The Seabourn Cruise Line vessel, MV Odyssey, today docked at Woodbridge Bay with approximately 135 passengers on board. It was Dominica’s first cruise visit after over a year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Earlier this week, Tourism Minister Denise Charles said that in accordance with approved cruise protocols for Dominica, only vaccinated passengers will be allowed to disembark and proceed on tours on the island.
She stated that although cruise activities have been halted due to the Covid-19 restrictions since March 2020, regular discussions were held between the ministry and cruise lines such as Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean to enable a restart of cruise activity in Dominica.
“Our priority during all of the discussions has always been about the health and safety of citizens and passengers…the approved Covid-19 protocols for Dominica reinforce the strict adherence to measures such as; temperature checks, mask-wearing, hand sanitization, safe distancing, and importantly safe practices for vending and tours,” Charles said.
She explained that based on the Ministry of Health protocols, only those who are certified will be allowed to interact with cruise visitors and only organized or pre-sold tours will be permitted as an initial measure for limiting co-mingling and maintaining social distancing while the visitors enjoy the experience of the nature island.
This first call will be at the Woodbridge Bay Port for the summer season; however, subsequent tours are scheduled for the Roseau Cruise Terminal.
Charles called on the taxi drivers, tour guides, vendors, braiders, tour operators, and all who are to interact within the safe corridor established for cruise ships to give the passengers the same Dominican hospitality that Dominica is known for.