Cayman Brac had an uncommon visitor on Wednesday — a cruise ship.
The Brac typically averages only one cruise visit per year, so the arrival of a ship and, with it, hundreds of tourists was quite an occasion for Brackers.
Lifeboats from the Explora I were used for tendering operations and the passengers disembarked on Scott’s Dock.
Myra Ryan-Ebanks, manager of the Cayman Brac port, said by midday, 451 of the 657 total passengers had already disembarked from the ship, operated by MSC Cruises.
The cruise ship waited off the Scott’s anchorage area on the northwest side of the Brac.
“It is all going extremely well,” she said. “Tendering operations are taking place in an orderly way, and everyone is having a good time.”
She added, “The entire community is feeling grateful and excited to see the ship.”
District Commissioner Mark Tibbetts also confirmed that the visit proceeded smoothly. He explained that 15 concession stands had been set up by Scott’s Dock and vendors were selling crafts and other items for the visitors.
“A local band was providing music for the tourists. School children were also on hand to welcome the arrivals, and some of the tourists had booked tours or rented cars,” he said.
“Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly also visited the Scott’s Dock and was pleased to see the level of organisation and the welcome provided to the visitors to the islands.”
Tibbetts explained that some of the visitors had headed down to the beach at West End, while others were enjoying the local food in various restaurants. Some appeared happy to be walking along the road, enjoying the scenery and meeting with the locals along the way, he said.
Earlier in the year, Explora I’s sister cruise ship, Explora II, had been scheduled to arrive in Cayman Brac, but the 7 Feb. visit was cancelled at the last minute because the crew determined that conditions were too rough for safe tendering operations.
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