Antigua and Barbuda Sees Surge in Home Porting: Passenger Numbers Rise to 20,000 in Just Three Years

At the end of its home porting season, the Twin Island Nation of Antigua and Barbuda had 20,000 turnaround passengers, a significant rise from the 6,000 passengers recorded three years ago.

Antigua and Barbuda has successfully concluded its home porting season, recording a total of 20,000 turnaround passengers, a significant increase from the just 6,000 recorded three years ago.

This growth illustrates the island’s evolving position as a prominent home port hub in the Caribbean and highlights ongoing plans to enhance its cruise tourism facilities.

During a discussion on The Browne and Browne Show, Gasper George, the General Manager of Global Ports Holding Antigua, noted the steady increase in home porting activity, particularly attributing part of this success to P&O Cruises’ Arvia, which has significantly boosted passenger numbers.

George pointed out that since Antigua launched its home porting three years ago, the volume of turnaround passengers has seen a substantial uptick, and the company aspires to further increase these figures in the coming year.

Home porting allows travelers to start and conclude their cruises in Antigua, which brings considerable economic advantages to the island. Often, visitors extend their stays, utilizing local accommodations, transportation, dining, and other services before or after their trips.

George also outlined several key contributors to the growth of home porting in Antigua. Noteworthy factors include the expansion of port facilities, such as a new fifth berth capable of accommodating larger ships, strategic partnerships with major cruise lines—most notably P&O Cruises—enhanced air transport options that have increased passenger arrivals, and a rising interest from European cruise operators favoring Antigua as a home port.

To maintain this positive trend, the General Manager indicated that the government, along with Global Ports Holding, plans to implement significant upgrades aimed at improving the overall passenger experience and attracting more cruise lines.

With these initiatives in place, he eagerly anticipates welcoming an even larger number of cruisers next year.