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Royal Caribbean to invest in USVI's St. Croix and Crown Bay

Royal Caribbean Group signed an MOU with the US Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) to develop St. Croix and enhance Crown Bay in St. Thomas, including investment in its infrastructure and attractions.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

September 29, 2021

2 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

The MOU is a fresh commitment from Royal Caribbean to extend its current 10-year preferential berthing at agreement at VIPA’s cruise facilities in Crown Bay and Frederiksted (St. Croix).

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said, ‘I am delighted that we are entering into this MOU,’ highlighting that the pandemic had ‘shown us how we need to pull together, work together, communicate and collaborate.’

The announcement was made today at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami Beach, where the company also committed to help expand the Austin ‘Babe’ Monsanto Marine Facility in Crown Bay to allow berthing of Icon- and Quantum-class ships and the development of a third berth.

'Unified goal’ in a challenging period

Royal Caribbean has 'committed to a major infusion of capital as well as guaranteed cruise visits to our islands,' VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe said. 'In this currently strained economic climate, this substantial commitment indicates Royal Caribbean Group’s dedication to the people of this territory and our economy.’

He added, ‘This MOU extends what has been an exceedingly amicable, reliable and beneficial arrangement for both parties. Our unified goal is to ensure that the US Virgin Islands is a premier destination in the Caribbean.’

Community support

USVI Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte spoke of involving local people in the construction, resulting in ‘mutual growth.’

‘We will negotiate in earnest to do the best we can to make sure these projects come true,’ USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said, ‘And not only the projects, but making sure we involve the local people, whether it’s in the construction of the work that we undertake or what we distribute and sell once those cruise ship projects and ports are completed.

‘It’s going to be great — and I can’t wait,’ he added.

His remarks were followed by Josh Carroll, VP destination development and deployment, Royal Caribbean Group, who said, ‘Over the years we’ve each had ups and downs as entities, but we’ve been there for one another.’

‘We’re the largest guest deliverer to St Croix … We want to make it an even greater destination. And St. Thomas.’

Sustainability

‘We are absolutely going to be focussed on sustainability,’ remarked Jayne Halcomb, director, Caribbean & Americas destination development, Royal Caribbean Group. ‘We want to be great corporate citizens to the territory to stimulate the economy.’

The company will focus on some of the community projects in the pipeline in St. Croix, working with the territory’s chamber of commerce to develop the guest experience and create higher tourist numbers.

Royal Caribbean’s existing agreement with VIPA was made in June 2016.

Read more about:

Royal Caribbean Group

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

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