After nearly a year away from Tortola, the Disney Fantasy is now on track to return to the British Virgin Islands in late-August. On June 18th, Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool officially announced Disney Cruise Line’s return. Hurricane Irma ravaged the area leaving much of Tortola’s infrastructure badly damaged.

“Through the combined and dedicated efforts of our Government, international, regional and local agencies and individuals, we have made significant strides in restoring the islands to normalcy,” Hon. Vanterpool said. “We can now state proudly that we are ready to receive the influx of visitors who will come via the major cruise lines, an industry that was extremely viable pre-Irma.”

Russell Daya, DCL’s Executive Director, Marine & Port Operations, Port Development & Itinerary Planning, said Disney is happy to see the great progress being made in the British Virgin Islands, in order to provide a satisfactory and safe guest experience. In May, Daya said the primary concern was guest safety, during the recent meeting he told officials they have every confidence in your the BVI’s efforts in restoring the destination to a higher standard than previously…and we that Disney looks forward to continuing to support the destination.

Daya confirmed that Disney is now scheduled to visit the British Virgin Islands on Tuesday, August 28th during the August 25, 2018, 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. This is nearly a year to the day after its last call here on August 29, 2017.

Cruise tourism is an important economic driver in Tortola, Taxi drivers, tour operators, restauranteurs, and countless other vendors rely heavily on the cruise traffic for their livelihood. The Disney Fantasy alone resulted in 25 missed cruise ship calls in Tortola as a result of the damage incurred from Hurricane Irma.

The Disney Fantasy’s return to Tortola this August will hopefully clear up any concern guests booked on the Disney Magic’s mid-November 6-Night New York to San Juan reposting cruise and the Disney Wonder’s late-January 7-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise from San Juan have which are the next sailings scheduled to visit Tortola for the ships.