The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) has received approval to proceed with the expansion of its cruise ports in St. Croix and St. Thomas.
The decision was announced during the Board of Governors meeting held on Wednesday, October 18. Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) and VIPA are collaborating to allow larger ships to visit Frederiksted, in St. Croix.
VIPA, Royal Caribbean Group and Cruise Terminals International (CTI) are primarily focused on the Crown Bay cruise port and reinforcing the destination's position as the premier cruise destination.
The project includes the revitalization of the Subbase and Crown Bay area in St. Thomas, including the modernization of the Crown Bay Center to enhance the guest experience, and the possible expansion of the Austin “Babe” Monsanto marine terminal.
In September, VIPA, RCG, and CTI signed a memorandum of understanding with the intention of remodeling Crown Bay and increasing berthing capacity. This also includes a commitment from Royal Caribbean Group to expand the infrastructure at the Santa Cruz pier.
Statements
The Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Port Authority, Carlton Dowe, stated: “Our partnership with Cruise Terminals International and Royal Caribbean Group will be a win-win for all involved, and particularly for the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands. We are excited to move into the next phase of this project, which will include new developments at our cruise ports and land-based attractions in St. Croix and St. Thomas.”
“I have often stated that the Caribbean and the rest of the world are not waiting for the Virgin Islands to move forward. This public-private partnership ensures that the Virgin Islands maintain their esteemed position as the Caribbean’s premier destination.”“.
Josh Carroll, Vice President of Destination Development and Deployment for Royal Caribbean Group, added: “Today’s approval is the next step in advancing this transformative partnership, which reaffirms and elevates our commitment to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The enhancements at Crown Bay will create a world-class cruise destination that will provide a superior guest experience while creating opportunities for responsible tourism in the territory.”
Khaled Naja, CEO of Cruise Terminals International, said: “Cruise Terminals International is delighted to partner with the Virgin Islands Port Authority and Royal Caribbean Group on our first development project in the Americas. The Crown Bay project aligns with our mission to deliver world-class cruise infrastructure to premier destinations around the globe.”
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