One of the Caribbean’s leading cruise ports is continuing its comeback.
Another major cruise ship is returning to St Kitts’ Port Zante, Caribbean Journal has learned.
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Equinox ship will make its official return to the island on Sept. 14.
It will mark the first call by Celebrity Cruises and parent company Royal Caribbean Group to the twin-island federation since the onset of the pandemic.
“St. Kitts achieved Marquee Port status after reaching the one million passenger mark in two cruise seasons in a row, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 and Royal Caribbean played an instrumental role in this achievement,” said St Kitts and Nevis Tourism Minister Lindsay F.P. Grant. “St. Kitts and Nevis remains in high demand as a port, renowned for our unique tours complemented by an excellent experience that cannot be replicated.”
Another Celebrity ship, Celebrity Equinox, will return to Port Zante on Oct. 3.
“The first Celebrity Cruise arrival for the 2021 season is certainly an occasion for celebration,” said Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “The safety of our nationals, residents and visitors has always been our top priority and we have worked closely with stakeholders to establish bubble tours that will allow cruise ship passengers to enjoy our one-of-a-kind and awe-inspiring experiences, such as a visit to Brimstone Hill National Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or a scenic ride around the island on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway. Visitors are captivated by the beauty of the view from Timothy Hill and Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor continues to provide visitors an introduction into the ancient art of wax-resist dyeing to make vibrant batiks. We are a destination brimming with activities waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.”
St Kitts and Nevis has reopened its cruise sector with a set of strict health and safety protocols; that includes a requirement that all cruise passengers 12 and older must be fully vaccinated with a World Health Organization-approved vaccine in order for the ship to be allowed entry to the port.
All fully vaccinated passengers must also submit a negative PCR or antigen test three days before embarkation of the vessel at the homeport at the beginning of the cruise.
Unvaccinated passengers over 12 must submit a PCR test in the same time frame.
Unvaccinated passengers must also be tested by the cruise line at the terminal on the day of embarkation at the homeport.