Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 17, 2020 (ZIZ News): St. Kitts and Nevis will provide safe harbour to two Royal Caribbean Cruise line cruise ships beginning on Wednesday August 19th.
Minister of Tourism Hon. Lindsay Grant informed the public of this at a press conference at the customs conference room on Monday.
He said the cruise ships Vision of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will dock with 70 crew members each on board.
“The Royal Caribbean cruise lines which is one of our largest cruise line partners, has reached out to the government of St. Kitts and Nevis for safe harbouring for two of their vessels; the Vision of the Seas and the Rhapsody of the Seas at Porte Zante. The safe harbouring really allows the vessels to dock side by side at Porte Zante and both cruise ships must adhere to all necessary heath protocols and all the laws and regulations of St. Kitts and Nevis including but not limited to the SR&O which issued under the State of Emergency.”
Minister Grant said all health and safety measures will be taken to ensure citizens and residents are not exposed to covid19.
He further outlined the protocols that have been put in place that must be followed by the cruise line and its crew members.
“Upon arrival on Wednesday, each crew member will be given a PCR molecular test and will be quarantined for the 14 days on board their respective vessel. At the end of the 14 day quarantine, they will be given a second test. Once the crew received a negative test, they will be given the option to integrate into our society, adhering to the well-known measures of social distancing, hand sanitization and the wearing of masks,” he said.
He noted that if any crew member tests positive for covid 19, all crew members will remain on board and go through quarantine until all 70 members test negative.
The Tourism Minister also spoke of the advantages of allowing the cruise ships to dock at Porte Zante noting, “St. Kitts and Nevis’ businesses will benefit from the crew being here in the federation when approved to integrate into society. They will use our supermarkets, our restaurants, our bars, taxis, port fees for SCASPA, barber shops, hair salons, the market ad many other businesses. The government will gain revenue for the supply of water and the disposal of wet and dry waste by the Solid Waste Management Corporation. Crew members will seek to learn more about our island by taking tours and excursions and they are welcome to explore the island.”
It was noted that the two ships will be docked for one month in the first instance with the possibility for extension.