Antigua and Barbuda has taken a significant step in strengthening its cruise tourism sector with the official opening of a new, purpose-built cruise terminal at Antigua Cruise Port (ACP), a flagship investment under the public-private partnership between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator.
The new terminal, spanning more than 10,000 square feet, is designed to support homeporting and turnaround operations, improve passenger flow and enhance the overall visitor experience. The facility is expected to further position Antigua and Barbuda as a leading cruise destination and regional gateway within the Caribbean.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior government officials, executives from Global Ports Holding, cruise line partners, community stakeholders and international guests. Addressing the gathering, Antigua Cruise Port General Manager Gasper George described the terminal as the completion of phase one of the Upland Development Project and a major milestone in the country’s cruise infrastructure transformation.
“Today, we officially unveil this cruise terminal, completing phase one of a transformational investment in Antigua and Barbuda’s cruise infrastructure,” George said, noting that ACP had successfully delivered homeporting operations since 2022 using temporary facilities. “Now, with a purpose-built terminal, Antigua and Barbuda is clearly positioned to do even more.”
ACP has recorded strong growth in cruise activity over the past four years, with cruise calls increasing from 124 in 2021 to 436 in 2025, and passenger arrivals rising from just over 81,000 to more than 808,000 during the same period. According to George, cruise line partners have already indicated plans to expand homeporting operations from 2027, which is expected to generate increased passenger arrivals, overnight stays and local spending.
Lancelot Arnold, Regional Director for GPH Eastern Caribbean, highlighted Antigua’s growing role in regional cruise connectivity, noting that expanded homeporting capacity allows the destination to function both as a cruise destination and a gateway to the wider southern Caribbean.
Founder and Chairman of Global Ports Holding, Mehmet Kutman, reaffirmed GPH’s long-term commitment to Antigua and Barbuda, emphasising sustainability as a central focus of the company’s investment strategy. Kutman also noted his personal ties to the country as a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda.
Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne, delivering the keynote address, described the new terminal as a catalyst for national development and encouraged Antiguans and Barbudans to seize emerging business opportunities, particularly in retail, services and the creative sector. He also invited GPH to explore future development partnerships, including projects at Barnacle Point and in Barbuda.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, the Honourable Charles Fernandez, said the partnership with GPH has helped reposition Antigua Cruise Port as more than a port of call. “Antigua Cruise Port has become a platform that connects cruise passengers to our people, culture, entrepreneurs and communities,” he said.
As part of the launch celebrations, ACP announced the “Name the Quay” competition, inviting Antiguans and Barbudans at home and abroad to participate in shaping the next chapter of the country’s cruise tourism development.
Antigua Cruise Port is now focused on delivering the next phase of the Upland Development, scheduled for completion by July 2026, as it continues efforts to ensure that cruise tourism generates long-term economic value for Antigua and Barbuda.
