VI to see record 52 cruise calls for summer season
This announcement was made by Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), the Minister for Communications and Works.
Increased calls
In a Facebook address on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Honourable Rymer noted that traditionally, the summer months from June to October have seen very low cruise activity, which has adversely affected many small businesses and individuals who rely on cruise tourism.
However, he stated that this trend is changing, with a record number of cruise calls expected for the 2026 summer cruise season.
“This marks a significant milestone for the territory, and reflects the results of our continued engagement with crew partners over the years,” he added.
The minister explained that the delegation at the Situated Cruz Global Conference in April 2026 advocated strongly for increased summer calls, emphasising the readiness of our facilities, the strength of the Virgin Islands' tourism product, and the importance of year-round visitor arrivals.
Expect a boost
“While crew scheduling takes time, we are now seeing the positive results in those consistent efforts, and we sincerely thank the cruise lines for their partnership and support,” Hon Rymer said.
He added that the increase in summer cruise calls would provide an important boost to taxi operators, tour providers, restaurants, retailers, and many other local businesses.
“It will also help create greater economic stability and support employment during what has traditionally been a slow season,” Hon Rymer added.
The Ministry, he said, remains committed to working closely with the BVI Ports Authority, Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, the BVI Tourist Board, and ship agents to sustain this momentum, strengthen the territory’s tourism product, and position the Virgin Islands as a premier destination in the region.
“This achievement is the result of strategic engagement, strong partnerships, and deliberate action, and we remain focused on ensuring the benefits of this group are felt throughout the territory,” he added.
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13 Responses to “VI to see record 52 cruise calls for summer season ”
We know that the Cruises Ship Peir and the filled land seaward of the government administration building, not yet in use due to hurricane Erma and Maria damage repairs is ongoing I hope. Knowing that the seaward piece of land that is being prepared for pleasurous activities rather than its original plan, should you and the other minister not have discouraged our Premier from his sick plan not to go forward to use this highly valuable seafront piece of land for frolicking activities?
What four more years do you all deserved? In addition to that, when will our Premier begin to get his own funky, sewage-water-running-derilet infested-bush- need cleaning 7th district in order. What use is money when money is not spent for the betterment of daily needs to the most needy, but rather to the greedy in abundance amount wastefully?
The damage to other tourism is huge.
The reports I have (some of them are below). There are more. A Blind Man may need to be guided to them and should stop being negative about the negative. See the negative for what it is and challenge it.
Wikipedia - The bulk of the tourism income in the British Virgin Islands is generated by the yacht chartering industry. The Territory has relatively few large hotels compared to other tourism centres in the Caribbean. The British Virgin Islands also entertain cruise ships, although these generate relatively little revenue.
BVI News - The push comes amid ongoing debate about an abundance of cruise passengers and a stagnation of overnight guests, as well as calls for increased tourism funding..... Walwyn cautioned that without stronger investment, the BVI risks losing ground in attracting high-value overnight visitors, which he said should remain a central focus of the territory’s tourism strategy.
Tripadvsor - “The Baths can be terribly crowded when the cruise ships are in.”
SFGAATE - Several analyses note that modern cruise lines increasingly use private islands, cruise-owned excursions, and onboard amenities to keep tourist spending inside the cruise ecosystem instead of local economies.
https://bvicruiseshipschedule.com/the-baths?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Sanblascatamaran - In many iconic Caribbean locations, cruise ships have become symbols of mass tourism. They bring thousands of visitors each day. Unfortunately, these small and fragile ecosystems are not equipped to handle such heavy traffic.
As a result, several destinations now face serious overcrowding. Among the most impacted are:
British Virgin Islands (BVI) – located east of Puerto Rico
Nassau – the capital of the Bahamas
Grand Turk – the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands
St. Barts – in the French Caribbean
These once-secluded spots are now flooded with visitors. It’s not just cruise ships causing the issue. The number of private boats is also rising rapidly.
Consequently, many areas now suffer from limited mooring space and stretched local resources. Even worse, the visitor experience has declined noticeably due to congestion and environmental stress.
overcrowding damages the exclusivity and natural feel of iconic sites,
overnight guests paying for villas, boutique hotels, sailing charters, and eco-tourism often want quieter experiences,
and some tourism operators believe too many day-trippers reduce the long-term value of the destination brand.
Fodor's 2025 'No List' highlighting destinations facing significant challenges due to tourism pressures.
overcrowding damages the exclusivity and natural feel of iconic sites,
overnight guests paying for villas, boutique hotels, sailing charters, and eco-tourism often want quieter experiences,
and some tourism operators believe too many day-trippers reduce the long-term value of the destination brand.
Can you see now that there may be a problem.