MSC Cruises has now become the fourth cruise line to offer support and funding for a new cruise port at Grand Cayman.
More Funding for Future Grand Cayman Cruise Port
Another step towards allowing cruise ships to dock at Grand Cayman has been made. MSC Cruises has become the fourth cruise line to offer funds towards the construction of a Grand Cayman Berthing facility.
MSC joins Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line in support of what would be a new cruise port where cruise ships can dock at the popular western Caribbean destination of George Town, Grand Cayman.
Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin has said:
“These agreements, coupled with the finance to be provided by whichever entity is eventually selected as the preferred bidder on the project, ensure that no public funding will be required to build the cruise berths and enhanced cargo facility.”
Even though four major cruise lines have now committed to a new facility where cruise ships can dock no actual development bidder has yet been chosen. For six years the Cruise Berthing Facility project has been running and the government is working on a development which will benefit the Cayman Island. The Port Authority of the Cayman Islands is set to maintain and own any new cruise port.
Related: 20 Things to Do in Grand Cayman During a Cruise
Currently, cruise ships have to tender by just off George Town but this process does have an impact on the cruise lines and often the weather can force a cancellation. There have also been some incidents when a cruise ship anchor has damaged the precious coral which has angered many locals.
However, having a cruise berth facility able to cater for several large cruise ships could impact the coral even further. That’s one of the reasons why the project has become so important to the island.
Cruise Hive will keep readers updated on any new announcements about the future Grand Cayman cruise port.