Port Zante in Basseterre witnessed an unprecedented maritime spectacle on Thursday as six cruise vessels simultaneously converged on St. Kitts and Nevis, creating one of the most bustling tourism days of the season. According to official reports from the Tourism Authority, this massive influx delivered 5,659 passengers to the Federation’s capital in a single day.
The docking configuration saw larger vessels including Grand Princess, Norwegian Sky, and Silver Ray secured at Port Zante’s primary berthing facilities, while the elegant Le Bougainville, five-deck Sea Cloud II, and sailing yacht Wind Star maintained offshore positions near the coastline.
Visitors embarked on extensive explorations of Basseterre’s historical landmarks, with significant foot traffic recorded at UNESCO World Heritage Site Brimstone Hill Fortress. Adventurous travelers ventured to Mount Liamuiga, the highest peak across both the island and the British Leeward Islands chain. Key attractions including Berkley Memorial at the Circus, St. George’s Anglican Church, the Immaculate Conception Co-Cathedral, Independence Square, the War Memorial, and Palms Court emerged as predominant visitor destinations.
The substantial passenger volume generated exceptional economic activity for local enterprises, with taxi operators, tour guides, and restaurants experiencing heightened demand. Retail sectors benefited from robust sales of locally crafted items, souvenirs, fragrances, and jewelry. Many visitors opted for organized excursions utilizing taxis or the historic St. Kitts Scenic Railway, while others chose aquatic activities including snorkeling, zip-lining, and golf experiences on neighboring Nevis.
This remarkable event brought the week’s cumulative cruise arrivals to 17 vessels with 24,076 passengers, complemented by continued private yacht arrivals including three vessels anchored in Basseterre Roadstead on the same day.