Over nine thousand cruise visitors arrived aboard four cruise ships in October, as
the cruise tourism sector is projecting that over eight hundred thousand people will
visit the country by the time the season ends in April next year.
The Antigua Cruise Port (ACP) is reporting that a total of 9,326 visitors arrived
aboard the four vessels that called during the past month. The vessels were the
Seabourn Pursuit of the Seabourn Cruise Line, Regal Princess of Princess
Cruises, Britania of the P&O Cruise Lines, and Mein Schiff 4 of TUI Lines. Two
vessels – Seabourn Pursuit and Mein Schiff 4 made their inaugural calls to
Antigua in October.
For November, a total of 47 cruise ship calls have been listed, including some that
will be making inaugural calls to the destination.
Meanwhile, Antigua Cruise Port said it will recommence homeporting operations
with the largest vessel, Arvia, to visit the country, on November 18th. The vessel
which is a part of P & O Cruises, will make a total of nine (9) calls for the season.
Luxury mega yacht Emerald Sakara will begin homeporting on November 18th
when it makes its inaugural visit. The vessel is expected to be stationed at the
Nevis Street Pier while Arvia will be homeporting at the Fifth Berth on that date.
ACP will conduct simultaneous homeporting operations with both vessels in the
upcoming season.
SeaDream II will begin homeporting on January 14th and make three homeporting
calls for the season, according to ACP. Star Clipper and Royal Clipper will also do
turnarounds.
Meanwhile, preparations continue for the anticipated inaugural call of an Oasis
Class ship from Royal Caribbean, which is tentatively scheduled for January 2,
2024. Much has depended on the clearing of a rock formation at the mouth of the
channel before a final confirmation can take place.
2023-2024 Winter cruise tourism season …off and running
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