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VI expecting Royal Caribbean 'warm lay-up' from Jan 11, 2021

- Rhapsody of the Seas & Grandeur of the Seas both scheduled for technical calls
The Grandeur of the Seas photoed above, will join the Rhapsody of the Seas for technical calls in the Virgin Islands (VI) starting January 11, 2021.
Speaking on JTV’s the Big Story in a teaser released today, January 8, 2020, Marketing Director of the BVIPA, Natasha J. Chalwell told host Cathy O. Richards that the territory can expect the two ships as early as next week from the 11th and the 12th of January, 2021. Photo: JTV/Facebook
Speaking on JTV’s the Big Story in a teaser released today, January 8, 2020, Marketing Director of the BVIPA, Natasha J. Chalwell told host Cathy O. Richards that the territory can expect the two ships as early as next week from the 11th and the 12th of January, 2021. Photo: JTV/Facebook
Acting Managing Director of the BVIPA Ms Oleanvine Pickering-Maynard via a release on the announcement said the ships will be birthing exclusively to lay-up, refuel, take on provisions and spare parts and possibly other services. Photo: VINO/File
Acting Managing Director of the BVIPA Ms Oleanvine Pickering-Maynard via a release on the announcement said the ships will be birthing exclusively to lay-up, refuel, take on provisions and spare parts and possibly other services. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Authorities at the BVI Ports Authority (BCIPA) have announced that the Virgin Islands (VI) will be expecting its first technical cruise calls for 2021, via the Royal Caribbean Cruise lines, however, the calls will be done under strict health and safety guidelines.

Speaking to JTV’s the Big Story on January 8, 2021, Marketing Director of the BVIPA, Natasha J. Chalwell told host Cathy O. Richards that the territory can expect the two ships as early as next week from the 11th and the 12th of January, 2021.

“The Cruise Pier is a secured area it always has been and it continues to be during the time that these two ships are birth, we will be hosting 2 ships from the Royal Caribbean group so the Rhapsody of the Seas and the Grandeur of the Seas,” Chalwell said. 

However, the Marketing Director further revealed that the ships will not be fully crewed, given it has no regular passengers. 

Ships operating via Hybrid Connection - Marketing Director 

“So in normal times if it was a regular cruise call you'd be looking at 400 to 600 crew during their warm lay-up. We're looking at about 80 crew for both ships,” she said.

Mrs Chadwell said that both ships are expected to be birthed in the territory for 30 days with one supporting the other through what is known as a hybrid connection.

Meanwhile, acting Managing Director of the BVIPA Ms Oleanvine Pickering-Maynard via a release on the announcement said the ships will be birthing exclusively to lay-up, refuel, take on provisions and spare parts and possibly other services.

Further, she said crew members will be prohibited from disembarking the ship and there will be no access to the vessels from BVIPA shore-based staff.  

 

7 Responses to “VI expecting Royal Caribbean 'warm lay-up' from Jan 11, 2021”

  • Tell us (09/01/2021, 11:52) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Are these are the two ships that just left St Kitts this week. ?
    • The money well (10/01/2021, 07:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I hope these civil servants Who are encouraging the government to shut down and lock down and run our tourist our customers away is aware that the money well is getting empty and their very salary is at risk,,,, Soon they may soon be getting half pay,,,,Then The government will be come their enemy
  • cgb (09/01/2021, 12:21) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Let's hope no crew run wild
  • Balance the thing (10/01/2021, 07:12) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ok Great. This the balance we need between safety and the economy,,, We have to find away to focus on both,, to Focus only on Covid will kill the economy and set the country way back,,,,
  • wow (11/01/2021, 08:28) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    so this government feels that it makes sense to bring in the cruise ships where covid made its way into the territory in the first place.... and STILLLL keep us under curfew????? like really???
  • @SMH (11/01/2021, 09:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Did you take the time to read what the article actually said? Or are you short of comprehension?
    • lol (11/01/2021, 13:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      yh i know you are gullible..... because if nobody leaving the ship... or nobody on the ship..... WHY is the ship docking here?


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