Norwegian cruise cancellations a potential slowdown for tourism
Marketing Manager at the BVI Ports Authority, Natasha Chalwell, expressed disappointment after Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled five scheduled calls by the Norwegian Breakaway between May and June.
While the cancellations occur during the BVI’s slower tourist period, this loss of revenue remains significant for vendors, taxi operators, and the BVI Ports Authority itself, Chalwell explained.
“This is a great impact, not just for the port… we understand that it is also challenging for our tour operators, our taxi drivers because they were counting on this call during the season,” Chalwell said.
The cancellations, affecting dates from May 16 to June 27, are attributed to engine overhauls and reduced vessel speed on the Norwegian Breakaway. Norwegian Cruise Line cited, “fuel optimisation as part of our commitment to the environment and sustainability efforts” as a factor in the itinerary change.
Chalwell did not specify the exact financial impact of the cancelled calls on the Port Authority but noted that it would significantly affect the residents.
The BVI’s recent surge in cruise arrivals could face a serious setback with the cancelled calls. The cancellation comes when the BVI has been experiencing record-high cruise arrivals. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley recently highlighted the significant recovery in cruise tourism since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these gains, the loss of nearly 20,000 potential visitors over these five days poses a challenge to maintaining this momentum. It also throws a potential wrench into the optimistic projections for cruise tourism this year.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has frequently cited increasing cruise arrivals as a sign of economic recovery after the 2017 hurricanes and the global pandemic. However, critics like Opposition member Myron Walwyn warned against over-reliance on cruise tourism, emphasising the higher economic value of overnight stays.
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you people in the bvi are very ignorant. you are ruining the tourism industry and the economy of the british virgin islands.
…But they will continue full speed ahead to spend $1million on Music Fest in a mud pit and another $3mil on 70th Festival while the economy worsens. The Norwegian cancellations should send many into panic mode as it’s the slower part of the season and so many were dependent on these calls. The Government will talk but as usual it’s all talk, nothing will be done to assist anyone.
“This is a great impact, not just for the port… we understand that it is also challenging for our tour operators, our taxi drivers because they were counting on this call during the season.”
That, for the callenation of just five scheduled calls, says a lot about the wisdom of placing so many of your eggs in the cruise ship basket.
A reality check?Maybe, but a clear and continuousand evident example of the obvious need for the development of new pillars o economic growth and stability.
One must never build his kitchen around one who has a historical record of keeping food and otherwise starving one.
Colombian Cruise Lines coming soon! directed from a cell in Miami
the smuggling ship lol cancel
Let’s revamp and come again. We are looking at the wrong picture here. The document mentions the potential loss for the territory in terms of money but every time Norwegian (it doesn’t matter which one) lands they leave 1 or 2 Columbians behind.
Which is worse?
Let go of Norwegian please, they are not good for this territory.
This is the first of many. Cruise companies are cancelling the destinations that get the worst feedback from passengers. Repair the roads, make good the damaged drains, remove the abandoned cars and boats, and make Tortola attractive to visitors; then we may have a chance of attracting more tourists.
There is nothing to entertain the cruiser when they get off the ship in the Port of Tortola. Not everyone is into going to the beach. I took a taxi tour around the Island and I was scared straight that the taxi was going to run over one of the steep hills taking us to the cliff below. We could not enjoy the view of the Island or take pictures due to the height of overgrown bushes and trees obstructing the view of the Island. We also encountered a vast amount of pot holes and overgrown tree branches that one have to duck to avoid getting slapped in the face and on the arms by hanging tree branches.
Why we can’t get the truth. What I understand is that the BVI is a bad and non profitable destination. Plus, the BVI authorities being pressuring, bullying Norwegian for more visit and later stay but not doing the things Norwegian asking them to do to improve their customers experience..In the mean while the people suffer. Sad.
If the visitors/guest speak out on the conditions of the roads and the overgrown bushes then perhaps something will be done about it.
So cruise line companies can cancel without consequences? If one starts, what aout the others? And, that cruise lines want to cancel begs the question as to why. Is anyone in govt looking into this? Do any elected politicians go on these taxi tours? Or are they inured to bad roads, overgrown bush, etc? Or, are we just hand wringing in self pity? There are lessons to be learned if anyone wants to bother.
Cruisers complain about the dreaded Tortola ‘stop’ on their cruise for lots of reasons that no one in the BVI listens to or even comprehends. Cruise ships value returning customers so they eliminate the ports with the most complaints like Tortola.
Since most Tortola residents despise cruise ship visitors they can rejoice in the fact that there will be less and less of them each year until the only ships at the pier will belong to the Royal Navy or the USCG. These government ship visits will increase annually as the BVI smuggling business is systematically reduced by zealous enforcement until it is shut down completely in the 2030’s.
Perhaps the Royal Navy may base one of their surveillance ships at the Pier Park during the immenient period when the BVI is under direct rule by the UK.
Cruisers complain about the dreaded Tortola ‘stop’ on their cruise for lots of reasons that no one in the BVI listens to or even comprehends. Cruise ships value returning customers so they eliminate the ports with the most complaints like Tortola.
Since most Tortola residents despise cruise ship visitors they can rejoice in the fact that there will be less and less of them each year until the only ships at the pier will belong to the Royal Navy or the USCG. These government ship visits will increase annually as the BVI smuggling business is systematically reduced by zealous enforcement until it is shut down completely in the 2030’s.
Perhaps the Royal Navy may base one of their surveillance ships at the Pier Park during the imminent period when the BVI is under direct rule by the UK.
“In a statement sent to booked guests and travel partners, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the cancellation.
“As part of our commitment to deliver exceptional vacation experiences at every step of the cruise journey, listening to our guests is instrumental,” the company said.
“Given recent feedback, and to accommodate certain circumstances including but not limited to fuel optimization as part of our commitment to the environment and sustainability efforts, as well as global maritime regulations, we have adjusted the original itinerary,” Norwegian Cruise Line continued.
“While we will no longer be calling Tortola, British Virgin Islands, we are pleased to share that we have extended our visit to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, affording you additional time to explore all our private island has to offer,” the company added.”
Less cruise ships mean more desirable tourists will come to the BVI. Most of the nice villas and charters have a copy of the cruise itinerary and avoid beaches, restaurants etc where the cruisers are. With the amount of cruisers gaining, we will lose the higher end ones who spend money continuously, not just on a 2 hour tour.
Hope they all do the same
No more pollution
Does this mean the BVI will finally invest in overnight visitor experience? You know, to reward the people who are willing to pay for services beyond a round trip taxi ride.
Or, will they find a way to keep stuff more wooden nickels into their pockets?