St. Croix & Libya to Become New Cruise Destinations
February 14, 2005
If all goes well, you might begin to see two new destinations popping up more often on cruise lines' web sites as destinations. One is St. Croix, U.S.V.I., an island with stunning scenery and beaches, but also a long history of crime. Because of the rampant crime that grew and grew within recent years, "cruise-ship visits [dropped] 94.7 percent, from 237,407 passengers on 138 cruise-ship calls in 2001 to just 12,606 on five cruise ship visits through November of last year, according to Henry de Lagarde, director of USVI tourism in New York City" (Bleecker). Things are looking up, though.
Recently, the ports have begun seeing again smiling throngs of people walking off of cruise ships because of the planning and hard work of the Virgin Islands Police Department, as well as the community in general. The VIPD set out to establish a strong line of communication between itself and the community. It also encouraged the community to organize Neighborhood Watches and Community Care programs. It seems to be working. Crime rates are steadily declining, and Royal Caribbean is now stopping there on some of its Eastern Caribbean cruises.
However, it seems Royal Caribbean is still testing the waters; the ships will arrive just at 8:00 pm and depart at midnight, not leaving anytime for sun or surf. No doubt the passengers will be informed as to St. Croix's reputation and will be advised to stay within the safer areas on the island.
The second destination is none other than Libya, a country that is to this day listed by the United States as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. However, Libya's leader, Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi, a man once vehemently anti-West, as well as the alleged mastermind behind the 1989 bombing of a French airliner over Africa, has recently shown outward signs of his willingness to cooperate with the Western powers. In December of 2004, President Bush lifted some of the economic sanctions imposed on Libya as a result of its pledge to halt any path towards continuing its nuclear weapons program.
As you might imagine, visiting this country is a touchy and delicate matter. Yet, its ancient and vibrant history, as well as scenery that belays the country's somewhat infamous stature in the world, has driven some cruise lines to add it to its itinerary. For example, Oceania Cruises visits the ancient city of Tripoli on one of its North Africa cruise itineraries; Travel Dynamics, a cruise line that offers "high-caliber educational programs aboard small cruise ship," was the first ship to visit Libya after the U.S. State Department lifted the sanctions (Bleecker). There are a few words of caution, however.
Make sure your passport does not reflect any visits to Israel, a country of which Libya has no strong affection. Also, be prepared to explore the sights of Libya with a tour guide; independent meanderings through the cities of Libya are not allowed. However, for those willing to explore this country that is a veritable treasure trove of history and architecture, it will be worth the effort.
Sources Cited:
Bleecker, Arline. "Cruise lines revisit two fabled places." Orlando Sentinel. www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/living/travel/10890199.htm. Feb 13, 2005.
"U.S. Eases Economic Sanctions Against Libya." Statement by Press Secretary. www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/04/20040423-9.html. Feb 14, 2005.
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