BVI News

Cabinet defers tourist bubble plan as new cruise season looms

File photo of day-trippers disembarking a cruise ship in the territory recently. (BVI News photo)

The government has decided to defer approval for its draft operational plan to implement cruise ship bubble areas within which cruise passengers would be confined when they visit the territory in the next few weeks.

A task force from the BVI Tourist Board was responsible for coming up with the plan whose purpose was to set guidelines on how vaccinated cruise passengers can disembark the cruise ship and participate in shore excursions in a safe and organised manner.

But in a Cabinet post-meeting statement released yesterday, September 30, the executive body said it, decided to defer approving the document so it (the plan) can be further defined for “enhanced standards for cruise tourism certified businesses; and additional options for a more defined bubble”.

No details were given as to what qualifies any business as ‘cruise tourism certified’.

It remains unclear if the new plan will be ready for implementation in time for the arrival of the first set of cruise tourists of the season.

The first scheduled cruise ship — the Seabourn Odyssey — is expected to arrive in the territory on October 13.

Just recently, the Premier announced that vaccinated visitors will no longer be required to use the troublesome online BVI Gateway portal to gain entry to the territory.

Unexpected boost | More than 64K in cruise passengers coming this season

Shares

Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

13 Comments

Disclaimer: BVI News and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the comments below or other interaction among the users.

  1. My Suggestion... says:

    Do a proper investigation into all relevant businesses including Taxis and print a Leaf Let of approved businesses so Taxi and cruise passengers know the apprved vax businessed to petranize…

    Like 4
    Dislike 5
  2. Vaccination requirement says:

    All taxi drivers, boat drivers, hospitality agents and food establishments need to be 100% vaccinated. Simple, effective and we can start making money again, thank you!

    Like 26
    Dislike 12
  3. Lol says:

    They just don’t have a plan and never did. Making it up as they go along.

    Like 29
  4. heckler says:

    Knowing the VIP government this is subject to change

    Like 11
  5. Anchor says:

    The S. Odyssey and other small cruise ships will just continue anchoring south of Peter Island for a watersport swim day. No need for the passengers to come ashore. The large cruise ships will just go somewhere else like St.Thomas, PR, St.Martin, etc.

    Like 9
    Dislike 1
  6. SICK says:

    They can’t get anything right, NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Like 21
  7. SMH says:

    Why not defer those damn requirements to enter for Day Trip or by Ferry. It appears that the BVI is trying to keep Belongers and Local Visitors grounded. Bunch of BS if you ask Me!

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  8. good thing says:

    Cruise Lines International Association has established extensive new health protocols, but it has not mandated compulsory vaccinations for crew and guests on its member cruise lines. This would appear contrary to the best advice of epidemiologists.
    it’s coming and they’re bringing it!

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  9. 1st district says:

    Mr Primer, we know that you had sold us out once again but we had to mock noise for you to correct it. You are not to be trusted at any time with anything!

  10. Windy says:

    Another typical C F. Nice work !

Leave a Comment

Shares