Antigua Cruise Port marked a major moment on December 23, 2025, as more than 12,000 cruise guests arrived in St. John’s in a single day. Five cruise ships docked at the port, creating one of the busiest days of the season for the destination.
The ships included Marella Discovery 2, Valiant Lady, Celebrity Eclipse, Norwegian Epic and Ilma from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Together, the arrivals brought a steady flow of visitors into the capital and nearby areas.
A sixth vessel, Emerald Sakara, also visited Antigua that day, calling at the nearby port of Falmouth.
The combined calls highlighted Antigua’s ability to manage high passenger volumes across multiple ports.
Norwegian Epic was the largest ship in port, carrying up to 4,200 guests. The vessel operates Southern Caribbean itineraries from Puerto Rico and remains a regular visitor to the region.
At the other end of the scale was Ilma, a 456-guest luxury yacht that entered service in 2024. The mix of large cruise ships and smaller luxury vessels reflected Antigua’s broad appeal across different cruise markets.
Strong Momentum for Cruise Tourism
Global Ports Holding, which operates Antigua Cruise Port, said the day showcased strong coordination and operational efficiency. The company noted that high-traffic days like this bring visible energy to the city and surrounding communities.
According to the port operator, cruise arrivals support local businesses, transportation providers and tourism services. Spending by cruise visitors plays an important role in Antigua’s wider tourism economy.
Looking ahead, Antigua Cruise Port is preparing for an even bigger day on January 23, 2026. Officials expect more than 17,000 cruise passengers to arrive, setting a new record for the destination.
The port’s growing numbers point to Antigua’s rising profile as a Caribbean cruise hub. Improved infrastructure and steady demand continue to attract major cruise brands.
In addition to St. John’s and Falmouth, Antigua and Barbuda also welcome smaller ships to Barbuda.
Together, the ports host vessels from leading cruise groups, including Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, MSC and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
Similar itinerary adjustments have been announced elsewhere in the industry, including Royal Caribbean’s recent update to a 2026 Mediterranean cruise departure port.
With record days becoming more frequent, Antigua’s cruise sector continues to gain momentum heading into 2026.
