The Ministry of Transport wishes to advise the public that the 2021 cruise ship season is shaping up with a total of 33 calls as of today.
Bermuda has attracted two additional cruise ships this season.
- The Crystal Symphony will make 13 calls commencing August 25 (arriving Bermuda) from Boston for four calls and New York for nine calls, with an early estimate of 300 passengers for the first call, growing to approximately 600 passengers per call
- The Norwegian Breakaway will make six calls commencing September 29 (arriving Bermuda) from New York with an estimated 3,200 passengers per call.
Both ships follow the very successful start of service on June 15 by Viking Orion. Viking Cruises has extended the number of voyages by six, for a total of 14 homeporting cruises. Viking Orion departs Bermuda for the US on or around September 24.
Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, praised the Ministry of Transport and the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) for their work on securing the additional cruise calls in August, September and October.
Premier Burt said, “The additional cruise visits in the later part of our summer tourism season emphasises the importance of having regular cruise calls to our island. The cruise industry is a substantial component to rebuild our tourism industry and our economy. As consumer confidence in cruising gains momentum worldwide, Bermuda will stand out as a responsible and safe destination for visitors.”
The Minister of Transport, the Hon. Lawrence Scott, JP, MP, said, “This is welcomed news for Bermuda. These cruise lines selected Bermuda because their passengers love Bermuda, and they know their guests will feel safer in Bermuda during these uncertain times.”
Minister Scott added, “I wish to thank the team at the Ministry of Health who has worked diligently with us to create a framework and response plan to restart the cruising industry safely. Each ship will operate under a US CDC Conditional Sail Order and Bermuda's Quarantine (COVID-19) (No.3) Order 2020.
“All passengers must be 12 years of age or older and be fully immunised. Passengers will Covid-19 test three times within six days before landing in Bermuda. This includes a pre-departure PCR test, an Antigen test at the cruise ship terminal in the USA before boarding the ship, and an on arrival PCR nasopharyngeal test in Bermuda. All passengers, and crew, will apply for a Bermuda Travel Authorization (TA), and passengers may only board the ship with an approved Bermuda TA.
“Passengers testing negative on arrival can enjoy all of Bermuda while following mitigating measures, such as wearing a mask indoors in public spaces, physical distancing, and frequent hand washing.”
Cruise Ship Schedule 2021 can be found at: https://www.marineandports.bm/shipping_button_link.aspx