Antigua Celebrates Record-Breaking Year: Over 825,000 Cruise Passengers Welcomed!

Last week, Antigua Cruise Port celebrated a remarkable achievement, welcoming 4 vessels and an impressive 13,312 passengers as it approaches what could be a record-breaking year for cruise tourism. By December 28, the port had reported 570 cruise ship calls and a total of 825,526 passengers throughout the year, representing a significant increase from the 446 cruise ship calls and 670,234 passengers recorded in 2023. This growth translates to a 27% increase in ship calls and a 23% rise in passenger arrivals, highlighting Antigua’s growing popularity as a key Caribbean destination.

On that notable day, the port hosted ships such as the Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Breakaway from Norwegian Cruise Line, along with the Arvia from P&O UK and Emerald Azzurra from Emerald Cruises. The presence of the Arvia and Azzurra as homeport vessels at Heritage Quay underscores Antigua’s emerging role as a preferred homeport in the region.

Gasper George, General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port, expressed his excitement regarding these developments, attributing the port’s growth to collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives aimed at positioning Antigua as a premier cruise destination. He highlighted that the increase in calls and passengers is a testament to their success, with expectations for continued progress in the coming years.

Meanwhile, the Honorable Charles Fernandez, Minister for Tourism and Investment, emphasized the milestone’s significance for Antigua’s tourism industry. He credited the collective investments made in infrastructure and service excellence that have solidified Antigua and Barbuda’s status as a crucial player in the cruise market. Fernandez noted that the port’s successes contribute not only to the tourism sector but also to the economic development of local communities.

As the year comes to a close, Antigua Cruise Port is poised to continue its success, planning to attract more visitors, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the delivery of memorable experiences as it shapes the Caribbean cruise industry in 2025 and beyond.

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