Port Guam USA welcomes first cruise ships since the COVID crisis

   March 9, 2023 ,   Cruise Industry

Port Guam, US Coast Guard, US Department of Homeland Security Police, Guam Police Department, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, along with other federal agencies worked together on February 24th, and March 3rd, 2023, to welcome the first cruise ships to the territory since Guam reopened following the COVID crisis.

The 633-ft Amadea (Bahamas-flagged) visited Guam on February 24th, while the 951-ft Diamond Princess (UK-flagged) arrived on March 3rd.

USCG Station Apra Harbor, along with the Guam Police Department Marine Unit, provided an escort in/out of the port. US Customs & Border Protection conducted operations for the arrival of Amadea, as she was arriving from a non-USA port. The U.S.C.G. Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam Sector Boarding Team, and in the case of Diamond Princess, augmented by members of Maritime Safety & Security Team Honolulu, along with ship and facility examiners from the Prevention Division, attended the liners to ensure safety and security for the Port of Guam, passengers, and crew.

While aboard the ships, the USCG team walked the decks looking for any security issues and examined relevant paperwork. In the case of Amadea, this was the first American port for the vessel since leaving a foreign/non-USA port requiring a visit from the USCG. The inspectors from the prevention team conducted a spot check onboard. 

The U.S. Coast Guard team was on hand to assist with shoreside security until the vessels departed.

Guam Island USA (Apra Harbor-Hagatna)

The 2 ships comprise a total capacity of ~3,290 passengers and 1,390 crew members, though they were not at maximum occupancy. Before the COVID crisis, Guam averaged about 5 cruise ships per year. Another 3 cruise ship calls are anticipated this calendar year.