Four Cruise Ships Bring Thousands to St. John’s, Fueling One of Season’s Busiest Tourism Days
St. John’s Harbour was packed on Tuesday as four cruise ships — Marella Explorer, AIDAsol, Celebrity Eclipse and Norwegian Epic — docked at Antigua Cruise Port, sending thousands of visitors into the capital and driving a surge of economic activity.
The first three ships arrived early, drawing crowds along the waterfront as passengers fanned out to shops, beaches and historic sites. The Norwegian Epic followed later in the morning, its towering profile dominating the harbour and adding another wave of visitors.
Antigua Cruise Port said the day’s arrivals generated strong business for taxi operators, tour companies, craft vendors, restaurants, retailers and excursion providers across the city and surrounding areas.
From Heritage Quay to the city centre, merchants reported steady foot traffic as cruise passengers booked tours, bought local goods and sampled Antiguan cuisine.
Officials called the four-ship day a reminder of the cruise sector’s importance to Antigua and Barbuda’s economy. With the winter season building, they expect more high-volume days that support hundreds of livelihoods.
The Norwegian Epic is seen docked in St. John’s on Tuesday. (Photo: Antigua Cruise Port)
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I hope the taxis and tour operators got enough passengers. Sometimes the big ships don’t translate to big earnings.
I just wish more of the money stayed in local hands. Still happy to see the island busy though.