Cruise ship prospects for the north

Small cruise ships docking off the north of the island could be a realty.

Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy said the idea has been receiving attention.

“The vessels would be docked off shore and then water taxis will bring the passengers in. This is done all over the Caribbean; all over the world...It will add another dimension to the cruise experience.”

Moreover, Sealy acknowledged that initiating such a cruise facility would certainly be an additional boost for Speightstown. He said the northern town has been roaring back.

“There are new restaurants coming on stream, but we think that with some more cruise activity, it could only assist in that regard as well.”

Speaking to the media at the Bridgetown Port, he described the country’s tourism sector as being in a good place, “and it is continuing to improve; the prospects are extremely positive for tourism”.

Sealy also revealed that there were approximately 660 000 long stay visitors this year, and anticipates close to 700 000 next year with the additional rooms coming on stream.

“We have so many new hotel rooms coming on stream. Only last week, the additional 220 rooms at Sandals Royals and that property is actually going to be adding another 50 rooms next year…Also, next year they are going to start the Beaches Project in St Peter.

“Sam Lord’s also going ahead apace. I had a tour of Sea Breeze and what they did with the extra 44 rooms that they have put on stream. So with more rooms coming on stream, more visitors, more flights – we obviously have to make sure we have the capacity to handle that,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Barbados Port Inc. David Jean Marie added that the Port will refurbish the Speightstown jetty, which will be an integral part of tourism to the north.

Also, acknowledging Sandals’ presence in the near future, he said, “We hope to have a lot more water taxis working closely with Sandals and the water sports people here in Bridgetown to move cruise passengers. We want to improve life in Speightstown and we are starting with the jetty.”
(TL)