Key points:
- Minister Bryan suggests allowing cruise ships to open casinos in Cayman waters to encourage overnight stays
- The proposal is linked to the development of a new cruise berth, to be voted on in a national referendum
- Casinos would only serve cruise passengers, with no local access to onboard gambling
Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Ports for the Cayman Islands, has suggested a new incentive to encourage cruise ships to stay overnight in Cayman ports.
The proposal would allow cruise ships to keep their onboard casinos open while moored in Caymanian waters, a practice currently prohibited by law.
This idea is contingent upon the approval of a cruise berthing pier in the upcoming national referendum.
The Minister believes that enabling overnight stays could revitalise George Town’s economy, drawing more visitors and providing a boost to the local businesses.
Bryan noted that discussions have already taken place with cruise operators, and the potential benefit to the local economy could justify a shift in current regulations.
Good to know: The initiative is part of broader plans to enhance the cruise tourism experience in the Cayman Islands, particularly if a new cruise pier is constructed
Under the proposal, casinos onboard cruise ships would open at designated times, to ensure passengers have ample opportunity to explore the island before returning to gamble.
Gambling would be restricted to cruise passengers – maintaining the territory's general prohibition on gambling – with no option for local residents to participate. Security measures, including electronic cruise pass scanning and controlled port access, would aim to ensure compliance with these restrictions.
Proponents of the cruise berth, like former legislator Ellio Solomon and the Association for the Advancement of Cruise Tourism, have cautiously welcomed the idea, recognising its potential economic benefits.
