The ship, part of Royal Caribbean Group’s Celebrity Cruises, will call to the Territory on July 1, 2021, at 8:00 am and all guests over the age of 16 years will be required to be fully vaccinated along with a fully vaccinated crew, the Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) said.

Hon Malone was at the time addressing the territory during yesterday’s June 29, 2021, COVID-19 update broadcasted on Facebook and via local media outlets in the VI.

The Health Minister further revealed that while on land, cruise travelers must be in accordance with the existing BVI public health protocols as do all local businesses working in this sector.

Strict COVID-19 measures in place

“Further, testing, pre-screening and embarkation measures are in place, along with other onboard mitigation measures to ensure the health and safety of the communities which the ship’s guest, may visit,” he said.

The Health Minister further revealed that while on land, cruise travelers must be in accordance with the existing local public health protocols as do all local businesses working in this sector.

He said guests will also be permitted to access tours independently and explore the islands; however, they must follow local public health measures.

“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 as well as for on-island and sea-based excursions, and handwashing and sanitising must be easily available during excursions.”

Get ready to welcome return of cruises - Hon Malone

According to Hon Malone, the management of Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park will also make an upcoming announcement to detail how the cruise call will affect daily operations at the facility.

“But we ask all vendors, taxi operators, tour guides and all other industry stakeholders to get ready to welcome the return of Cruise Tourism to the BVI while adhering to all approved health measures,” he said. .

“As we embrace the countdown to this ship’s berthing on Thursday, let us all get ready to welcome our guests with BVI Love, while remaining safe as far as humanly possible,” Hon Malone urged citizens.