Antigua and Barbuda Positioned as Southern Caribbean Cruise Gateway

Antigua and Barbuda is being positioned as a key gateway for cruise travel into the Southern Caribbean following the opening of a new cruise terminal in St John’s.

The outlook was outlined by Global Ports Holding’s Eastern Caribbean regional director, Lancelot Arnold, at Saturday’s official opening of the Antigua Cruise Port terminal on Lower Newgate Street.

The new facility is designed to support homeporting, allowing cruise passengers to begin and end their journeys in Antigua and Barbuda. Mr Arnold said this capability strengthens the country’s cruise infrastructure and elevates its regional role.

He noted that the expansion of turnaround operations means the country is no longer seen only as a port of call, but increasingly as a logistical hub serving itineraries to destinations further south, including St Lucia and other Southern Caribbean islands.

Mr Arnold said the development promotes regional cooperation and demonstrates how modern port infrastructure can enhance connectivity, resilience and long-term growth. He added that the project was made possible through close collaboration with the government.

Antigua Cruise Port’s general manager, Gasper George, said the terminal was completed in under a year and that the wider Upland Development is expected to be finished by mid-year.

He described the opening as a new phase for the country’s cruise sector, noting that larger ships and rising passenger expectations require destinations to adapt.

Mr George said cruise tourism has a wide economic impact, supporting transport providers, tour operators, vendors, retailers, restaurants, hotels and other service industries across Antigua and Barbuda.

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