St Kitts and Nevis started its 2021-2022 cruise season via the return of the first large passenger vessel to Port Zante (Basseterre, St Kitts).
Celebrity’s ship Celebrity Equinox visited the island on September 14, the first major liner to call on the destination since the onset of the COVID crisis.
The liner carried a total of 1147 passengers. Guests who disembarked took part in what the federation called “bubble tours” at tourist attractions across the island.
All cruisers were fully vaccinated, with the exception of just one kid (under 12).
St Kitts and Nevis saw one of the highest local vaccination rates in the Caribbean, with 75.1% of the target population receiving one dose and 66.3% fully vaccinated.
The “Travel Approved” sites include Carambola Beach Club; Fairview Great House; Caribelle Batik; Palms Court Gardens; Brimstone Hill Fortress and National Park; Port Zante and the popular St Kitts Scenic Railway.
Racquel Brown, St Kitts Tourism Authority's CEO, said:
“This is exciting – we have been waiting 17 months for this day! Seventeen months during which we experienced the negative impacts of COVID-19 and observed the collapse of economies globally.
“Tourism industries around the world suffered significant losses and the face of travel changed. However, we have made significant strides; this industry is resilient and has the power to sustain livelihoods. Today, on this momentous occasion, we continue our progressive journey to rebuild tourism safely in a manner that allows us to continue our tradition as a marquee port and reap economic benefits for all.”