A cruise passenger received a caution from Deputy Commissioner Anthony Ennis for hyping up the protesters

Atlantis Events, the organisers of the cruise is singing the praises of the Cayman Government for allowing 3,200 gay tourists into Grand Cayman on 31 January.

Chief Executive Officer of Atlantis Events, Rich Campbell, said the Administration needs to be commended for adopting a non-discrimination policy toward organised gay cruises. “Atlantis applauds the Government of the Cayman Islands for reaffirming its policy of non-discrimination and for respecting the rights of all visitors,” he said.

The seven-day cruise, which landed in Grand Cayman last Tuesday amid protests for and against gay relationships, ended in Miami on Saturday. The cruise began at that port in the US.

In the past Cayman had banned organised gay tours because of the Islands’ traditional Christian belief and had refused entry to some ships. To comply with international human rights, however, the Government signed a non-discrimination policy in 2001 and five years later, the British territory welcomed its first gay tour for several years.

Mr Campbell, who was on the Island participating in the event, said in a post tour comment that Cayman offered a warm welcome to his clients. “We want to thank the citizens of the Cayman Islands for extending such a warm welcome to our guests and their leadership for upholding their policy of non-discrimination,” he said.

Most cruisers enjoyed their day on the Cayman Islands

According to the Atlantis CEO, 2,600 gays and lesbians came ashore in the second largest tour of its kind, which lasted from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Approximately 1,000 guests participated in organized tours throughout the Island while another 1,400 enjoyed exploring the Island on their own, the organisers said.

Mr Campbell noted: “The ship was met upon arrival by a number of supporters and onlookers, and without any substantial protests. We’re thrilled that we have been able to put the incident that took place in 1998 in the past.”

Responses to the Cayman Islands have been very good from the tourists who labelled it as a beautiful and charming destination.

Todd and Monty from North Carolina had a terrific time in Cayman

“The Cayman Islands are a beautiful and charming destination, with so much to offer visitors in the way of fine beaches, shopping, snorkelling and excursions,” said some passengers.

“Atlantis’ guests visited the Cayman Islands as tourists, just as any other visitors would, and had a terrific time enjoying the exceptional services, facilities and attractions that these Islands have to offer,” said Mr Campbell.

He added that many of the cruisers could be packing their bags and heading to the Cayman Islands in the future.

“The response from most guests on-board the cruise has been overwhelmingly positive and many look forward to returning to the Cayman Islands,” he said.