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.”

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.

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.