Nevis officially opened its 2023–2024 cruise season on November 26, 2023, with the arrival of the Sea Dream 1 and Star Flyer. The twin ship calls mark the beginning of a busy season that is expected to bring 52 cruise visits to the island. Premier Mark Brantley, who also serves as Minister of Tourism for the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), urged local businesses and tourism operators to prepare for the increased arrivals and take full advantage of the opportunities ahead.
Premier Brantley Encourages Readiness and Flexibility
Premier Brantley highlighted a recurring issue where cruise passengers arriving on Sundays often find shops closed and few services available. He noted that many of the upcoming ship calls are scheduled for Sundays and encouraged residents to adapt to meet the needs of visitors.
“Most of the calls that are coming to Nevis appear to be on Sundays,” Brantley explained. “In the past, Charlestown has been quiet on those days because businesses were closed and taxi operators were unavailable. While I understand our community’s religious traditions, we should also recognize the economic opportunities these visits bring.”
He emphasized that tourism is seasonal, and that maximizing revenue during the active months is essential for the local economy. He called on business owners and transportation providers to adjust their schedules to welcome and serve the influx of cruise passengers.
Tourism Stakeholders Urged to Deliver Excellence
The Premier appealed to all tourism stakeholders, including taxi and tour operators, to present their best image and provide high-quality service. As the first points of contact for most visitors, they serve as ambassadors for Nevis and play a key role in shaping the island’s reputation.
- Taxi and tour operators should be available on cruise days, especially Sundays.
- Shops and restaurants are encouraged to open when ships are in port.
- Hospitality staff should prepare for higher visitor volumes through the season.
By working together, Brantley said, Nevisians can ensure that visitors have memorable experiences and contribute to the island’s growing tourism economy.
Strong Cruise Season Ahead
Between November 2023 and April 2024, Nevis expects to welcome over 18,000 cruise visitors. The season will also feature several special highlights, including an inaugural visit from the Ritz-Carlton Evrima in March 2024. Additionally, the island will host multiple ships on certain days, such as December 10, when four vessels—the Windsurf, Club Med 2, Star Flyer, and Sea Dream 1—are scheduled to dock.
With a strong lineup of cruise calls and the government’s focus on preparedness, the 2023–2024 season promises to bring significant tourism growth and renewed economic activity to Nevis.