Viking Orion Cruise Ship makes inaugural call to VI

Much to the delight of especially vendors and taxi drivers who have felt the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic that brought cruise tourism to a screeching halt since early last year, 2020, a cruise ship of over 350 passengers made its first call to Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park in the Virgin Islands today, Sunday, October 24, 2021.

Viking Orion Cruise Ship is carrying only fully vaccinated crew and passengers and are free to tour the Virgin Islands without any restrictions.

“Today, Sunday 24th October, 2021 is another lovely day in paradise as for the first time the Viking Orion Cruise Ship made its inauguration call to the C.B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) stated on his Facebook page this morning.

Fully vaccinated passengers of 'The World' make their way on to the shores of Jost van Dyke.

Crew & 369 passengers fully vaccinated

Premier Fahie said it was a pleasure to welcome Captain Richard Svardmark, his crew and the 369 passengers on board to the VI and that they are all fully vaccinated.

“This is good news for our store vendors, taxi operators and many more of our entrepreneurs in the BVI. Since the last major spike of Covid-19 cases, this is the first time that cruise ship’s passengers can move freely throughout the BVI as all were tested within 24 hours of arrival.

“This is progress! To God alone be all the glory!!! There is much more to come in cruise tourism and all areas of tourism in the BVI as we shift our economy into overdrive,” Premier Fahie said.

The World', one of the ships of ResidenSea Cruises, is anchored in Great Harbour, Jost van Dyke today, October 24, 2021.

‘The World’ in JvD

Meanwhile, Jost van Dyke is also getting a bite of the cruise tourism cake as a cruise ship is in harbour today.

“What a beautiful sight to see! "THE WORLD," one of the ships of ResidenSea Cruises, is anchored in Great Harbour, Jost van Dyke,” Premier Fahie said.

Premier Fahie said the 96 passengers and 263 crew members will be free-flowing on Jost van Dyke today, Virgin Gorda tomorrow, and Road Town and Sopher's Hole in West End all this week.

Premier Fahie also said the passengers and crew are fully vaccinated and were tested 24 hours before their arrival.

“This is good news for the people of JvD, VG, and Tortola and, by extension, the economy of the BVI,” Premier Fahie said.