Antigua’s tourism sector demonstrated robust performance as St. John’s Harbour witnessed an exceptional surge in maritime activity with five cruise vessels simultaneously docking, bringing a substantial influx of 18,399 visitors and crew members to the island nation. The remarkable event highlighted the Caribbean destination’s growing appeal within the global cruise industry landscape.
According to data released by Antigua Cruise Port, the arrival breakdown comprised 13,229 passengers and 5,170 crew members across the five vessels. The Norwegian Epic led the fleet with the largest contingent of 4,484 passengers complemented by 1,571 crew, followed closely by Britannia transporting 3,629 passengers and 1,351 crew members. The Celebrity Ascent contributed significantly with 3,181 passengers and 1,430 crew, while Marella Discovery 2 added 1,835 passengers and 743 crew. The luxury yacht Emerald Sakara completed the fleet with 100 passengers and 75 crew members.
Port authorities emphasized that these substantial arrivals represent more than isolated events, noting that many vessels are making repeat visits to Antigua’s shores. This consistent weekly traffic pattern generates stable economic opportunities for local stakeholders including tour operators, retail establishments, and transportation services. The recurring nature of these visits indicates strong relationship building with major cruise lines and satisfaction with port facilities and services.
The current 2025/2026 cruise season continues to demonstrate sustained growth and operational resilience for Antigua and Barbuda’s maritime infrastructure. Industry officials confirmed that additional vessel calls are scheduled in the coming weeks, signaling continued confidence in the destination’s appeal and the port’s capability to handle high-volume maritime traffic while maintaining service excellence.