Antigua and Barbuda Cruise Season Soars to New Heights: A Look at the Record-Breaking Arrival of Ships in December 2025

Published on December 9, 2025

Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island paradise in the heart of the Caribbean, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in cruise tourism. With multiple cruise ships arriving every day, the country is experiencing an unprecedented influx of tourists, boosting the local economy and improving the tourism experience for visitors.

Antigua’s Cruise Port Welcomes Thousands of Passengers

The Antigua Cruise Port, located at St John’s Harbour, has become a major hub for cruise ships, with three to four vessels docking daily. On a typical day in December, Antigua is home to thousands of passengers as various cruise lines make their calls. On Monday, for instance, St John’s Harbour saw the arrival of two massive ships, Mein Schiff 2 and Azamara Quest, bringing with them thousands of excited passengers from around the world. These ships offered a glimpse into the diversity of the cruise calls to Antigua, showcasing the rich variety of cruise itineraries that pass through the Caribbean.

Earlier in the week, on Sunday, St John’s Harbour welcomed three additional vessels: Explora I, Emerald Azzura, and Mein Schiff 2. These vessels contributed to Antigua’s growing profile as a prominent cruise destination, providing even more opportunities for the local people to engage with tourists. The ships’ arrival also provided great exposure for the country, with tourists from different corners of the world enjoying the local culture, attractions, and natural beauty Antigua and Barbuda are so famous for.

December 2025: A Thriving Month for Cruise Tourism

The month of December 2025 has been particularly exciting for Antigua and Barbuda’s cruise industry. On December 6, three more ships docked at Antigua Cruise Port, including Azamara Onwards, Marella Discovery 2, and Norwegian Gem. These ships brought a large number of passengers to the island, contributing to the continued success of the island’s booming cruise season. The arrival of these cruise ships has significantly boosted the local economy, offering new opportunities for local businesses, such as those in the hospitality, retail, and excursion sectors, to benefit from the increased tourist traffic.

In addition, December 5 saw the arrival of Norwegian Getaway and Celebrity Ascent, two more ships that brought thousands of passengers to Antigua. This brought the total number of cruise arrivals on that day to four, as Star Flyer, Brilliance of the Seas, Evrima, MSC Virtuosa, and Carnival Venezia all docked at St John’s Harbour. These ships each carried a large number of passengers, with their arrival further bolstering the tourism sector and providing passengers with unforgettable experiences as they explored the island’s many attractions.

A Vision for Tourism Growth

Antigua and Barbuda’s cruise season has proven to be a resounding success, but the island’s government is not resting on its laurels. The current tourism figures, while impressive, are not enough for Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who has set his sights on a much larger goal. Browne has outlined his vision to make Antigua and Barbuda one of the leading tourist destinations in the world, with an ambitious plan to welcome up to 10 million visitors annually.

At present, the islands are expected to receive around 350,000 to 400,000 overnight visitors per year. While this is a significant number, it is still seen as insufficient in terms of the potential that Antigua and Barbuda holds as a prime destination for international tourism. With the success of the cruise season, however, the government is confident that these numbers will grow exponentially in the coming years, as more tourists discover the allure of the islands and their vibrant local culture.

In light of the success of the cruise sector, the government has been focused on enhancing the economic conditions and activities for local communities. This involves a concerted effort to boost stay-over tourism, with the aim of making the country a year-round destination for travellers from around the globe. The increasing number of cruise ships docking at Antigua Cruise Port serves as a vital stepping stone in achieving this long-term vision.

Impact on Local Businesses and Communities

The surge in cruise arrivals has had a direct and positive impact on the local economy. Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector is thriving, thanks to the diverse range of cruise lines making stops at St John’s Harbour. Local businesses are seeing a sharp increase in sales, as tourists flock to local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Additionally, the hospitality industry has been booming, with hotels, resorts, and excursions benefiting from the increased demand.

The growing cruise industry also presents unique opportunities for the people of Antigua and Barbuda to directly engage with tourists, creating jobs and fostering cultural exchange. Local artisans, tour guides, and small business owners are experiencing increased sales and gaining exposure to international markets. The increased presence of international cruise lines is opening up more avenues for collaboration between local businesses and global tourism networks, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda remains a vibrant, welcoming destination for years to come.

The Future of Antigua and Barbuda’s Cruise Tourism Industry

As Antigua and Barbuda continues to welcome more cruise ships to its shores, the island nation is working to improve and expand its infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of tourists. The local government is committed to ensuring that the tourism experience remains seamless, with ongoing investments in port facilities, transportation systems, and amenities for cruise passengers. The increase in passenger traffic is also expected to drive further investments in the island’s tourism infrastructure, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda remains competitive in the global cruise tourism market.

Moreover, the success of the cruise industry in Antigua is setting a positive example for other Caribbean nations looking to boost their own cruise tourism sectors. The country’s efforts in improving its cruise tourism offerings are a testament to the potential of the Caribbean as a whole, and Antigua and Barbuda are now seen as a model for sustainable and inclusive tourism growth in the region.

Conclusion

The cruise season in Antigua and Barbuda is thriving, bringing thousands of tourists to the island and benefiting local businesses and communities. Antigua and Barbuda is well on its way to becoming a leading global tourist destination, with multiple ships arriving every day and the country’s tourism industry thriving. As the government works towards its goal of welcoming 10 million visitors per year, the future of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector looks promising, with the cruise industry playing an important role in the country’s development and prosperity.