Bonaire gets closer to enacting the “One Ship Policy.”
In a recent press conference, an update was given on the “one ship policy” aimed at a better Bonaire experience for cruise tourists as well as residents of Bonaire. By handling a maximum of one large cruise ship per day, several improvements are being made for Bonaire. For the cruise tourists, the service and experience of the island visit will improve by spreading out the number of visitors. Bonaire can also better serve the increased number of cargo ships, partly due to the strong growth in the number of inhabitants, and entrepreneurs can offer more service to visitors. This will also relieve pressure on Bonaire’s infrastructure.
The “one ship policy” already came into effect last year, resulting from the Tourism Recovery Plan, but Bonaire is still seeing two cruise ships at a time due to older contracts that cannot be broken. As of mid-April, there will mostly be one cruise ship in port. However, smaller ships with less than 700 passengers will be allowed as a second ship. The revision of the criteria and requirements for port bookings was also discussed. Incentives for motivating cruise lines to visit during the low season is also being considered.
A recent visit from Carnival Cruise Management
Recently, TCB and OLB welcomed a delegation of Carnival Cruises management aboard the Carnival Horizon. The purpose of their visit was to better understand the island’s vision, high-quality, low-impact tourism, and a cohesive brand strategy with a focus on the visitor experience. For their part, Carnival Cruise lines introduced on-board stakeholders, including media partners, direct partners from the cruise industry, port and government officials, to their far-reaching environmental and recycling policies and an extensive Q&A session.
“With this course, the added value for cruise tourism on Bonaire is improved, contributing to repeat visits and more money spent per tourist. There is also more space for freight transport for the necessary delivery of goods for Bonaire. This results in a more pleasant and safer environment in and around the port of Bonaire, a better touristic image of Bonaire, and availability of goods for businesses and residents of Bonaire,” said Commissioner Hennyson Thielman.
Looking for activities during your visit on Bonaire?
Bonaire is known for its stunning nature. Visit InfoBonaire’s activity section to find recommended companies. Bonaire is famous for its water-based activities such as scuba diving or snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea, sailing along the coast of Bonaire, big game fishing expeditions, and kayaking through the mangroves. Of course, you can also enjoy land activities such as numerous sightseeing island tours, hiking tours, experiencing the wind with landsailing, shopping locally, or other unique tours. You are sure to find the perfect activity for your group with our lists of recommended companies. Remember to book your excursion in advance.
(Source: Bonaire Insider, Bonaire Government)
