St Kitts and Nevis Set to Welcome Four Massive Cruise Ships – A Game Changer for Tourism in the Caribbean!

Published on November 6, 2025

On November 6, 2025, St Kitts and Nevis will see the arrival of four cruise ships at its Port Zante in Basseterre. This marks a significant event for the island nation’s tourism sector as it is expected to bring a considerable number of passengers to the shores of the twin-island federation. The influx of tourists will not only provide a much-needed boost to the island’s economy but will also benefit a variety of local businesses, from restaurants to taxis, tour guides, and vendors.

The cruise ships making the arrival include prominent vessels from Celebrity Cruises—the Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Reflection—as well as two additional vessels, Arvia and Azamara Quest, which will also dock in Port Zante. The arrival of these four ships underscores the popularity of St Kitts and Nevis as a sought-after Caribbean destination, further solidifying its reputation in the cruise tourism industry.

A Significant Boost to St Kitts and Nevis’ Economy

The docking of these four ships is poised to be a major contributor to the economic well-being of St Kitts and Nevis. The island nation has long relied on tourism as a primary revenue stream, and such an event demonstrates the country’s ability to attract large-scale international tourism. Beyond just the arrival of tourists, the presence of these cruise ships means significant financial activity for the island’s local businesses.

Local restaurants, hotels, and taxi operators will likely see an uptick in demand, as cruise passengers seek to explore the island. Tour guides will also play an important role in offering excursions, and vendors will see a boost in sales as tourists purchase local goods and souvenirs. The arrival of large ships has an immediate impact on the local economy, providing jobs and opportunities for businesses directly involved with tourism services.

The Cruise Ships

Celebrity Apex

The Celebrity Apex is an Edge-class cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises, which is a part of Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd. This vessel is known for its impressive size and luxury features. It is the second largest ship in the Edge class, with a length of 306 meters (1,003 feet) and a beam of 39 meters (127 feet). The ship can accommodate up to 2,910 passengers, with a crew of 1,320 members ensuring the comfort and service quality of all guests onboard.

As a luxury vessel, the Celebrity Apex boasts 14 passenger decks, offering a variety of amenities that are sure to please travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. The cruise line has a reputation for its high standards in hospitality, and this ship is no exception.

Celebrity Reflection

The Celebrity Reflection is a member of the Solstice-class of ships and is the fifth and largest of its kind. This vessel measures 319 meters (1,047 feet) in length, with a beam of 37.4 meters (123 feet). The Celebrity Reflection features 17 decks and can host up to 3,046 passengers with a crew of 1,271 members. Known for its modern design and luxurious accommodations, the Celebrity Reflection is one of the largest and most popular ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet.

The ship’s luxurious offerings include world-class dining options, expansive lounges, and spacious rooms, making it a favorite choice for those looking to cruise in style. The Celebrity Reflection is particularly well-regarded for its premium experience, which caters to the high-end segment of the cruise market.

Arvia

The Arvia is a large Excellence-class cruise ship operated by P&O Cruises. This vessel has a sister ship, the Iona, and is known for its massive size. The Arvia is 344.08 meters (1,128 feet) long, with a beam of 42 meters (137 feet), and is capable of carrying a staggering 6,685 passengers, in addition to 1,728 crew members. The ship has a combination of 16 full passenger decks, with 3 partially complete decks, offering extensive amenities for travelers.

As one of the largest cruise ships in the world, the Arvia offers a wide range of entertainment, dining, and recreational activities, making it a perfect choice for families and large groups of travelers. Its immense size and capacity will provide a significant increase in tourism to St Kitts and Nevis when it docks.

Azamara Quest

The Azamara Quest is an R-class ship, currently under charter by the German-based company Delphin. Originally launched on October 24, 2007, for Azamara Cruises, the ship has a length of 181 meters (593 feet) and a beam of 25.46 meters (83 feet 6 inches). The Azamara Quest features 11 decks, 9 of which are dedicated to passengers. The ship has a capacity of 686 passengers, with 408 crew members providing service to guests onboard.

Although smaller than the other ships arriving at Port Zante, the Azamara Quest offers an intimate cruise experience, known for its luxurious services, personalized attention, and smaller, more exclusive voyages. Its presence in St Kitts and Nevis will further diversify the types of tourists visiting the island.

Impact on Local Businesses and Services

The arrival of these cruise ships at Port Zante on November 6, 2025, will undoubtedly generate a surge in demand for a wide variety of local services. Restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area are expected to see an increase in foot traffic, as cruise passengers venture off the ships to sample local cuisine and explore the culture of St Kitts and Nevis. Taxi operators and tour guides will also benefit from the influx of visitors looking to explore the island, with guided tours being a common activity for cruise passengers seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture and scenery.

Additionally, the tourism sector in St Kitts and Nevis is likely to experience growth, as local businesses look to capitalize on this increase in tourist arrivals. Local vendors will see an uptick in sales, offering souvenirs, crafts, and other products to visitors looking for a tangible memory of their Caribbean experience.

Conclusion

The docking of Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Reflection, Arvia, and Azamara Quest at Port Zante on November 6, 2025, marks a significant event for the tourism sector in St Kitts and Nevis. These ships will bring thousands of passengers to the islands, directly benefiting the local economy and boosting a variety of services such as restaurants, tour operators, and taxi services. The arrival of these vessels not only highlights the continued popularity of the island as a Caribbean destination but also underscores its role in the wider cruise tourism industry. With the influx of tourists, local businesses will experience immediate benefits, and the long-term impact of such events is likely to further enhance the island’s reputation as a premier cruise destination.