Large-vessel cruising has returned to Antigua and Barbuda. 

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Equinox ship called on the Antigua Cruise Port in St John’s this week, the first large vessel to visit the twin-island destination since the onset of the pandemic. 

The island had already relaunched its boutique cruising industry earlier this summer. 

“We have truly missed the breathtaking sight of the colossal, larger cruise vessels here at the port, so we are extremely excited to welcome Celebrity Equinox,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, General Manager at Antigua Cruise Port.  “As with other recent cruise ship visits, the disembarkation of passengers was carefully managed to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. At Antigua Cruise Port, we continue to maintain and enhance our COVID-19 risk mitigation protocols daily to ensure that our facility is as safe as possible for every passenger on every voyage.” 

Antigua and Barbuda’s government recently revised its health protocols, requiring all cruise passengers over 12 to be vaccinated. 

Passengers who are over two but not fully vaccinated must present a negative PCR test before boarding the ship in Fort Lauderdale. 

“We are following the government’s established protocols to the letter. Shore excursion experiences will only operate as “bubble” or small-group tours,” Regis-Prosper said. Fully vaccinated crew members will be allowed ashore on pre-approved tours. We have also arranged escorted private tours with the merchants at Heritage Quay.”

— CJ