Mar 2021
Royal Caribbean International is to homeport a cruise ship in Bermuda in the summer of 2021, which marks the first time the jurisdiction has been homeport for a major cruise line.
From 26 June through August, the Vision of the Seas will be based in Bermuda, offering seven-day cruises to a private island in the Bahamas. Passengers will board in Bermuda and remain overnight before cruising to Royal Caribbean’s private port at CocoCay. Only those who are vaccinated against Covid-19, and people under the age of 18 with clear test results, will be allowed to join the cruise. The crew will also have been vaccinated. Travellers must also meet Bermuda’s Covid-19 entry requirements, which include a clear PCR test result before travelling and a test on arrival. The Vision of the Seas is a 78,340 gross ton cruise ship with a normal capacity of 2,050 passengers.
Bermuda’s Minister of Transport, Lawrence Scott, told The Maritime Executive: “We look forward to welcoming Royal Caribbean passengers back to our shores and the opportunity for pre- and post-cruise stays in Bermuda. I am very excited that Bermuda will commence safe cruising this summer with our partner Royal Caribbean for their homeporting initiative from Bermuda to their private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.”
Bermuda has long been an important international shipping centre. It is a leading jurisdiction for incorporation of vessel owning entities, vessel registration and conducting shipping business. Cruise ship companies with interests in Bermuda include Carnival, Princess Cruise Lines, Seabourn Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Viking Cruises.
For any queries related to shipping law in Bermuda, please contact one of those listed below.