Cruise Ships Considered as Backup Accommodation for November Commonwealth Summit
Cruise ships are being considered as a contingency option to provide accommodation during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, which Antigua and Barbuda is scheduled to host in November, officials said.
Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office Maurice Merchant said the possibility was raised during discussions on accommodation planning as the country prepares for the large international gathering.
“There are various scenarios for dealing with any challenges,” Merchant said, adding that if accommodation becomes an issue, “they can address the accommodation issue, if it becomes an issue, through probably acquiring a cruise ship to provide accommodations.”
He said no decision has been taken, as planning and assessments are still underway.
“No, not at all, because they are still in their planning phase,” Merchant said, referring to the use of cruise ships.
Merchant said audits are continuing to determine room availability across the country during the period of the summit, which coincides with the start of the winter tourism season.
“They are coordinating and collaborating with all of the hotels in Antigua and Barbuda to assess what would be the number of available rooms during that period,” he said.
He said accommodation has been identified as a critical and time-sensitive work stream as officials prepare for the arrival of thousands of delegates and accompanying personnel.
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It’s surprising that Antigua still has fewer than five (5) thousands hotel rooms, having been in this industry for more than forty years.
Other islands like St. Maarten and St. Lucia came along and passed us and St. Kitts will do the same very shortly.