Today the British Virgin Islands welcomed “Rhapsody of the Sea”, the first cruise ship to return to the BVI since borders officially closed in March,2020 following the coronavirus pandemic.
“Granduer of the Seas” another ship from the Royal Caribbean fleet is also scheduled to arrive tomorrow, January 11, 2021.
The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) last week announced that since permission was granted for the acceptance of technical calls and warm lay-ups at its seaports, a booking has been accepted.
Ever since the BVIPA has agreed on conditions to allow Grandeur of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas berthing at the cruise pier under strict health and safety rules starting on today January 11th, 2021 for an initial period of thirty (30) days for a warm lay-up.
Acting Managing Director, Oleanvine Maynard noted that “this is not a regular cruise call, the vessel does not have any guests on board, and it will be berthing exclusively to lay up, refuel, take on provisions and spare parts, and possibly other services”
Maynard further commented that “crew members will not be allowed to disembark and there’s no access to vessels from shore-based staff during stays in the BVI”
The BVI cruise pier is a secure zone and persons are not permitted to pass the security gate area which will be manned. Health and safety protocols were also shared with the ship’s agent and cruise line.
Patricia Romney, Director of Operations for Romasco Group had this to say about the upcoming warm lay-up “as Agents for Royal Caribbean, we are indeed pleased to have two of its vessels calling in Tortola. We are grateful to the Virgin Islands Government for creating a path to assist our cruise partners during these critical times.”
In a detailed presentation to the BVIPA, Royal Caribbean Group explained their hybrid connection plans and other details pertaining to the warm lay-up procedures.
Hernan Zini, the Vice President of Worldwide Operations for Royal Caribbean Group said, “Royal Caribbean Group is grateful and fortunate to have the government and people of the British Virgin Islands welcome our vessels during the pandemic for lay-up so that critical services can be provided. As we face this challenging time together, our first priority is the health and safety of the communities we visit and our crew members. We all look forward to the day when we can resume sailing and return with our guests to visit the beautiful destination and warm people of BVI
The economic benefits of extending technical calls or warm lay-ups include ships carrying out refueling, repairs and start-up activities in the Territory before they set sail again. The BVIPA believes that maintaining a link with and continuing to service the cruising industry in the safe manner proposed with technical calls/warm lay-ups can be a vital part of the rebooting strategy.