Today, the Disney Fantasy made her first call to Tortola marking the start of a new relationship between Disney Cruise Lines and the British Virgin Island port of call. Disney Cruise Line along with Norwegian Cruise Lines entered into a preferred berthing agreement with the the BVI almost two years ago.
In conjunction with today’s inaugural visit by the Disney Fantasy there was a plan in place to officially open Tortola Pier Park. However, a report from BVINews.com states this plan was scrapped. The Tortola Pier Park opening date is now set for February 16, 2016 which coincides with another call by the Disney Fantasy. Minister of Communications and Works, Mark Vanterpool did not provide a specific reason for the delayed opening, but he did mention the extra time will allow for further construction to take place at the site, and accommodate the construction of more stores for a greater shopping experience.
It does appear that some portions of the Pier Park are operational with the opening of Park Lane shown in the Facebook post below.
However, a passenger aboard the Disney Fantasy tweeted that there were only a few shops open.
https://twitter.com/basb1999/status/679685073663340545
To date, there have been 279 applications have been received by individuals and companies interested in operating a business at the Tortola Pier Project. Vanterpool reported that 79 applications have been approved, 17 of which are for wait for it… kiosks. So far, 72% of the leases have been signed to those who have been approved.
The merchandise mix that will be at the Pier Park includes jewelry, ranging from fine, fashion, to lifestyle; clothing in both international and locals brands and inclusive of swimwear and lingerie; food and beverage provided by restaurants, café, market, crew club, wine bar, ice cream shop and tea shop. In addition, the Pier Park also has health and beauty supplies, electronics, pottery, souvenirs and gifts, footwear, eyewear, accent furniture, an art gallery and liquor and tobacco. The park also offers a variety of services such as medical, banking, telecommunication, postal services, business center, spa, tour operators and car and scooter rentals. Below is a list of stores listed on the Tortola Pier Park Official Website.
- Allamanda Gallery
- Antillies Helicoptor
- Aromas Cigar, Wine & Martini Ba
- Avis Car Rental
- Bamboushay
- Bijoux Terner
- Blanc Du Nil
- Body Glam
- Bolos Perfume
- BVI Tourist Board
- Camden Market
- CCT Life Unlimited
- Cedar White
- Central Tours
- Coconut Lounge
- Del Sol
- Diamonds International
- Effy Jewelry
- Glenter Enterprise
- House of Luxury
- ikonNEcT BVI
- Imperial ShellCrafters
- Island Optique Ltd
- JBY Fashion
- Klass Electronics
- Land
- Le Boutique
- Little Switzerland
- Locally Yours
- Marchepieds
- Medicure Pharmacy
- Menchies’
- Myetts
- Natures All Natural
- Sweet Tease
- Taino Boutique & Gifts
- The Coral Studios
- The Soup Shop
- Urban VI
- Virgin Feet
- Wonders of The Virgin Islands
According to an August press release, free Wi-Fi will be accessible throughout Tortola Pier Park!
The Disney Fantasy is schedule to visit Tortola every other week during her 7-Night Eastern Caribbean sailings. With the new opening date the passengers on the first four sailings to Tortola may not get the full port shopping experience they originally hoped. Both of the Disney Wonder repositioning cruises beginning with January’s Galveston to San Juan followed by February’s San Juan to Miami will visit Tortola before the grand opening of the Pier Park. The Disney Magic will return Tortola in April 2016 during her three 7-Night Eastern Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral.