The Caribbean remains the most sought-after cruise destination in the world, with ports across the region preparing for another strong winter season. Against that backdrop, two of the Eastern Caribbean’s busiest cruise ports are teaming up to host Cruise Connect 2025, a regional forum designed to bring industry leaders together to chart the next phase of growth.

Antigua Cruise Port and Saint Lucia Cruise Port, subsidiaries of Global Ports Holding (GPH), will host the second annual conference in September, with sessions set for Sept. 16 at the Royalton Antigua in Five Islands Village and Sept. 18 in Saint Lucia.

Organizers say the event will serve as a platform to examine infrastructure development, strategic growth initiatives, sustainability priorities, and market trends shaping the 2025/2026 cruise season.

The Antigua program will open with a keynote address from Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez, followed by a presentation from Antigua Cruise Port executives offering a forecast of the year ahead and projections for itineraries and growth opportunities.

Panel discussions will form the centerpiece of the agenda. The first, “Future-Ready Destination: Realigning Antigua & Barbuda for Cruise Growth,” will include Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin James, executives from GPH, and members of the local cruise sector. The session will focus on competitiveness, port readiness, the guest experience, and ground transportation alignment.

A second panel, “Sailing in Sync: Partnerships Powering Cruise Success,” will feature GPH Marketing Director Ceylan Erzi, Virgin Voyages Destination Operations Specialist Richard Diaz, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, and Gasper George, General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port. The discussion will highlight regional positioning, public-private partnerships, and sustainable development priorities.

The Antigua event will conclude with an overview of key takeaways and collaborative opportunities, followed by a networking lunch. The Saint Lucia program will follow a similar format tailored to local priorities. Both conferences will also include the Cruise Tourism Partner Expo, giving tour operators, excursion providers, and entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their offerings directly to cruise executives, government leaders, and media.

George said the forum is an important opportunity to strengthen partnerships and showcase progress in the Eastern Caribbean.

“Cruise Connect 2025 provides a powerful opportunity to share our progress, align with industry partners, and reinforce Antigua’s role as a leading Caribbean cruise destination,” George said. “Beyond strengthening partnerships, this forum allows us to showcase how our ongoing efforts in destination development and innovative product enhancement are elevating the visitor experience and positioning Antigua and Saint Lucia for sustainable growth in the global cruise industry.”

GPH officials in Saint Lucia also stressed the importance of the event as a regional driver.

“Cruise Connect 2025 is more than a forum—it is a catalyst for progress across the region. By bringing together government leaders, cruise executives, and community partners, we are creating the space to chart a shared path forward,” said Lancelot Arnold, Regional Director of GPH Eastern Caribbean and General Manager of Saint Lucia Cruise Port. “This year’s event will focus on innovation, sustainability, and building stronger synergies that ensure Antigua, Saint Lucia and the wider Eastern Caribbean remain competitive, compelling, and resilient destinations for the future of cruise tourism.”