Grenada to welcome 65 cruise ships this season

St Georges: The Granada Tourism Authority (GTA) announced that Granada can expect 65 cruise calls in the upcoming cruise season.

The first cruise ship is expected to enter shores on November 9, 2021 at a time when travelling to the Caribbean has the greatest appeal for the US and European markets due to the warm weather and the multitude of excursion options available on the island.

The tourism authority has been taking preparatory steps for the re-entry of cruise ships by embarking on a series of conversations with tourism stakeholders from all sectors to enable open dialogue and clear messages on the way forward. GTA has also supported and facilitated workshops and training sessions specifically targeting health and safety measures and service excellence. All of these initiatives were part of an overall strategy to put Grenada on the road to readiness.

All passengers disembarking from visiting cruise ships will be 100 percent vaccinated, except for children under 14 years of age, and they must adhere to the extremely thorough and rigorous protocols that have been established. Bubble tours have been implemented to ensure everyone's safety, involving fully vaccinated frontline teams, wearing masks, deep and constant disinfection, social distancing, and the ability to establish contact.

The positive impacts of the return of cruise ships to Granada's ports of call will be felt across the island, giving a much-needed boost to the taxi and transportation sector, tour operators, local handicraft vendors, artisans, and restaurants. The long-range impacts of this revitalization will also contribute to the sustainability of agriculture.

"It has not been an easy task to get to this point, but we subscribe to the mantra that there are no shortcuts and therefore we have worked closely and responsibly with our CMO to develop and implement a protocol framework for the resumption of safe cruising. We are committed to being diligent to ensure these protocols are adhered to," said Petra Roach, CEO of the Granada Tourism Authority. It is reminded that all changes to the cruise call schedule will be shared with stakeholders once they are received from the cruise ships, port agents, and tour operators. "We are all focused on a safe, exciting and sustainable recovery."