on ships in port

Meanwhile, two smaller ships are currently docked at Jost van Dyke and Virgin Gorda.

These two smaller ships were allowed into the territory because they are COVID-19 free.

VI’s Chief Environmental Health Officer Mr Lionel E. Michael said, contrary to WhatsApp messages stating otherwise that there are positive cases on board, that is not the case, according to his information.

“There is currently no ships with COVID-19 on board in the VI,” he said.

The Star Legend is in Jost van Dyke and is carrying 208 passengers.

Amsterdam Windstar is docked in VG and is carrying an unknown number of persons.