Cayman Island voters overwhelmingly voted “no” to a cruise berthing infrastructure during its April 30, 2025, election. According to the Elections Office, there was a 73% voter turnout and only 16% of those voters were in favor of the referendum.
The Association for Advancement of Cruise Tourism (ACT) had worked for months to get the berthing project on the ballot. Had the project been approved, two new piers would have been built. The piers would have accommodated up to four ships at once including larger cruise ships that currently are unable to call at the port.
The investment also would have included a new cruise terminal, retail space and transportation. The project was proposed to cost $150 to $200 million, however, some of the funds were coming from Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. Activist group Cruise Port Referendum (CPR) Cayman has campaigned against the proposal and is not celebrating their victory.
In a Facebook post, CPR Cayman stated, “It’s official: Cayman has VOTED NO. In the 30 April 2025 referendum, 64% of voters said NO to cruise berthing infrastructure–a clear message that Caymanians support a smarter, more sustainable path forward. This is a win for our economy, our environment and our way of life.”
If the government respects the wishes of the people as is expected, this could push the cruise industry further away. With Cayman being a tender-only port there are times when weather conditions make tendering unsafe meaning more cancellations. Additionally, with today’s megaships carrying more than 5,000 passengers, tendering can be a significant problem. Waiting in long lines for tenders to and from the ship equates to less time in port and unhappy cruisers.
ACT, who lost in the election, shared on Facebook, “While we are deeply disappointed by the result, and concerned about the likely negative impact this will have on our sector, we remain committed to advocating for a sustainable and competitive cruise tourism industry. The livelihoods of many Caymanians are tied to this vital pillar of our economy, and ACT will continue to work toward securing long-term opportunity for our people and our country.”
CPR Cayman believes the government can upgrade its existing tender facilities without compromising the environment and urges everyone to work together for “a Cayman that thrives without sacrificing what makes us unique.”