Antigua Concludes Home Porting Season with 20,000 Passengers
Antigua has successfully wrapped up its home porting season, recording 20,000 turnaround passengers, a significant increase from just 6,000 three years ago. The growth underscores the island’s expanding role as a home porting hub in the Caribbean, with further plans to enhance its cruise tourism infrastructure.
Speaking on The Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Gasper George, General Manager of Global Ports Holding Antigua (GPH), highlighted the steady expansion of home porting, particularly with P&O Cruises’ Arvia, which has played a pivotal role in driving passenger numbers.
“When we started this three years ago, we had 6,000 turnaround passengers. Today, we conclude the home porting season with an average of 20,000,” Mr George said. “We intend to continue growing these numbers next year.”
Home porting, which allows passengers to begin and end their cruise in Antigua, provides major economic benefits, as visitors often arrive early or extend their stays, using local hotels, restaurants, taxis, and other servicesbefore or after their voyage.
Key factors behind this growth include:
- Expanded port capacity, including the Fifth Berth, which accommodates larger vessels.
- Strategic partnerships with major cruise lines, particularly P&O Cruises.
- Increased airlift connectivity, bringing more passengers to Antigua ahead of their cruises.
- Rising interest from European cruise lines, positioning Antigua as a preferred home port in the region.
- To build on this momentum, the government and GPH are moving forward with major upgrades to improve passenger experiences and attract more cruise lines.
A new state-of-the-art cruise terminal is under construction at the Fifth Berth, with completion expected by October 2024.
“This will be a game changer for home porting,” Mr George said. “With modern facilities, we can expand partnerships and attract more high-value passengers.”
The home porting sector continues to be a significant economic driver, benefiting multiple industries:
- Airport services: More flights carrying cruise passengers.
- Hotels and Airbnbs: Increased bookings from passengers arriving early or staying after their cruise.
- Transportation sector: Higher demand for taxis and tour operators.
- Retail and restaurants: More spending by passengers exploring the island before embarkation.
“Home porting doesn’t just benefit the cruise sector—it boosts the entire local economy,” Mr George noted.
