Cayman to end restrictions on cruise ship numbers

Starting from Monday, 18th of April, Cayman will enter the second phase of lifting the ban on cruise ships due to Covid-19 pandemic.

As the first phase will be over on Sunday, Phase II “will continue until the Long-Term Cruise Tourism Strategy is completed, before the end of the year”, officials have announced.

During Phase I of the islands’ reopening strategic plan, 21 ships with 75.000 passengers have stopped in Cayman. Before that, no ship was allowed to enter the ports for two years, due to Covid.

60 more cruise ship are expected to transit the islands until June.

Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan added about Phase II of the strategy:

“Ships will now revert to the normal process of liaising with the Port Authority Cayman Islands for approval to dock, rather than going through the Ministry of Tourism, as was the case for Phase I.”

However, health protocols will remain the same even for Phase II. This translates into mandatory vaccinations for all crew and passengers, except children under 12 years of age.

Passengers will also be tested for Covid before boarding and if found to be positive will not be permitted do visit the islands.

As stated by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Autilia Newton, during Phase I no significant changes in the number of infection cases occurred.

“The stringent health protocols implemented by the Cayman Islands Government exceeds the guidelines issued by the Centres for Disease Control and have been effective in safeguarding the health of residents.

“Furthermore, Public Health’s analysis of cruise passenger data collected during Phase I have not found any evident link between the number of COVID-19 cases currently on Island and cruise passenger arrivals”, Dr. Newton explained.

The transition to Phase II is much expected by both authorities and businesses, as the return of the cruise ships will also bring significant revenue for other players in the tourism industry.

“Despite the lower ship occupancy and the restricted number of ships, there has been a surge in visitor activity. This indicates a very strong demand from the cruise industry and cruise guests for our Cayman activities,” commented Troy Leacock, VP of Cayman Islands Tourism Association.

“This is advantageous for our tourism stakeholders and the country as a whole. Even though things are going well, as the sector moves to Phase II, we will remain vigilant in our monitoring of global trends particularly with respect to COVID-19 health protocols to ensure that our people stay protected”, Minister Bryan added.

Moreover, face masks will remain mandatory while onboard and visiting indoors facilities.

“In our communication with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association, announcing the move to Phase II, the Cayman Islands government has asked cruise lines to step up their passenger communication to ensure that passengers are aware of the need to adhere to our on-island safety protocols, particularly social distancing and mask wearing while indoors at retail outlets and restaurants”, Minister Bryan concluded.

Located in the western Caribbean Sea, 150 miles south of Cuba, the Cayman Islands is a stunning archipelago of three islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman) that is considered to be the ultimate island destination. The Cayman is extremely popular among tropical tourism enthusiasts because of its crystal clear waters, relaxing white beaches, gorgeous coral reefs, intensive diving activities, incredible cuisine, exciting city-life, world-class resorts and more.

Tourists in search of the perfect tropical vacation, with year-round sunshine and overwhelming exotic vibes, are invited to visit the Cayman Islands for a travel experience to remember.

 

Source: caymancompass.com