Royal Caribbean vessels leaving but will return for warm lay-ups

Though the cruise industry is at a standstill because of COVID-19, the BVI joins a few Caribbean destinations that continue to earn much-needed revenue from cruise lines seeking a home to dock and carry out maintenance onboard. 

The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) has announced that Royal Caribbean International’s Grandeur of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will be departing the Territory on February 6 and 7, respectively.

The two vessels have been berthing at the Cyril B Romney Tortola Pier Park’s port since January.

The BVIPA said on February 11, 2021, Grandeur of the Seas will return to the territory alongside a second Royal Caribbean vessel, Vision of the Seas, for a continuation of the warm lay-up.

The public is reminded that the cruise pier is a secure zone and persons are not permitted past the security gate.

Security personnel are manning the areas where cruise vessels dock to ensure there are no breaches by residents or crew members from the ships.