Changes coming to improve cruise passenger service at Port

Several measures have been implemented to improve cruise passenger service at the Bridgetown Port, following recent complaints from cruise ship visitors about transit delays.

Chief Executive Officer of Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) David Jean-Marie said in a statement on Friday that an improved operational plan has been implemented to assist homeport cruise passengers disembarking at the port.

“BPI recognises that some guests who had taken the Rhapsody of Seas cruise were in recent times understandably unhappy with traffic movements within the Port of Bridgetown which may have caused a disappointing end to their vacation. The main challenge related to the transit of disembarking guests and luggage between the homeport terminal (Shed 3) and the exit gate,” he explained.

As a result, the CEO revealed that BPI, in collaboration with the Customs and Excise Department, has sought to give passengers several options once they complete baggage clearance.

These include boarding any of the free shuttle buses with luggage and transiting from Shed 3 to the cruise terminal car park which has been designated for passenger pickup/dropoff; taking one of the taxis available at Shed 3 for transport to their final destination; or walking with their luggage from Shed 3 to the designated passenger pickup/dropoff area or exit gate.

To facilitate that process, BPI has committed to providing more suitable shuttle buses with a larger seating capacity and baggage compartment, making personnel available to assist in loading and offloading baggage from the vehicles at Shed 3 and cruise terminal car park, continued rotation of authorised taxis at Shed 3 to move passengers and luggage to their final destination, and continuing to facilitate access of all persons cleared to do passenger pickups to the designated passenger pickup/dropoff area.

“Passengers disembarking and requiring taxi services, are encouraged to utilise the registered seaport taxis available on site,” the BPI advised.

Despite the changes which are intended to improve operations, the port authority advised visitors that they may still experience some delays.

“The port is very active on homeporting days, with hundreds of people moving in and out in just a few hours. Movements include disembarking and embarking guests, crew members, port staff, local regulatory authorities, port tenants and service companies, which may at times result in increased wait times at the gate.

“BPI, therefore, encourages members of the public to comply with entry protocols, which are also intended to minimise traffic delays at the gates,” it said.

Meanwhile, BPI also reiterated the protocol for gaining entry to the port for cruise passenger pickups and dropoffs.

An application must be submitted through the BPI’s online portal. If approved, the applicant receives a QR code which must be presented to security on arrival at the port in order to gain access.

“This is mandatory and in keeping with our own obligatory security and safety protocols as a border agency,” the port authority said.

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb