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UPDATE: Carnival Cruise Lines to make port calls up to June 2014- BVIPA

A press release from the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) issued today, October 16, 2013 stated that Carnival Cruise Lines will in fact be making port calls to the Virgin Islands up to June 2014. Photo: cruisemates.com
Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool has confirmed that Carnival Cruise Lines have cancelled certain calls to the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool has confirmed that Carnival Cruise Lines have cancelled certain calls to the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
This cancellation is seen as one that will have a hard hit on the cruise tourism industry of the VI since Carnival Cruise Lines brings thousands to these shores annually. Photo: carnivalcruiselines.com
This cancellation is seen as one that will have a hard hit on the cruise tourism industry of the VI since Carnival Cruise Lines brings thousands to these shores annually. Photo: carnivalcruiselines.com
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) has allayed fears that Carnival Cruise Lines has cancelled calls to the Virgin Islands for the remainder of the year and 2014.

Reports reaching Virgin Islands News Online this morning, October 16, 2013 had stated that the cruise line had cancelled all port calls to the Virgin Islands since the BVIPA was unable to furnish it with confirmation for bookings.

Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool, who was said to be in negotiations with Carnival Cruise Lines, said the cruise line had to cancel bookings for 2015 but was not certain if any decision had been made to cancel for the remainder of the year as well as 2014.

“I know that they have been having discussions with the Ports regarding 2015 so I know they would have had to cancel 2015 because they couldn’t confirm them at this point… I am hearing about the announcement but I haven’t seen anything. I don’t know what they have cancelled,” Hon. Vanterpool told Virgin Islands News Online when asked about the bookings for the remainder of 2013 as well as 2014.

Valiant efforts were made to contact Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr Claude Skelton-Cline upon receiving the news this morning but without any success.

However, a press release from BVIPA issued later today stated that Carnival Cruise Lines will in fact be making port calls to the Virgin Islands up to June 2014.

“The BVIPA confirms that CCL will be making port calls in the BVI up to June 2014. Tomorrow, the BVIPA will welcome Carnival Breeze, which will be berthed at the Cruise Pier from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The ship will bring over 3,600 passengers and crew members to Tortola,” the press release stated.

Carnival Cruise Lines, the press release stated, is just one of several cruise lines expected to make port calls this cruise season. Others include Silver Seas, Royal Caribbean, P&O, Regent, TUI, Windstar, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Pullman, Costa, Seabourn, Clipper Cruise Line, Azamara and Oceania.

See previous article posted October 16, 2013

Carnival Cruise Lines cancels calls to the VI

Word reaching Virgin Islands News Online is that Carnival Cruise Lines has cancelled calls to the [British] Virgin Islands due to the alleged failure of government to furnish it with confirmation of bookings in advance as is customary.

Valiant efforts were made to contact Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr Claude Skelton-Cline upon receiving the news this morning, October 16, 2013 but with no success.

Subsequent calls to the Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool did give some level of confirmation. According to the Minister, he has not been given anything officially up to press time but he was aware of the cancellation of the 2015 bookings. He also told Virgin Islands News Online that he is currently overseas on government business.

“I know that they have asked the Ports Authority to confirm some bookings they had wanted for 2015 and the Ports Authority couldn’t confirm them because of the negotiations we are having about the Pier.. the Port couldn’t confirm those booking so they had to cancel them,” Hon. Vanterpool stated.

“I know that they have been having discussions with the Ports regarding 2015 so I know they would have had to cancel 2015 because they couldn’t confirm them at this point… I am hearing about the announcement but I haven’t seen anything. I don’t know what they have cancelled,” said Hon. Vanterpool when asked about the bookings for the remainder of 2013 as well as 2014.

The Minister said it has been public knowledge that Government has been in negotiation with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Disney Cruise Line (DCL) about berthing an agreement on the pier. “So they are expecting that they are going to be the ones once the agreement goes through, they are going to be the ones who are going to have most of the booking for the pier in 2015 and going forward. They, along with others,” said Hon. Vanterpool.

He noted that NCL and/DCL would have to be the ones to have discussions with Carnival Cruise Lines, along those lines. “Carnival is a very important group for us though and we would want to continue and we are having dialogue with them all the time but they couldn’t wait any longer to know whether they can have the berth being there at 2015 at this point,” according to the Minister.

This cancellation is seen as one that will have a hard hit on the cruise tourism industry of the VI since Carnival Cruise Lines brings thousands to these shores annually.

The number of bookings cancelled could not be confirmed at this time.

43 Responses to “UPDATE: Carnival Cruise Lines to make port calls up to June 2014- BVIPA”

  • we the people (16/10/2013, 09:45) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    EVEN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY HAS NO FAITH IN THE NDP GOVERNMENT ELECTION COME SOON
    • Bvi man (16/10/2013, 10:03) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
      Fraser that vote of no confidence is needed now more than ever before
  • Blackbeauty (16/10/2013, 09:49) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    B.V.I. it is time to start praying. People are being laid off, lawlessness is abound and the local economy is definitely feeling the impact like everywhere else.

    Thought for today: 2 Chronicles 7:14

    If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
    • Looks (16/10/2013, 10:57) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply

      Praying or acting? LOL Get up and do something stop waiting for $h!t to happen for you.

    • Release (16/10/2013, 13:01) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      so mark wants to meet with taxi drivers to tell them what???
      • Village Girl (16/10/2013, 14:06) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply

        to tell them the ususal utter rubbish.
        • bat man (16/10/2013, 14:40) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
          Our future looks very bleak and troubling under this inept, incompetent and useless government.
    • hellboy (17/10/2013, 15:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Sorry blackbeauty your invisible Friend don't care about you.
      i guest he love you to much !!!
  • ccc (16/10/2013, 09:50) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    the writing is n the wall fro the NDP
  • Hmm (16/10/2013, 10:13) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    This government seems to be jinx. They don't seem to have mastered negotiation skills. We need people in power who can lead, which entails being able to negotiate tough decisions for the betterment of the country. I really expected better from this government. Epic faliure! F dem!
  • Lucky (16/10/2013, 10:59) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
    But I thought people in the BVI didn't want Cruise ships, now the biggest one pulling out and you mad? You all people confused man. This shows me you all just don't like NDP and will complain regardless. Port being developed, we don't want dah dem ain from here dem tekin we land. TPP gone, oh lord Government weak how TPP gone. Ports taking over. Oh lord what them know bout ports we can't handle dat, we don't need to focus on cruise tourism. Carnival gone. Oh god Government jinx how can we allow this. If you know how you all look/sound with this yo yo business. I wish a media site would compile all the commentary both on blogs and on the talk/tv shows flip flopping on this. it's all politics.
    • TryAgain (16/10/2013, 11:33) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      The people have repusively refuted the NDP and their bogus plans/developments not because we want to be difficult or political but because every move they/NDP make is marred with corruption and self serving tactics! We want leaders who have the country at heart and can make decisions, pland and negotiate for the betterment of the country!, NOT SELF AND CRONIES!
    • You are so right (17/10/2013, 09:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Lucky,

      You are spot on.
  • Barry Soetoro (16/10/2013, 11:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    And so it begins. Where is the money going to come from?
  • my point (16/10/2013, 11:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now Claude is the main man for the 2nd District, he has less time to focus on his job at Ports.
  • Our country (16/10/2013, 11:15) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    NDP is bring down our country everyday more. I'm tired of their nonsense. They need to leave. Elections come quick. This guys are just a set of jacks.

    Skelton feels that because he went to college he is smarter than everyone and knows everything. If so then you need to fix this because this is some serious mess here.
  • ooooo (16/10/2013, 11:39) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    ndp killed the goose that laid the golden eggs...time to get rid of ndp
  • vick (16/10/2013, 11:45) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    good news,less taxi on the road.
  • We the taxi drivers (16/10/2013, 12:18) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mark you know this you know that. What about us when are we going to know something? You are done! I am fed up! Of you and cline.
    • one eye roster (16/10/2013, 14:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I tell you the truth, the legislators are part and parcel of the problems the BVI faces
  • factsl vender (16/10/2013, 12:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    Lucky you sound like a backside' if you don't any think positive to say hush no make sence' this goverment was never for cruse tourism--its was always mega yatch business . There are to mush dictaorship when it comes to the ndp goverment from their hihger conterparts and rich friends especaily from the cays. Remember when they were first elected in 2003 they their rich friends who funded their campain complain there was to much ships ' to mush trafic of taxi-safari buses causing trafic jams-over crowed beaches no more than 2 large ships and 1 small one.--that created some problems. The taxi men got some good licks things didn't go too well from then on.other company's feelt the crunch 2007 next election they lost the election for all thr stupidness they had done. The people of the bvi have verey short memory 2011they campain so mush promises and promise us good. Still waitingnow look wht happen' because of sound stupidness we lost one of our top criuseline and mark mis.work com. Talking £$%^ to the media about other cruiseship had talk wid carnival cruiseline ,he is the minister for that area he needs to know every think when it comes the prime industry of the bvi. Marks should have some knoww.ledge. We wait six 6 long months and looking forward for tourists seasonto start venders - taximen wher -hoteliers. Stores. And other private who depends on thes ships other will go also may good help us. The vip goverment give over to the ndp all the legicts about the cruise ship docks

    • Lucky (16/10/2013, 21:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

      WTF did you just type? The last time I checked, BVI is where it's at because of Rich people that support Tourism and Financial Services, not vendors selling Chinese made bulls..t which were manufactured using child labor. You all need to stop the political nonsense and get with the program. You shouldn't be even trying to compare mega yacht tourists to cruise tourists to try to make a point, anybody with half a brain knows which tourist is better for the BVI. The problem is because all you sell is pure bulls..t nobody except the cruisers will buy it. In other words, F the BVI, you just need to make your sale and you're good. Your mentality is the reason why you won't ever make it, not VIP or NDP, it's all in your head and heart, put foolishness and malice. When you stop thinking about yourself and palming off cheap shit then you might understand. You all get free place to sell, now want free security, do you pay taxes? Hush your ass! Poor man never give poor man a job yet!

  • TAXI MAN REPRESENTATAIVE (16/10/2013, 12:36) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    CARNIVAL OUT, NDP OUT!!!
  • Aloha (16/10/2013, 12:53) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    Carnival cruise lines markets to the cheapest category of travelers. No loss here. Of course the guy who sells straws will see his business suffer a bit, as there will be fewer folks splitting a can of coke among 4 friends.
    • facts (16/10/2013, 13:33) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Carnival has different categories of ships so you know, the ships of Carnival that come here are in their higher end category. Ask the local shop owners. When Carnival is in they make more. The small high end ships the people don't spend
    • Mick Mars (16/10/2013, 16:51) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      When you don't know. You don't know.
      As the poster, facts, said, Carnival have different category of ships. The ones that you prolly thinking on is the ones that does run the Caribbean cruises that normally sees first time cruisers and those not wanting to spend a premium in a more high end setting that does be on them.

      As an avid cruiser, I can speak about this with knowledge, not just heresay. Carnival markets to EVERYONE. From the reasonable to the extravagant. Book an Alaskan cruise or one that tours the Balkans (without being a valued carnival member or last minute booking) and see what you spend.

      With that being said, stop talking muck. A loss is a loss and this is one for the straw man and anyone else who relies on this sort of stuff.
      • cheapo (16/10/2013, 19:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Yes, they do have higher end ships, but they don't come here. Look at these rates http://www.carnival.com/BookingEngine/SailingSearch/Search2/?ptPort=TOR&dat=122013&numGuests=2&
  • Native Boy (16/10/2013, 13:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is the NDP they gone AWAL yet again
    • ????????? (16/10/2013, 14:43) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      I think that a famous quote by Winston Churchill, slightly modified, is appropriate; 'Governance is the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen'.
  • big bird (16/10/2013, 14:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The government is so out of touch with the reality...god help us and we business people!
  • man down (16/10/2013, 14:39) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    With the economy in recession two consecutive years since the NDP took office, the investors and business confidence at record low and their inability and failure by this govt. to formulate and implement an economic plan that will spur real economic growth; this is the root cause of the problem.
  • backwards ever (16/10/2013, 14:41) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    it is TRUE, that we have gone BACKWARDS, and now the MAJORITY of us, are NOTHING but INDENTURED SERVANTS, and that needs to be corrected ASAP..
  • Sick (16/10/2013, 14:49) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    the BVI under this NDP gang is akin to a banana republic and is definitely a failed state.
  • Well.Well (16/10/2013, 15:08) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Canival come here once a month High Seson, Low season, Low season and the mere fact that we will Lose this ship is a shame..........
  • virgin gorda resident (16/10/2013, 17:33) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Cruise ships bring nothing to the BVI economy. Better the government should make an effort to brong guests who stay 1-2 weeks and spend money in the BVI?
    Even the jewelry shops closed down. Could not make enough.
    The cruise ships guests do not buy food, drinks or anything else. Cane Garden Bay is a mess when the cruise ship passengers are there. All the studies I have seen show this to be a fact.

    • Really (16/10/2013, 18:39) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      VG Resident

      Which studies have you seen? Where are your facts to support your argument that Cruise Ships do nothing for the BVI? So you are saying that ALL the islands in the Caribbean are just plain out stupid for accommodating these ships? GIve me a break. The BVI has almost NOTHING to offer the damn people that's why they don't spend. Imagine coming off a ship in BVI. What would you buy? Once you pass Little Switzlerland, the only appealing thing is Sunny Caribbee. After that it's NOTHING ELSE TO DO! Drive around the island, take a few pics, then what? Fight down in CGBay for a seat on the beach? What about the tours, museums, historic site tours etc. NOTHING NOTHING. NO entertainment at the dock NOTHING! People just want things drop in their laps. Take a cruise to other Caribbean Islands and see how they hustle and what they offer. They make money I can tell you that. When we step our game up then we can talk. The Ships are not the problem, WE ARE! It's funny how we locals shop overseas for most things we want but want the tourist to spend all their monies here. WTF is that about? That can make any sense? If we can't find what we want here, WTF are they going to buy here? Tell me.
  • wize up (16/10/2013, 21:26) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    The most BVI Government makes directly from cruise ship passengers is head tax; the private enterprise make the bulk of the profit yet it is Government spending millions on adverting the BVI Market….on another note; as a community we really need to abandon the NDP Government they hell-bent on making BVI the play-ground for the rich while we the citizens suffering…..on the count of “3”…1,2,3 !!!!! No more NDP !!!!!
  • Really (16/10/2013, 21:44) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

    Wize up

    You make those stupid comments about playground for rich and wonder why so many businesses are closing and leaving the BVI? It's because of attitudes like you. On one hand you say the Governments are sellouts when they appeal to businesses to set up here and do business which means hiring people. Then when the businesses leave, you still kill the Government saying they're not doing enough. Which is it? You all are too damn selfish and self-centered in this place man. The only way the BVI will bounce back is with foreign investment and that's a fact. Who will want to invest a copper cent in BVI when they realize the sentiment towards investors? The VIP started that s..t with the invader nonsense and it will come back to haunt us. Keep up the rich friend bulls..t. When you need a job where will you turn? Sure, tell Government get rid of all the rich business people from around here investing, who needs jobs, taxes and a decent economy. Get rid of all of them let the little man run the country right? IDIOT!

  • zip (16/10/2013, 22:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Meanwhile, much of the damage is already done:
  • razo (16/10/2013, 22:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I pray to God that this country can survive until the next elections.
  • 2 cents (16/10/2013, 23:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This comedy would be really funny if it it did not involve real actions with MArk
  • Real Talk (17/10/2013, 10:02) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ok everyone stay calm. So we lost Carnival Cruiseline lets work on getting another.

    I have one question... what is the purpose of the BVI Tourist Board?


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