Caribbean Cruise Port Sees Busiest Week Since March 2020

This week has been/will be the busiest for cruise travel to St. Kitts since the island reopened its borders to international visitors in October.

Across the island’s four ports — Port Zante, Basseterre Harbour, Deep Water Harbour, and South Friar’s Bay — 21 cruise vessels have arrived and will arrive throughout this week. Among those ships include Enchanted Princess, Seabourn Ovation, Viking Sea, Allure of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas.

Thursday marked the first day with five ships in port.

“This week comes as an optimistic sign that the cruising industry is making an unstoppable comeback in St. Kitts. We see the number of ship arrivals growing weekly,” said Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, Transport and Ports. “Our commitment to safety paired with our exceptional tours and on-island experiences are driving high demand for the destination on cruise itineraries, and we expect this to continue well into 2022.” 

The record number of ship arrivals comes in conjunction with changes to St. Kitts’ arrival requirements. As of December 11, Port Zante is completely free-flow, enabling cruise passengers to integrate with locals, and providing nationals and residents with access to the port.

MORE: New Caribbean Port Welcomes First Cruise Ship

Travel Approved tours, attractions, restaurants, and bars and now open to all fully vaccinated travelers, nationals, and residents.

“This busy cruise week shows that demand for our destination continues to grow,” said Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “The reduced travel restrictions make it easier for cruise and international air travelers to engage their senses and seamlessly immerse themselves in our quintessential Caribbean escape.”

After cruise travel paused in March 2020, St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed its first ships back in July. Since then, the twin-island federation has hosted a steady increase in ship arrivals and has allowed for passengers to explore the destination via “Travel Approved” tours and attraction sites.

READ NEXT: Royal Caribbean Details Summer 2023 Caribbean Deployments