ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

Two cruise vessels docked at Heritage Quay on Monday indicating a solid uptick in cruise tourism during the summer season.

Disney Magic returned to Antigua Cruise Port for the first time for the year with over two thousand passengers. Norwegian Getaway also docked at Heritage Quay with over four thousand passengers onboard.

The two vessels berthed at the cruise port during the summer season is a sign of the positive change in the cruise sector as recent previous seasons have been inactive because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Heritage Quay was vibrant with visitors, taxi drivers, and vendors on Monday. Taxi driver Alwyn Daniel said, “Today is a good day for the taxi drivers, the vendors, and everybody.” Antigua Cruise Port’s Leasing & Marketing Officer Jessica Russell said, “It’s great to have two vessels here even after our busiest period would have ended. With tourism being our main industry, we want to ensure that we get the most out of it and move beyond the limitations of what is expected during the summer season; so, we’re glad to have Disney Magic and Norwegian Getaway here.”

Vernon “Goldie” Griffith, who plays the banjo in the quay, said he felt encouraged by the vessels berthing in St. John’s. He also expressed excitement at cruise ships visiting during the summer as he stated, “I understand that although the season is closed, we’ll be having ships in June and July, so that’s very good.”

Another one of Disney Cruises’ vessels, Disney Fantasy will make a call to the island on July 19. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sky will visit Antigua multiple times from June to August.