British Virgin Islands to open Tortola pier to vaccinated cruise ships

One of the first expected calls is Celebrity Millennium, part of Celebrity Cruises' new St. Maarten-based cruises.

'We are so excited to be part of this new regional itinerary and while the cruise experience will be different than it was pre-pandemic, we are committed to providing our cruise partners and their guests a safe and enjoyable cruise stop,' said Oleanvine Maynard, acting managing director, BVI Ports Authority.

Working jointly

BVIPA and Vance Lewis, CEO of Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, said their teams will be working with the Ministry of Health and Social Development, BVI Tourist Board, ship agents and cruise lines wishing to call to ensure a safe resumption of cruising for passengers, crew and the community.

Concerning the Celebrity Millennium cruises, passengers over 18 are required to be fully vaccinated, along with all crew. Additionally, testing, pre-screening and embarkation measures will be in place along with other on-board mitigation measures to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks.

Millennium will be operating two different seven-night round-trips from St. Maarten —Tortola, St. Lucia and Barbados, and Aruba, Curaçao and Barbados — with departures scheduled through August.