Antigua and Barbuda is breaking records for stay over visitors, but the country is also seeing surging cruise passenger arrivals. 

The destination welcomed more than 500,000 cruise passengers during the 2022-2023 winter season, according to new data from the Antigua Cruise Port. 

That number was boosted by Antigua’s growing position as a top homeporting destination in the Eastern Caribbean. 

“Antigua checks many boxes as a homeport and this season is certainly a testament to this fact,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, general manager of the Antigua Crusoe Port. “Not only is the destination strategically located, but has excellent airlift from both the United States and Europe. Our investment in the fifth berth provides us with added capacity to efficiently facilitate multiple cruise ships and related services both for vessels homeporting or on a transit call.”

And the projections look strong for the spring and summer seasons. 

Norwegian Sky will be making multiple visits to Antigua between May and August, while Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy will be visiting in May and July, respectively.

“We are pleased with our performance this winter season as we continue to successfully rebound after the effects of COVID-19,” Regis-Prosper said. “We look forward to a record summer season and the upcoming winter season 2023-2024.”