Virgin Islands Cruise Traffic Slowly Returning

The Port of the Virgin Islands has confirmed that thousands of cruise passengers will return to the island of St. Thomas during the month of November. The port of St. Thomas has been predominantly closed since taking a beating from dueling hurricanes.

The arrival of the Seabourn Odyssey in St. Thomas on Friday, marked the first non-relief vessel to berth in the USVI since September 17, when Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas arrived in Frederiksted, St. Croix. The ship brought passengers to the island just days before Hurricane Maria struck.

Back to Business for Virgin Islands

Ships planning to dock in St. Thomas in the month of November include Seabourn Odyssey, Norwegian Gem, Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas, and Celebrity Cruises’ Silhouette, D.O.T. made known.

“Welcoming cruise visitors back to the U.S. Virgin Islands is a key element of our plan to boost economic activity, generate employment and stimulate recovery efforts,” stated Beverly Nicholson-Doty, D.O.T. commissioner, underscoring that as the recovery and construction economy kicks into higher gear, including important work to enhance the islands’ hotel product over the next year, it was important to get the cruise component of the economy moving forward.

The detailed cruise ship schedule for the St. Thomas-St. John district, which is subject to change, can be found here.