Antigua and Barbuda welcomed more than five thousand cruise ship passengers,
who arrived aboard two cruise ships that called at the Heritage Quay Pier on
Wednesday.
According to Antigua Cruise Ports (ACP) Ltd., the arrival of two cruise ships on
the same day during the summer off-season months is considered a rare occurrence
for the Eastern Caribbean. ACP identified the vessels as Disney Fantasy which
brought over 3,600 passengers and Norwegian Sky which sailed into the harbour
with over 2,200 passengers. Both vessels ‘unleashed’ thousands of passengers into
the Heritage Quay shopping centre and other places of interest in the country.
ACP Leasing and Marketing Officer Jessica Russell said, "Antigua has been
enjoying an extended season with Norwegian Sky making multiple calls
throughout the summer; this is to the credit of Antigua Cruise Port. We’re also
happy to have Disney Fantasy.”
Antigua Cruise Port and the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority also
collaborated to provide entertainment. The guests enjoyed the sounds of a steel pan
orchestra creating a festive Carnival atmosphere. Cultural greeters also posed with
visitors generating memories.
The summer months are generally dormant in the Eastern Caribbean as many
cruise vessels make their way to Europe. However, this is the second time two
vessels have simultaneously docked in Antigua this summer. There are more than
nineteen calls booked for this period, more than doubling last year’s figures. The
summer visits also surpass 2019 which had 16 calls.
Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez visited the port on Wednesday and said the
summer cruise tourism performance is because of the partnership between the
Antigua and Barbuda government and Antigua Cruise Port. He was also impressed
that 24 calls are already booked for summer 2024. The winter cruise season is also
expected to be busy with inaugural visits and homeporting.
