New Terminal Takes Shape Despite Construction Challenges

Construction crews have completed 95 percent of foundation work for the new cruise terminal, according to Maintenance and Engineering Manager Bevon Burke.

He was speaking at Monday’s Cruise Connect forum held at the Treasury Building,

The 1,200-square-foot facility will house retail spaces, restaurants, and enhanced passenger amenities designed to keep cruise visitors spending money near the port.

However, the project has encountered significant obstacles. Soft soil conditions have required extensive piling work, with crews drilling through multiple geological layers to create stable foundations. Recent heavy rainfall has further complicated construction efforts.

Despite these setbacks, port officials maintain confidence in their November 2025 completion target for phase one of the Upland Development Project.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez provided updates on several key infrastructure developments supporting the cruise industry’s expansion. Dredging work at Crabb’s Peninsula is expected to finish by July 2025, while officials from Jamaica-based Chukka Caribbean are actively advancing the Fort Barrington development project.

The combination of increased cruise traffic, new terminal facilities, and improved tracking capabilities positions Antigua to maximize economic returns from its cruise tourism sector as the industry continues its post-pandemic recovery and growth.