Bahamas Expects to Have Experienced an Increased Number of Cruise Visits Taking Saint Lucia and Others Along With It with New Itineraries

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Cruise tourism across the Americas and Caribbean is expected to expand in 2027, with stronger passenger demand, new ship deployments, additional port calls and major destination investments driving growth. The Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, the US Virgin Islands, Saint Lucia and Brazil are among the destinations showing the clearest signs of increased cruise activity. However, while some ports have confirmed higher ship-call schedules, others are preparing for more passengers or welcoming new cruise itineraries rather than reporting a verified increase in total visits.

According to AAA’s October 2026 forecast, approximately 22.4 million Americans are expected to take ocean cruises in 2027, representing growth of about 3.6% compared with 2026. The Caribbean is projected to attract the largest share of American cruise travelers.

This growing demand is creating opportunities for ports, tourism businesses, transport operators and local communities. Yet the outlook varies considerably between destinations. Some are anticipating substantial increases in vessel traffic, while others are benefiting from larger ships, new routes or additional passengers.

American and Caribbean Destinations With Strong Evidence of Increasing Cruise Activity in 2027

Which American and Caribbean Destinations Are Expecting More Cruise Activity in 2027?

The strongest evidence of expansion comes from Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Saint Lucia and Brazil. Each has announced measurable developments, although the nature of that growth differs.

Antigua and Barbuda expects a substantial increase in calls from MSC Group vessels. The Bahamas is preparing for more visitors at Celebration Key, Carnival Corporation’s private cruise destination. The US Virgin Islands has published a higher schedule of ship calls at a major St. Thomas terminal.

Meanwhile, Saint Lucia anticipates more than 700,000 cruise passengers during its 2026–27 season. Brazil is preparing to welcome additional capacity through MSC Cruises’ South American deployment in the 2027–28 season.

Elsewhere, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Panama, Colombia, Honduras, Jamaica, Barbados and several Eastern Caribbean destinations remain important parts of expanding regional cruise networks.

However, cruise schedules alone do not confirm year-over-year growth. A destination may appear on new itineraries while receiving fewer total vessels than during the previous season.

Why Is the Bahamas Positioned for Significant Cruise Tourism Growth?

The Bahamas is expected to remain one of the most important beneficiaries of Caribbean cruise tourism expansion in 2027. Much of the momentum centers on Celebration Key, Carnival Corporation’s purpose-built destination on Grand Bahama.

The company projects approximately 3.5 million guests at Celebration Key in 2027, compared with about 2.7 million in 2026. That represents an anticipated increase of nearly 30% in annual visitors.

The number of individual ships scheduled to serve the destination is also expected to increase from 26 to 31.

These figures underline the importance of private cruise destinations in the industry’s expansion strategy. Cruise operators increasingly favor ports and attractions designed to accommodate large volumes of passengers efficiently.

For the Bahamas, additional visitors could create opportunities in tourism services, local transportation, supply chains and employment.

However, the projected growth relates specifically to Celebration Key. It should not automatically be interpreted as a nationwide increase in cruise ship calls across every Bahamian port.

How Is Antigua and Barbuda Preparing for a Major Increase in Cruise Ship Visits?

Antigua and Barbuda has one of the clearest published indications of increased cruise ship traffic for 2027.

MSC Group is expected to increase its scheduled calls to the destination from 12 in 2026 to 41 in 2027. This represents an increase of approximately 242% for the company’s operations.

The expanded schedule includes 13 calls by Explora Journeys, MSC Group’s luxury cruise brand.

This development is particularly important for St. John’s, where cruise tourism supports shopping, organized excursions, restaurants, transportation and other visitor services.

Additional vessels could increase the number of passengers exploring Antigua’s beaches, heritage attractions and coastal destinations.

The inclusion of luxury cruise operations also offers opportunities to attract visitors seeking personalized excursions and premium experiences.

Nevertheless, the figures describe MSC Group’s planned activity rather than all cruise operators combined. The actual nationwide increase will depend on schedules maintained by other companies and the number of calls ultimately completed.

What Is Behind the Growing Cruise Traffic in the US Virgin Islands?

The US Virgin Islands is preparing for increased cruise activity at St. Thomas, one of the Caribbean’s established cruise destinations.

The West Indian Company expects approximately 362 cruise ship calls at its Havensight dock during fiscal 2027, bringing an estimated 1.2 million passengers.

For comparison, the company reported 302 calls and 946,199 passengers through May 31, 2026. Because those figures cover only part of fiscal 2026, they cannot establish an exact annual percentage increase.

Nevertheless, the 2027 schedule represents considerable anticipated activity for the terminal.

Infrastructure improvements are also influencing the destination’s future. A dredging project is intended to improve access for larger cruise vessels, with completion targeted for mid-2027.

Greater vessel capacity could strengthen opportunities for Charlotte Amalie’s retailers, taxi operators, restaurants and excursion providers.

The main challenge will be accommodating larger passenger volumes while maintaining efficient port operations and preserving the visitor experience.

How Is Saint Lucia Planning to Attract More Cruise Passengers?

Saint Lucia expects another busy cruise season as port operators focus on infrastructure development, passenger services and tourism partnerships.

According to Saint Lucia Cruise Port, the island welcomed 697,953 cruise passengers during the 2025–26 season, representing growth of 4.7% despite a slight decline in vessel calls.

For 2026–27, the destination projects more than 700,000 passengers across 406 cruise ship calls.

The season is also expected to include approximately 44 cruise lines and 16 inaugural calls, highlighting the island’s continuing importance within Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries.

Castries serves as the principal gateway for cruise visitors exploring Saint Lucia’s beaches, rainforest attractions, coastal communities and cultural experiences.

The distinction between passenger numbers and vessel calls is particularly significant here. Larger ships can increase visitor arrivals without producing an equivalent rise in ship movements.

For Saint Lucia, the priority is therefore not simply attracting more vessels, but converting cruise arrivals into sustainable economic opportunities for local businesses.

Why Are Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay Gaining Attention From Cruise Operators?

South America is becoming an important focus of cruise deployment plans for late 2027 and early 2028.

Brazil is preparing for additional cruise capacity, including the planned deployment of MSC Meraviglia in the region. Santos and Rio de Janeiro remain important gateways for domestic and international cruise itineraries.

Argentina, Chile and Uruguay are also featured in Princess Cruises’ newly announced 2027–28 South American program.

Beginning in October 2027, Majestic Princess will operate six departures across four itineraries lasting between 15 and 37 days.

The program includes 19 destinations in eight countries, connecting major ports with Patagonia, Cape Horn and Antarctica-focused voyages.

Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Chile’s San Antonio are among the significant destinations.

These deployments highlight the appeal of longer cruises combining cities, landscapes, wildlife and cultural tourism.

However, additional published itineraries should not be confused with confirmed increases in total national cruise calls. That assessment requires comparable port statistics from consecutive seasons.

What Opportunities Are Emerging for Panama, Colombia and Other Caribbean Countries?

Panama and Colombia are well positioned within cruise networks linking North America, the Caribbean and South America.

The Panama Canal Authority expects more than 220 cruise transits during the October 2026–May 2027 season.

Major international operators are maintaining full and partial canal transit itineraries, while smaller expedition and luxury vessels add variety to the market.

Colombia’s Cartagena is also preparing for substantial seasonal cruise activity, with approximately 173 vessel calls projected for 2026–27.

Elsewhere, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados, Aruba, Curaçao, Belize and several Eastern Caribbean islands continue to appear in published cruise programs.

Their tourism prospects depend on vessel deployment decisions, berth availability and demand for particular routes.

These destinations may benefit from expanding cruise networks, but comparable annual figures are necessary before concluding that ship visits will increase.

For local tourism economies, attracting passengers who spend money onshore will be just as important as securing additional cruise calls.

Why Are More Americans Choosing Caribbean Cruises for 2027?

Strong demand from US travelers is central to the Caribbean’s favorable cruise outlook.

AAA expects 22.4 million American residents to take ocean cruises in 2027, approximately 3.6% more than its 2026 estimate.

If achieved, this would mark another record year for the American cruise market.

The Caribbean accounts for approximately 71% of US cruise passenger destinations in AAA’s analysis, reflecting its accessibility, established tourism infrastructure and range of itineraries.

Shorter cruises are particularly appealing to travelers seeking convenient vacations without lengthy time commitments.

Cruising also offers a predictable travel format, with accommodation, transportation between destinations, entertainment and many meals included in the booking.

Major Florida departure ports help connect American travelers with the Bahamas, Mexico and Caribbean islands.

This demand creates favorable conditions for destination growth, although individual ports will compete to secure vessel calls and passenger spending.

The outlook ultimately depends on cruise lines maintaining their schedules and customers continuing to book.

What Will the Cruise Expansion Mean for Tourism Economies in 2027?

Cruise tourism could generate significant opportunities across the Americas and Caribbean in 2027, particularly for destinations that successfully connect passenger arrivals with local businesses.

Additional visitors can support transportation companies, tour guides, restaurants, retail outlets and tourism attractions.

Ports may also benefit from infrastructure investment, vessel services and employment opportunities associated with larger cruise operations.

However, economic benefits will not be distributed equally.

Some private cruise destinations retain substantial visitor spending within facilities managed by cruise companies. Other ports may experience heavy passenger traffic without capturing the same financial returns.

Environmental pressure, congestion, waste management and the availability of suitable berths will also influence long-term growth.

The clearest 2027 expansion signals currently come from Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas and St. Thomas, while Saint Lucia and Brazil demonstrate encouraging passenger and capacity trends.

Overall, the region is entering 2027 with strong cruise demand and a wider selection of itineraries. The destinations that combine efficient infrastructure with high-quality local experiences will be better positioned to translate that demand into lasting tourism growth.

The anticipated cruise expansion reflects stronger American travel demand, strategic investments and growing interest in destinations throughout the Caribbean and South America. The Bahamas and Antigua have particularly encouraging growth projections, while Saint Lucia, the US Virgin Islands and Brazil are preparing for important developments. However, additional passenger capacity does not always mean more vessel calls. The real economic opportunity lies in converting increased arrivals into local spending, employment and sustainable tourism development. As 2027 approaches, destinations offering modern infrastructure, memorable experiences and efficient port services could capture greater benefits from the industry’s expanding regional presence and international appeal.