Antigua and Barbuda’s surging cruise industry is off to a very strong start so far in 2023, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

That includes welcoming Virgin Voyages’ newest ship: Valiant Lady. 

The ship, led by Captain Justin Lawes, was welcomed this week by a delegation including Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Investment Charles Fernandez, Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer Colin James, and Antigua Cruise Port Officer-in-Charge Cynthia Jacobs- Browne.

““We are happy to have you here in Antigua. The country has great regard for the Virgin Group and to receive our first vessel from Virgin Voyages is an extension of our relationship,” said Jacobs-Browne. 

It’s been an active month for the cruise port, particularly for Antigua’s growing position as a home-porting destination. 

That includes P&O’s Arvia cruise ship, which had its first turnaround call of the year, and SeaDream II, which had its first home-porting operation with the company. 

So far, Antigua Cruise Port has already welcomed 42 ships and 91,706 cruise passengers in January. 

Antigua is projected to welcomed 76 calls and more than 160,000 cruise passengers this month.