quote:
Cruise ships cancel for ICC Cricket World Cup
by A. Aisha Browne
February 26 2007The number of cruise ships due to dock in Antigua during the period of Cricket World Cup is down to three from the initial six, according to President of the Cruise Tourism Association Nathan Dundas.
“Even though we were optimistic and pleased with the initial numbers before, some were cancelled. We are glad to have three rather bankable bookings for the season,” Dundas stated.
He added that other countries have also experienced cancellations although an exact figure was not disclosed.
When asked the reason(s) behind these cancellations, Dundas, though quick to defend its implementation, revealed that the Caricom visa played an integral role.
“This concept of security, especially at such crucial time is utterly important, however, it does not hide the fact that the late requirements for the Caricom Visa – 51 days before CWC – presented a major problem.
“Additionally, some of the other proposed charters of these cruise ships were not able to receive some of the concessions from the various governments and as such it would have proved too expensive to have these cruise ships as floating hotels on the various islands.”
Antigua will therefore have a single cruise ship staying over on a regular basis for CWC. This will be the Seadream with a capacity of 100 passengers. Furthermore, the Galaxy and Mandalay with approximately 1,800 and 50 passengers respectively will be making calls.
In a sentiment that Dundas underscored, many tourism officials expressed that there were serious errors in the planning stages, adding that if it were not for the intervention and protests of certain stakeholders, some of the last minute decisions would have proven disastrous for the industry.
Nevertheless, he expressed satisfaction and optimism in future business, saying, “We will be having ships arriving on the day of the matches here in Antigua. Our cruise sector continues to grow and we are well on our way to experiencing over 700,000 passengers.
Dundas has confirmed that there were already seven bookings per month to the country during the May to Oct. period; a significant accomplishment particularly at a time of the year that is usually termed the slow, “off-peak” period.
Antigua Sun