Cruise Ships – Port Zante – St. Kitts – Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis is preparing for a historic cruise season, with more than one million passengers expected to visit the Federation during the 2024–2025 period. The milestone was announced by Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew, who described the outlook for the cruise industry as both promising and encouraging for the national economy.
The Prime Minister shared the update through his official Facebook account, noting that the strong projections reflect months of strategic planning and collaboration within the tourism sector.
Tourism Leadership Credited for Strong Start
In his remarks, Prime Minister Drew extended appreciation to Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson and her team for their sustained efforts throughout the year. He highlighted their role in building and strengthening relationships with international cruise lines, which has helped position St Kitts and Nevis as a highly attractive destination.
According to the Prime Minister, the season is already off to an impressive start, with 52 cruise vessels scheduled to arrive in St Kitts during the opening month alone. Each arrival brings thousands of visitors to the island, steadily driving passenger numbers toward the projected total.
Early November Brings Major Cruise Arrivals
The cruise season gained momentum at the start of November with several high-profile ships calling at Port Zante. Star Pride, Viking Sea, and Zuiderdam arrived on November 1, 2, and 3, setting the tone for a busy month. Shortly after, Celebrity Eclipse arrived carrying more than 2,000 passengers.
These visitors disembarked to explore the island’s attractions, participate in excursions, and enjoy local cuisine, creating immediate economic benefits for:
- Small business owners and vendors
- Taxi drivers and transportation services
- Tour guides and excursion operators
- Restaurants and retail outlets
First-Ever Five-Ship Day at Port Zante
November 5 marked a notable milestone for the port, as St Kitts welcomed five cruise ships on the same day for the first time this season. The vessels included Aida Perla, Icon of the Seas, Mein Schiff 1, Seabourn Quest, and Star Pride.
This level of activity brought a surge of passengers into Basseterre and surrounding communities, creating a vibrant atmosphere and demonstrating the island’s growing capacity to handle increased cruise traffic.
Mega Cruise Arrivals Boost Passenger Numbers
The following day, November 6, saw the arrival of the mega cruise ship Arvia, which has a passenger capacity of approximately 5,200. Ships of this size significantly boost daily visitor totals and contribute to the overall success of the season.
Mid-November Cruise Schedule Remains Strong
The steady flow of cruise traffic continued throughout the second week of November. On Saturday, November 9, Carnival Pride, Disney Magic, Mein Schiff 3, and Sapphire Princess docked at Port Zante. The next day, November 10, Sea Dream 1, Eurodam, and Resilient Lady arrived together.
Additional arrivals included:
- Arvia and Viking Sea on November 12
- Aida Bella, Mein Schiff 2, and Eurodam on November 13
- Freedom of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, and Sea Dream 2 on November 14
November 16 and 17 each welcomed a single cruise ship, Sapphire Princess and Vision of the Seas respectively. Activity picked up again the following day when Resilient Lady and Sea Dream 2 docked together.
A Promising Outlook for the Cruise Season
This consistent pattern of arrivals is expected to continue throughout the month and beyond, signaling a strong start to what is shaping up to be one of the most successful cruise seasons in the history of St Kitts and Nevis.
With more than one million cruise passengers anticipated for the season, the tourism sector stands to benefit significantly. The steady influx of visitors supports employment, stimulates local businesses, and reinforces the Federation’s reputation as a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean.
As the season progresses, officials remain optimistic that continued collaboration with cruise partners and efficient port operations will ensure a positive experience for both visitors and residents alike.