St Lucia has been a popular destination for cruise ships for many years, but with the current global situation, there have been concerns about whether or not the island nation is accepting cruise ships. In this article, we will take a closer look at the situation and provide you with all the information you need.
Background Information
St Lucia is a small island nation located in the Eastern Caribbean. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. The country’s economy relies heavily on tourism, and as such, it has always been welcoming to cruise ships.
However, in March 2020, St Lucia closed its borders to all incoming visitors as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included cruise ships. Since then, the country has been gradually reopening its borders to tourists while implementing strict health and safety protocols.
Current Situation
As of September 2021, St Lucia is accepting cruise ships under certain conditions. Cruise lines must receive approval from St Lucia’s Ministry of Health before they can dock at any of the island’s ports.
Additionally, all passengers and crew members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before they are allowed to disembark. They must also provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within five days prior to arrival in St Lucia.
Upon arrival in St Lucia, passengers will undergo another PCR test and are required to stay in their designated bubble until their test results come back negative. If any positive cases are detected onboard the ship or among passengers or crew members during their stay in St Lucia, they will be required to follow local quarantine protocols.
What Does This Mean for Cruise Ships?
For cruise ships planning to visit St Lucia, it means that they must comply with these strict health and safety protocols if they want to dock at any of the island’s ports. These measures are necessary to protect both visitors and locals from the spread of COVID-19.
It is also worth noting that the situation is constantly evolving, and restrictions may change at any time. Cruise lines are advised to keep up-to-date with the latest information and regulations from St Lucia’s Ministry of Health before planning their itineraries.
Conclusion
In summary, St Lucia is currently accepting cruise ships under strict health and safety protocols. All passengers and crew members must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within five days prior to arrival. Upon arrival in St Lucia, they will undergo another PCR test and stay in their designated bubble until their test results come back negative.
While these measures may seem stringent, they are necessary to ensure the safety of both visitors and locals. As always, it is important for cruise lines to keep up-to-date with the latest information and regulations from St Lucia’s Ministry of Health before planning their itineraries.