It marked a major step in the phased reopening of the tourism sector, which has been adversely impacted by the global pandemic. Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said in a statement that was pleased to see the return of the cruise industry.
He also assured the public that the call was managed in accordance with strict health and safety Covid-19 protocols guided by global standards and best practices to ensure the safety and protection of citizens as well as visitors. He shared that under the strict measures governing the restart of cruise shipping approximately 95 percent of the crew and passengers are fully vaccinated and all passengers are required to provide evidence of negative results from a Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of sailing.
It was also outlined that in the case of unvaccinated passengers, a PCR test is mandated, and all passengers will also be screened and tested (antigen) on disembarkation. While on board, the crew is also be required to adhere to strict protocols mandated by the official framework for conditional sailing order.
Passengers will be allowed to disembark the vessel to participate in tours within the Covid-19 Resilient Corridors, which have been in place for stop-over visitors with a demonstrated record of performance for over a year. The positivity rate within the corridors is at 0.6 percent.
