The Premier informed during a press conference on January 28, 2022, said additional options are being sought by the Virgin Islands' cruise partners.

“As you know the Virgin Islands is one of the premier tourist destinations in this part of the world and we do have high interest from the cruise industry as well as the yachting industry,” he stated.

He added: “We have a product that is in demand by the mega yacht industry as well. We have seen the interest by the mega yachting sectors so we know that the confidence is there and we are also aware that there is an interest and a market if we can accommodate additional and larger cruise vessels.”

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has said the Virgin Islands can expect a total of 299 cruise calls with 193 at the cruise pier for the 2021/2022 season, with a projected increase the following season.

Study underway

The territory’s leader then disclosed that a feasibility study is being done.

“You would have recalled that we have been investigating the possibilities and potential for adding additional berthing options and one such option that has been put forward is for an additional cruise pier that can accommodate the larger vessels and mega yachts when they come.”

According to Honourable Fahie, the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) is in the process of conducting a feasibility study to determine what will be the best way to capture those segments of the marine sector.

"Once the BVIPA completes its study we will be one step closer to realising our goal which is to capture the additional economic opportunities for our marine industries and create the avenues for our taxi drivers, tour operators, restaurants, shops, craft vendors and all the other businesses and people in our economy to benefit.”

The Premier also said the VI can expect a total of 299 cruise calls with 193 at the cruise pier for the 2021/2022 season, with a projected increase the following season.