Wednesday, April 29 is a historic day for the Territory when the Government of the Virgin Islands officially opens and celebrates the expansion of the Cruise Pier.  

The expansion of the cruise pier is expected to position the Territory as a leading cruise destination in the Caribbean. Also, an objective of the expansion is to encourage the development of local businesses and tourism driven trades, including taxi services, restaurants, and tour operations.

According to Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark Vanterpool, “I am ecstatic about the upcoming ‘Big Day’ as it means that we are indeed moving forward in building a better Virgin Islands.”

Honourable Vanterpool, whose remit it is to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to allow for the expansion of the Territory's tourism industry,    stated, “When the larger classes of cruise ships begin to call here, it means more international exposure for our Territory and more business opportunities for our taxi operators, tour operators, vendors and others in the hospitality industry.”

At 8:00 a.m., the Government will recogonise the Norwegian Getaway’s inaugural call to port with a plaque presentation to the Captain. During this time, there will be the dropping of the first anchor to mark the official opening of the cruise pier expansion.

Then at 4:00 p.m., the public is invited to join the Government at the Cruise Pier for the historic and festive celebration of  the expansion.  The celebration will culminate with fireworks at 8:00 p.m.

Persons who are unable to attend can tune in to ZBVI 780 AM or ZKING 100.9 FM to listen to the live coverage of the events.

According to the Minister for Communications and Works, throughout the day, at strategic points in Road Town there will be local entertainment to ensure that guests have a memorable experience. 

Persons on the Sister Islands who wish to attend the Celebration are advised of a complimentary ferry service to the event at the following times:

• Virgin Gorda - Speedy's departs Spanish Town at 3:00 p.m. to Tender Dock
• Jost Van Dyke - New Horizon Ferry departs Great Harbour at 3:00 p.m. to Tender Dock
• Anegada - Road Town Fast Ferry departs Setting Point at 2:30 p.m. to Tender Dock

All ferries are expected to depart from the Tender Dock after the fireworks.

For more information about the Official Celebration of the Expansion of the Cruise Pier, visit the Government’s Web site at www.bvi.gov.vg.