The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has announced a successful push to integrate Barbuda into the cruise tourism sector, with the island set to receive a total of six cruise ship calls this month.

The first ship arrived this week, with five more scheduled to follow, including two set to dock this Sunday.

Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has confirmed that the Emerald Azzurra will spend the day in Barbuda on Sunday.

According to port sources, the vessel will arrive at St. John’s Harbour on Friday night as it home ports there for the season, remaining in the harbour on Saturday before heading to Barbuda.

Additionally, the Star Flyer is expected to make its first of two visits this month on Sunday, with a follow-up call planned for February 23. Le Ponant also visited Barbuda earlier this week, and is slated to return on February 13 and 25.

Minister Fernandez highlighted that these cruise ships are smaller and cater to a clientele willing to pay the additional expenses associated with such voyages. The anticipated influx of visitors underscores the island’s growing potential in the cruise tourism market.