Over 18,000 cruise passengers and crew arrived in St John’s Harbour in a single day, highlighting strong momentum in the 2025/2026 cruise season.

More than 18,399 people came ashore as five vessels docked at the port. This total included 13,229 passengers and 5,170 crew members, according to Antigua Cruise Port.

The visiting ships included the Norwegian Epic with 4,484 passengers and 1,571 crew. In addition, the Britannia brought 3,629 passengers and 1,351 crew.

Meanwhile, the Celebrity Ascent arrived with 3,181 passengers and 1,430 crew. Similarly, the Marella Discovery 2 carried 1,835 passengers and 743 crew.

Finally, the Emerald Sakara docked with 100 passengers and 75 crew members.

Port officials said the steady flow of large vessels continues to benefit the local economy. Moreover, many of these ships are making return visits. As a result, businesses now see consistent weekly traffic.

Tour operators, retailers, and transportation providers all gain from the increased arrivals. Therefore, the cruise sector remains a key driver of economic activity in St John’s.

In addition, officials noted that the current season reflects sustained growth. They pointed to operational strength and repeat business from major cruise lines.

Furthermore, Antigua and Barbuda continues to attract strong interest from international cruise operators. This trend, they said, supports long-term stability in the tourism sector.

The 2025/2026 cruise season is still underway. Consequently, additional ship calls are scheduled in the coming weeks.

Officials expect continued high passenger volumes as the season progresses. Overall, the single-day arrival of more than 18,000 visitors underscores the island’s strong position in the regional cruise market.