Antigua has commissioned a Miami-based firm for a study of its cruise port in the capital city of St. John’s.
Minister of Tourism John Maginley said that the goal is “to chart a plan for our cruise business development over the next 15 to 20 years.”
Cruise traffic to Antigua in 2011 totaled more than 399,500 passengers, up 13.5% over 2010. Lines that currently call on the island include Royal Caribbean, Costa, Windstar, Clipper Cruises, Princess Cruises, Silversea, Celebrity and SeaDream Yacht Club.
The findings from the study will determine what physical improvements need to be done to make Antigua “an even more attractive destination for our cruise lines,” according to Maginley.
The study will analyze locations, docks, condition of the town, marketing attractiveness to cruisers and travel agents, direct costs of calling at the port, onboard revenue potention, operations and guest satisfaction.
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