In a landmark decision that could reshape the future of cruise tourism in the Cayman Islands, voters have decisively rejected the long-debated cruise pier project in a referendum held in May 2025.
The chart below illustrates the volume gap between cruise and stayover visitors over recent years:
Cruiseship vs. Stayover Tourism in the Cayman Islands (2018-2024) Source: Cayman Islands Dept of Tourism
The proposal, which had been under discussion for years, called for the construction of a new cruise berthing facility in George Town. Proponents argued it would modernize infrastructure, accommodate larger ships, and boost visitor numbers. However, a majority of Caymanian voters said no.
According to Cayman News Service, the result was clear and unambiguous. The public made it known they preferred to preserve the current tendering system, in which cruise passengers are ferried ashore by smaller boats — a practice that limits the scale of cruise arrivals but minimizes impact on George Town Harbour and surrounding marine ecosystems.
Kenneth Bryan, Cayman’s Minister of Tourism and Ports, acknowledged the outcome in a press statement, saying:
“We respect the will of the people and remain committed to enhancing tourism in a way that reflects the values and vision of our islands.”
(Cayman Compass)
The Association for Cruise Tourism expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the pier was intended to secure the long-term viability of Cayman’s cruise industry.
“This result is disappointing. Without modern infrastructure, we risk being bypassed by the next generation of cruise ships.”
This isn’t the first time the issue has reached a national scale. A similar plan was shelved back in 2019 after widespread public opposition. As with the earlier debate, concerns focused on coral reef destruction, increased congestion, and a shift toward high-volume, low-yield tourism.
Some local business owners welcomed the vote as a necessary pause in the pace of development.
“The pier would have brought more people, sure — but more isn’t always better,” said Wendy Johnston, who owns a boutique in George Town. “We’re already seeing too much strain on local infrastructure.”
Despite the clear referendum result, lobbying efforts are expected to continue. As TravelPulse reports, pro-port advocates are regrouping to explore alternative strategies. Still, with voter sentiment so firmly expressed, political momentum may not be on their side.
The decision arrives at a time when several Caribbean destinations are re-evaluating the long-term sustainability of cruise tourism. TheStreet noted that the Cayman Islands has now delivered a “major blow” to the cruise industry by putting environmental and community impact ahead of short-term volume.
Why This Matters
Cruise tourism accounts for a significant share of visitor arrivals in the Cayman Islands. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, the islands welcomed over 1.8 million cruise passengers, compared to around 500,000 stayover visitors, according to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
But there’s a major difference in how these two groups contribute to the economy. Stayover tourists typically spend more, stay longer, and support a wider range of local businesses — from hotels and car rentals to tour operators and restaurants. Cruise passengers often spend just a few hours ashore, creating bursts of activity but limited economic depth.
Looking Ahead
With the cruise pier now off the table — at least for the foreseeable future — the Cayman Islands may choose to double down on its long-standing appeal as a premium, conservation-minded destination. This aligns with global travel trends that show increasing demand for sustainable tourism, cultural authenticity, and lower-impact experiences.
Whether you’re a tourist planning a visit, an investor looking at long-term opportunities, or a local watching the islands evolve — this moment marks a major pivot in how the Cayman Islands defines its place in the Caribbean travel landscape.