by Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding
Antigua Cruise Port (ACP), the international cruise gateway of Antigua & Barbuda, is set to embark on the second phase of a transformative US$45 million investment project led by Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator.
Established in 2004, GPH operates 32 cruise ports in 19 countries, serving 20 million passengers annually across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asia-Pacific regions. In 2019, Global Ports Holding signed a groundbreaking 30-year concession agreement with the Government of Antigua & Barbuda to redevelop, modernise, and manage the cruise port complex at St John’s and Falmouth Harbour.
The picturesque hub, which welcomed 372 ship calls in 2023 and is on target to break the record this year, will add a new cruise terminal and an exclusive passenger day club to the site.
Under the leadership of Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, the expansion aims to further elevate Antigua Cruise Port. Since the completion of the fifth berth in 2020, the destination’s popularity has soared, which comes at an opportune time as the cruise industry continues to grow exponentially.
The second phase of the project will generate more business for the local community, enhance the passenger experience, and create a new sense of excitement about Antigua & Barbuda as a premium cruise destination, helping to boost the local economy and community.
Since the completion of the fifth berth in 2020, the destination’s popularity has soared, which comes at an opportune time as the cruise industry continues to grow exponentially.
A transformational project
In 2020, Antigua Cruise Port spent US$30 million to complete phase one of the project, which included the construction of a new 700-foot (213-metre) pier to accommodate the largest ships in the industry. The company also made significant infrastructural improvements and investments in the beautification of the Heritage Quay shopping centre. Phase two will begin with the construction of a state-of-the-art cruise terminal in May 2024.
Cynthia Jacobs-Browne, Officer-in-Charge and Financial Controller at Antigua Cruise Port, outlined the details of the new terminal, which will span 6,500 square feet (603 square metres) at the fifth berth. This terminal will ensure seamless homeporting, with designated pick-up and drop-off areas for guests moving to and from the airport. Designed for maximum efficiency, the terminal will provide guests with ample time to shop and explore. It will also feature a 4,000-square-foot (371-square-metre) duty-free shopping district, including 12 retail spaces for both large and small entrepreneurs and new guest information centres.
Several simultaneous homeporting operations were also completed this season, which is an area with high potential growth.
An exciting new experience
Next, the team will build the Antigua Day Club – a 3,700-square-foot (343-square-metre) beach club at the port that will include a pool, bars, restaurants, and a stage for entertainment.
This Day Club is expected to become the pinnacle of the new Antigua Cruise Port experience. An exclusive outdoor oasis with great food, cocktails, music and more for guests who want to get off the ship but do not want to take a tour or excursion is being created. They can unwind at a fun dance party, lounge at a lush private pool and enjoy first-class service – all from a day bed in the Antiguan sun.
A promising future
The cruise port has been experiencing more bookings compared to the 2022/2023 season, and prospects are looking good. The port expects to welcome 418 calls during the 2023/2024 season, 46 more than the previous year.
In March 2024, the port made history by welcoming five cruise ships into St John’s and a sixth ship into Falmouth Harbour, delivering an astounding 15,808 passengers to the destination for the first time.
Several simultaneous homeporting operations were also completed this season, which is an area with high potential growth.
The cruise industry is certainly seeing excellent value in Antigua & Barbuda. With its stunning natural environment, unmatched service, and unique charm, Antigua Cruise Port is poised to become an increasingly sought-after destination with the addition of the new terminal and the Antigua Day Club.