Cruise ships will return to Guernsey for the first time since 2019, as the island looks set to welcome 86 visits during the upcoming tourist season.
While all border restrictions were removed from today (17th February), it is important to note that all cruise operators will continue to have strict requirements in place for passengers. These cruise ships requesting their passengers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with proof of vaccinations being checked prior to boarding. In addition, cruise liners will be testing their guests on arrival at the port before it departs for the cruise.
Guernsey Ports and VisitGuernsey are engaging with cruise operators and shipping agents to ensure all passengers are also aware of the strong recommendation to do a Lateral Flow Test before coming ashore.
This is a huge boost to island retailers, restaurants and other service providers, with thousands of cruise passengers arriving between April and October. The first cruise liner – Hanseatic Spirit – is due to arrive on 15th April.
The full list of cruise liners due to visit can be found here.
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the Committee for Economic Development, said: “After two missed cruise seasons due to the pandemic, the release of the cruise liner schedule for this year is welcome news indeed. Cruise passengers bring a significant boost to our economy every year. As an island we have missed them and it’s great news that we’re on the cusp of welcoming these hugely valued tourists back onto our shores.”
Jonathan Creasey, Creaseys Director, said: “Retailers are really looking forward to welcoming back cruise ship passengers, who add such vibrancy to our beautiful town. For some retailers, this is the life blood of their business so, after enduring a very challenging two years, it will come as a huge relief to welcome them back in 2022.”
Hannah Beacom, Managing Director, Island Coachways Limited, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see the return of cruise liners to the island. The last couple of years have been extremely difficult for any of us reliant on tourism and we are looking forward to getting back to the “new normal”. We are pleased to see that the States of Guernsey have recommended a number of measures to ensure that our staff and the wider community remain safe. We cannot wait to show the cruise liner passengers all that Guernsey has to offer.”
