“One destination does not make an itinerary,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte as he highlighted the importance of greater collaboration among Caribbean destinations and cruise line partners to ensure the safe and successful return of cruises to the region.

 

Speaking at the 35th edition of Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami last week, Commissioner Boschulte said it is important for travelers to feel safe at every destination they visit, and working with other destinations is essential to ensure that happens. “There has to be a collaborative effort amongst us in the Caribbean on health protocols because if a destination does not have effective protocols in place, that impacts not only the ship but also the next destination as well,” he commented.

Commissioner Boschulte reflected that while the stayover sector performed well for the U.S. Virgin Islands throughout most of the pandemic, the destination and the region suffered a setback in the cruise sector. “We didn't have ships arriving for about 15 months before welcoming Celebrity Edge to St. Thomas in July,” he recalled.

"What we have on the books for this year is obviously better than when we were at zero, but next year we expect to have significantly more calls,” an optimistic Commissioner Boschulte noted.