Virgin Gorda has been eliminated from Empress sailings

[coaster]

Got an email yesterday from Royal stating our Empress cruise in December will now go to Tortola instead of Virgin Gorda. Pulled up other sailings and the port has been removed also.  You now have to pay to go on an excursion from Tortola to get to Virgin Gorda.  

[twangster]

Or just do something in Tortola, it's also a beautiful island.

[coaster]

We were in Tortola last year on Empress. I agree Tortola is beautiful and not overly commercial. We were just looking forward to a different port this time.

[kruzerci]

4 minutes ago, coaster said:

We were in Tortola last year on Empress. I agree Tortola is beautiful and not overly commercial. We were just looking forward to a different port this time.

You don't have to defend yourself, you booked Virgin Gorda. 

[GMoney]

It sucks. You're lucky though - at least you're still going to the BVIs. VG was replaced with STX on my March cruise. 😡

[Camelgal]

Cruiseing on empress feb 8. Virgin gorda removed and replaced with at croix. Anyone have anyone dea why?

Edited January 23, 2020 by Camelgal

[cruiselvr04]

I got the email yesterday too.  Since I’ve been to the baths I’m ok with it. It’s a quick ferry ride.

[Cruising Latitude]

It is most likely because of the high likelihood of missing the tender port. 

 

The recent 1/3/2020 Empress sailing had to cancel VG and the ship diverted to Tortola instead, and the following 1/11/2020 sailing also had to cancel VG and the ship went to St Croix instead.  Both times the captain cited high wind and sea conditions.  

 

Disappointing for sure but if you haven’t been, the replacement ports are very beautiful and worth a visit. 

 

In my case I have been to both so I will most likely move my Jan 2021 sailing to another ship.  I don’t mind little Empress but I book her to go to unusual ports.

 

I am thankful Royal is upfront about the change and give us plenty of time to re-evaluate vacation plans. 

 

 

Edited January 23, 2020 by Cruising Latitude

[coaster]

45 minutes ago, Cruising Latitude said:

It is most likely because of the high likelihood of missing the tender port. 

 

 

Thank you for the details. Luckily I booked a fully refundable rate if I decide to cancel.

[coaster]

I found an article that addresses the Empress and Virgin Gorda. I was suspicious that the cancellation was some kind of port scheduling snafu. It appears not to be.

 

https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-ship-cancels-call-after-tenders-experience-strong-winds/36705