June 19th, 2018
In a statement from the BVI Government, Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool officially announced the return of Disney Cruise Line to the British Virgin Islands. Hon. Vanterpool added that Government recognizes the importance of the cruise tourism industry to the people of the Virgin Islands. “Our taxi and tour operators, restauranteurs and vendors depend heavily on this industry for their livelihood and we have been making every effort to ensure that these major cruise lines continue to visit”, he stated.
Mr. Russell Daya, Disney’s Executive Director, Marine & Port Operations, Port Development & Itinerary Planning, said Disney is happy to see the great progress being made in the British Virgin Islands, in order to provide a satisfactory and safe guest experience. “We have every confidence in your Government’s efforts in restoring the destination to a higher standard than previously…and we look forward to continuing to support you,” he declared. Daya confirmed that Disney is now scheduled to visit the British Virgin Islands on Tuesday August 28, 2018. This is approximately one year after its last call here on August 29, 2017.
Disney Cruise Line signed a Berthing Agreement with the Government of the Virgin Islands January 17, 2014, committing to bring, in any full year, a guaranteed minimum of 75,000 passengers to the Territory. The return of Disney to the BVI in August will herald a much-needed boost to the all-important tourism sector, which is the major employer in the islands.