Following the recent developments in St. Vincent the U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), has released revised natural disaster alert, offering transit opportunity for U.S. citizens who wish to depart the island. According to the announcement the U.S. Embassy is coordinating with Royal Caribbean Group for a maritime transit opportunity for U.S. citizens who wish to depart St. Vincent on Friday, 16 April. The evacuees will be transported on the cruise ship Celebrity Reflection to the Dutch Sint Maarten.  Boarding on the Celebrity Reflection will start at 7:00 A.M. and will depart Kingstown Port, St. Vincent at 1:00 P.M.  The ship will arrive in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten on the morning of Saturday, 17 April at approximately 7:00 A.M.  

In the letter, Overseas Security Advisory Council said that this is a humanitarian mission assisted by Royal Caribbean and therefore there is no cost or travel fare for the ship’s voyage.  However, U.S. citizens will be responsible for making their own onward travel arrangements.  The evacuees will need to plan accordingly, including potential hotel stays in Sint Maarten and booking onward commercial airline flights from the Sint Maarten Princess Juliana International Airport which offers direct flight to multiple U.S. cities. 

#StVincent: The US Embassy is coordinating with Royal Caribbean for a maritime evacuation of US citizens from St. Vincent on Friday April 16. Boarding on the Celebrity Reflection will begin at 7AM and will depart Kingstown Port at 1PM. More info: https://t.co/7dCcK5dZK2 pic.twitter.com/lXZtA8p6iu

— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) April 14, 2021

U.S. citizens who decide not to depart St. Vincent should be prepared to shelter in place for an undetermined amount of time.  There are currently no future plans for other transit opportunities. 

All departing passengers 2 years of age and older must have a negative rapid COVID antigen test (taken within 24 hours of boarding). A hard copy of your negative test results will be required prior to boarding the cruise. One testing center, Health Solutions Inc., is located near the St. Vincent Seaport.

All passengers must complete a health questionnaire before boarding. The boat will have the form available at the dock. Masks are required until guests arrive in their staterooms on board. Any evacuee requiring medications (insulin, etc.) will need to ship with adequate stock for several days. Food and water will be provided on board the cruise.