Norwegian Gem Becomes First Cruise Ship To Dock At WICO Since March 2020

ST. THOMAS — Cruise ship visitors on Wednesday disembarked from the Norwegian Gem at the WICO dock in Havensight for the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic last March. They were greeted by the sounds local music and a festive atmosphere with V.I. Dept. of Tourism dancers and Moko Jumbies.

The welcome event was organized by D.O.T., whose director of visitor experience Angela Payne said it was great to have visitors back in the U.S. Virgin Islands. "It was an amazing day here today at Havensight for the Norwegian Gem coming into the ports of W.I.C.O.," she said. "We are so happy, the folks were happy, they were happy with the entertainment, they were just so happy to be back in the Virgin Islands and I am so happy to see them.”

The ship included 1,349 fully vaccinated passengers and 1,059 crew members. Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced a 100 percent vaccination policy for passengers and crew, exceeding the USVI 85 percent requirement, according to WICO.

Mr. Ottley presented Captain Kim Karlsson with a USVI Welcome Bag at a brief and subdued outdoor event at which safety protocols were observed.

In a press release before the ship's arrival, Anthony A. Ottley, WICO president and CEO stated, "It is an understatement to say that we are elated to now welcome our first ship after more than eighteen months of inactivity."

In the same release, D.O.T. Commissioner and WICO Board Chairman Joseph B. Boschulte said ships returning to WICO represents a positive step for the USVI economy. "Now that there is a path forward for the cruise industry to resume sailing safely, it is significant that we will once again have cruise ships at the territory's three major cruise ports, and it is especially gratifying to see ships berthed at our port."