Antigua Cruise Season Opens With Rhapsody of the Seas

The Rhapsody of the Seas officially opened the 2025/2026 cruise season for Antigua and Barbuda, bringing more than 2,000 passengers to the island. This call marked the start of a vibrant new cruise calendar.

Antigua Cruise Port welcomed the ship with great excitement. Activity quickly returned to the streets of St. John’s and the port area. Local vendors, taxi operators, and tour guides prepared to meet the surge in visitors. Officials expect this to be a record-breaking season for the destination.

Economic Boost for Local Communites

The 2024/2025 cruise season delivered strong results for Antigua and Barbuda. It supported small businesses and local entrepreneurs, creating jobs and driving spending. As a result, vendors, transport providers, and tour operators benefited from increased demand.

This positive momentum is expected to continue in the months ahead. Thousands of visitors are scheduled to arrive throughout October, bringing fresh opportunities for the local economy.

Upland Development Project Strengthens Antigua’s Cruise Future

Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda are also making significant progress on their Upland Development Project. The redevelopment of the former Barnes property is now nearing completion. Once finished, it will deliver a state-of-the-art cruise terminal, strengthening the country’s capacity to handle rising passenger numbers.

In addition, Global Ports Holding, which manages Antigua Cruise Port, reaffirmed its commitment to building world-class, future-ready infrastructure to support the cruise sector’s growth.

October Cruise Schedule Packed with Major Arrivals

The season began with Rhapsody of the Seas, which carried 2,040 passengers. Soon after, major cruise ships will continue to arrive:

• October 3: Celebrity Reflection – 3,046 passengers
• October 13: Celebrity Reflection – 3,046 passengers
• October 20: Queen Elizabeth – 2,080 passengers
• October 22: Regal Princess – 3,560 passengers and Grand Princess – 2,606 passengers
• October 26: Disney Magic – 1,750 passengers and Celebrity Reflection – 3,046 passengers
• October 27: Mein Schiff 2 – 2,894 passengers
• October 30: Rhapsody of the Seas returns – 2,040 passengers

Furthermore, this schedule highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s growing popularity among cruise lines. By the end of October, the destination will have welcomed tens of thousands of visitors, reinforcing its reputation as a premier Caribbean cruise stop.