EXPLORA III Makes Maiden Call to Antigua Bringing 848 Cruise Passengers Ashore

Antigua and Barbuda's cruise tourism sector welcomed another addition to its growing lineup of luxury vessels on Thursday, October 29, as EXPLORA III made its maiden call to the destination, bringing 848 passengers to the island.

The vessel, commanded by Captain Pietro Sinisi, is the newest addition to the Explora Journeys fleet, having entered service approximately three months ago.

Its arrival marked another milestone for the destination's cruise industry, providing an opportunity to introduce hundreds of visitors to Antigua's beaches, historic landmarks, cultural attractions and local experiences.

Thursday's visit will not be the vessel's last, as EXPLORA III is scheduled to make four additional calls to Antigua, with visits planned at two-week intervals.

The upcoming calls are expected to create further opportunities for local businesses, tour operators, transportation providers, vendors and other tourism stakeholders to benefit from cruise passenger activity.

The vessel's inclusion in Antigua and Barbuda's cruise calendar also reflects the destination's continued appeal to international cruise operators seeking distinctive Caribbean experiences for their passengers.

Tourism officials have consistently highlighted the importance of cruise tourism in supporting economic activity, particularly through visitor spending and engagement with local communities.

With four more visits on the schedule, EXPLORA III is expected to provide additional opportunities to showcase Antigua and Barbuda's tourism offerings while strengthening the destination's relationship with Explora Journeys.

The destination extended a warm welcome to Captain Sinisi, his crew and passengers, expressing anticipation for the vessel's return in the coming weeks.