By Sherrica Thompson

Staff Writer

#Bermuda, October 28, 2022 – As countries across the region continue to bounce back from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, Bermuda is reporting that 2023 could be a record year for cruise ship visits to the island as it is expecting more than 200 calls.

In addressing the British overseas territory during a cruise ships press conference on Friday, October 14, Minister of Transport, Lawrence Scott, said the figure is a “testament to Bermuda’s relationship with our cruise line partners.”

The minister noted that “now that Bermuda has opened up with COVID-19 testing ending as of October 25, Bermuda is even more attractive, and the forecast for 2023 cruise ship numbers speak for themselves.”

Minister Scott said Bermuda had already welcomed 310,587 cruise ship passengers this year, injecting an estimated US$131.5 million into the local economy.

For 2022, Scott said the island is expected to have 166 visits, with 15 visits having been cancelled, eight due to the COVID-19 testing policies, six weather conditions and one because of the sale of the Viking Sun.

Despite the cancellations, Bermuda is forecast to have a great cruise season at the start of 2023.

“January 2023 has eight calls, February has three calls, and March has 13 calls scheduled.  Bermuda has done a stellar job this year thanks to all of our stakeholders and their tireless work,” Scott said.