Antigua Local News – Community, Events, St. John’s Updates | Antigua Tribune

Antigua and Barbuda welcomes more than 10,000 cruise passengers in single day

29 January 2026
This content originally appeared on Antigua News Room.
Cruise Ship

Antigua and Barbuda has recorded another strong day for cruise tourism, with more than 10,000 passengers arriving across several ports as six vessels docked in the country.

According to figures from Antigua Cruise Port, the ships brought a combined total of about 10,300 passengers and 3,800 crew members to St John’s, Falmouth and Barbuda, providing a boost to local businesses and tour operators.

The largest vessel in port was the MSC Virtuosa, carrying 5,149 passengers and 1,684 crew. It was joined by Valiant Lady with 2,577 passengers, Brilliance of the Seas with 2,229, and three smaller vessels — Star Flyer, SeaDream 2 and Le Ponant.

Visitors spent the day exploring heritage sites, beaches and shopping areas, as well as taking part in tours and other local experiences.

Tourism officials say days like this highlight growing confidence in Antigua and Barbuda as a cruise destination for both large and small ships. They point to ongoing investment in port infrastructure and partnerships with cruise lines as key factors behind the steady increase in calls.

Cruise tourism remains a major contributor to the national economy, supporting jobs and generating income for communities across the islands, as the country looks ahead to a busy season.

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