Antigua Welcomes almost 45,000 cruise visitors in February, 2022

Antigua, is one of the twin-Island nations of Antigua and Barbuda. It is a beautiful island known for its white sand beaches numbering about 365, a variety of water activities, cruises and above all, warm and friendly locals. Antigua and Barbuda is a historical island with lots of landmarks like the 18th century Nelson’s dockyard.

Antigua, the larger of the two islands is surrounded by a 95-mile-long coastline. Being an island and surrounded by a great deal of water, it is only normal to expect most activities bordering around the waters. This fact is why Antigua does not fall short of snorkeling, surfing, sailing, and cruise activities.

Antigua’s major source of income comes from the traffic of visitors coming as tourists. Many of these tourists come with an itinerary of activities to accomplish during their stay. There has been lots of traffic on many activities on the island, but one that is noteworthy is the traffic of almost 45,000 cruisers for the month of February, 2022 alone.

Antigua and Barbuda

Despite the adverse effect of the pandemic on the tourism sector, Antigua and Barbuda still manages to attract many tourists from all over the world. A total of 44,710 cruisers in the month of February have been evacuated off 59 cruise ships. This staggering figure gives you an idea how much of an attraction Antigua and Barbuda is for visitors from all over the world.

On the 8th of February, Antigua Cruise port made history with the highest cruise ship arrival in a single day. The cruise Port docked 7 cruise ships on that day making history as the first time ever to happen in the History of the nation, surpassing the regular record of 5 cruise ship single day arrival.

The cruise ships that docked on that day include MS Mein Schiff 2 of TUI Cruises, Celebrity Equinox of Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Epic of Norwegian Cruise Line, Britannia of P&O Cruises, Grandeur of the Seas of Royal Caribbean International, Star Legend of Windstar Cruises and Royal Clipper. These cruise lines collectively brought about 5,405 passengers into Antigua and Barbuda on that historical day.

It is no surprise as to why Antigua and Barbuda enjoy this much traffic of tourists. The islands are blessed with beautiful side attractions, natural habitats, several beaches, luxury hotels and resorts with most having the view of the ocean. Apart from nature, you are expected to have lots of water activities.

Surfers and divers love holidays on the island as its waters are perfect for such activities. Antigua was one of the first nations to legalize, license, and regulate online gambling and is a prime location for the incorporation of online gambling companies. This makes the island a must-see for gamblers all over the world seeking a holiday and a fun gambling experience.

You are also met with the best restaurants and great dishes from all over the world. Antigua’s National dish is Fungee and Pepperpot. Meals can be served in numerous exotic restaurants strategically positioned by the beach front in some cases, giving you a combination of delicacy and ocean view.

Depending on the time of the year you visit, you may be opportune to see some landmark events of the country like Antigua Carnival Celebrations, an event that showcases the culture and heritage of the people of the island. The island brings you close to nature and is the perfect spot for a holiday with friends and family.

St. John’s is where two charming shopping areas, the modern Heritage Quay and historic Redcliffe Quay exist for those seeking a bit of retail therapy. Duty-free shopping is available in the Heritage Quay. St. John’s Public Market on the southern edge of the city has folk crafts, colorful tropical fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and meats as well as a buzzing crowd that make for a lively morning especially on the busiest of days, which is Saturday.

Antigua and Barbuda is a tourist nation and it is has gained the rights to be so. Hence, with and influx of almost 45,000 visitors coming in from cruise ships alone in one month invariably translates to a corresponding increase in the economy of the island. It has also aided in the creation of jobs for both locals and international visitors every year.

Thinking about traveling to experience Antigua? Be sure to check our Caribbean Travel Requirements COVID-19 updates for the latest requirements for travel to Antigua as well as other Caribbean countries including Barbados,  St. Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago.

__M.E.