A cruise ship will once again be allowed to sail into Grand Cayman’s port in December, nearly one year after the country declared it off-limits for tourism. The government has reversed its decision due to pressure from local businessmen who said they had lost millions of dollars as a result of the prohibition on tourist travel.
The “is grand cayman allowing cruise ships” is a question that has been on the minds of many people. The answer to the question is yes, and it will happen in December.
The Cayman Islands government made an unexpected move this week, approving the first cruise ship visit in nearly twenty months. Despite the fact that the administration had previously said that a cruise ship’s return to the Cayman Islands may take many months, the Seattle-based Holland America Line was granted permission.
The return of cruising to the Cayman Islands had been slated under phase 6 of a reopening plan, according to government standards. The islands are currently in phase 4.
The Nieuw Statendam is the first cruise ship to return to the Cayman Islands in more than a decade.
Despite the fact that cruise ships are not part of the Cayman Islands government’s border reopening plan, local authorities have granted Seattle-based Holland America Line permission to port at the George Town wharf on December 28, 2021. The cruise company and the local authorities came to an agreement on terms and conditions to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 spreading locally.
The first port of call for Nieuw Statendam on the tour must be George Town, Grand Cayman, according to these guidelines. The maximum number of people allowed on board is 1,600, which is 60 percent of the vessel’s capacity. Grand Cayman will be the first stop on a seven-day western Caribbean cruise that departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 26.
Holland America Line provided the photo.
In addition, as is customary aboard ships, all passengers and crew members must get a last dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days before to the cruise’s start date. Guests should also have a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) within two days of embarkation, and guests and personnel will not be let ashore if they are sick in any manner.
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“The Holland America Nieuw Statendam’s maiden port of call will be Grand Cayman, and the ship’s capacity will be restricted to 1,600 people.” The ship’s passengers and crew would be subjected to the same criteria as stayover tourists, including pre-arrival testing, according to Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan’s statement.
When visitors go ashore, they must follow local customs, which include wearing a mask and maintaining a 6 foot social distance.
One of the Last Caribbean Islands to Reopen Borders is the Cayman Islands.
Since March 16, 2020, the Cayman Islands’ borders have been closed to travelers. Only last week, on November 20, did the nation reopen to the public, allowing visitors to return in greater numbers. Only a few travelers were let in, and only under tight conditions.
The reopening is part of a six-step plan launched by the Cayman government on June 20, which progressed to phase four on November 20. Phase 5 involves allowing unvaccinated youngsters under the age of 12 to travel with vaccinated adult visitors.
Cruise tourism, however, is still illegal, according to official websites. Assessment decides whether and how to continue with additional easing of limitations, including cruise tourism, during the final phase. Minister Bryan said that talks towards a bigger revival of cruise tourism are still ongoing:
“We’ve been talking with the cruise industry about what circumstances are needed to make this a safe experience for everyone engaged, and how we can make that happen.” For the foreseeable future, we appreciate Holland America for being an exceptional partner and for paving the way for this new age of cruise tourism in the Cayman Islands. My employees may rest certain that my approach and negotiating strategy prioritizes quality.”
Also see: 10 Reasons to Relax on Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach
The Cayman government has recently begun to make strides in reviving the island’s ailing tourist economy. Despite the fact that the cruise industry faces strong criticism from certain residents, cruise ships continue to have a large economic influence. Only Nieuw Statendam is set to visit for the time being; as soon as other ships arrive, you’ll hear about it here on Cruise Hive.
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The “royal caribbean grand cayman” is a cruise ship that was given permission to return to the port in December.
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