March 19, 2014 -- Antigua and Barbuda recently attended the Cruise Shipping Miami (CSM) Trade and Convention Show, held from March 10 – 13, 2014 in Miami, Florida. CSM is one of the largest cruise trade events internationally, which showcases the world’s leading cruise destinations.
Antigua and Barbuda continues to stand out as one of the Caribbean’s leading cruise ports of call, as the destination continues to receive increased calls from one of its largest cruise line partners.
The islands’ official delegation was led by the Hon. Trevor Walker, Minister of Public Works and Communications, and also included, Mr. Colin James, CEO Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), Ambassador Dwight Gardiner, Port Comissioner and Director/Register General of Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services (ADOMS), Mr. Conrad Pole, General Manager Antigua Pier Group, Mr. Nathan Dundas, President Antigua and Barbuda Cruise Tourism Association, Mr. Sylvester Brown, Chairman St. John's Development Corporation, Mrs. Carolyn Thomas-Parker, Communications & Marketing Manager, St. John's Development Corporation and Mrs. Charmaine Spencer, Marketing Manager of the ABTA. A representative from Novaport International Consultants Ltd was also on hand to update the cruise lines on the recently-completed Bathymetric study of the Harbour and the mobilization plans to start sweeping of the seabed.
The delegates conducted a series of productive meetings with several executives of the cruise lines, which included: Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL), Princess Cruise Lines, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Disney Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Lines. Coming out of the meetings with cruise line officials, Minister Walker noted, “The biggest challenge we face as a cruise destination is to ensure an upgrade of our facilities to accommodate the new larger vessels that are being deployed.
This is a top priority because it will enable the destination to see a further increase in visitors and take advantage of the new cruise-line itineraries going forward. I am particularly encouraged and pleased to anounce that following discussions with Holland American Cruise lines, we will see scheduled second-day cruise calls into Barbuda in the not-too-distant future.”
The cruise lines were all pleased to hear of the upcoming improvements for the Port of St. John’s and the long-term infrastructural development plans for both the Port and City of St John’s. They were bouyed by the news that all resources of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda are being brought to bear to ensure that the upgrades which have already commenced for the Port of St. John’s and its cruise facilities will be completed in the shortest possible time.
It was evident at CSM that within the cruise industry, the destination continues to put forward a strong product. This is credited to the varied on-island tours & attractions, as well as successful one-on-one meetings with Cruise Executives, and increased international visibility of the destination within cruise magazines.
The trade show provided good opportunities for the tourism officials to promote and share product enhancements, and was a great opportunity for officials to reconnect with cruise-line partners. It also offered the destination the chance to share specific information on beach enhancement initiatives and improved tours and attractions for visiting passengers.
Key cruise partners continue to show their confidence and support in the destination by increasing calls for the upcoming season. Director-Government & Community Relations for Latin America & the Caribbean, for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL), Mr. Federico Gonzalez-Denton reaffirmed RCCL's support for the twin-island state, with whom they have an excellent relationship.
He is quoted as saying that “the trends for Antigua and Barbuda have been dramatically positive”. RCCL provides 60% of Antigua & Barbuda’s cruise business bringing over 185,000 passengers to the islands for this current season.
This figure is scheduled to increase to 216,000 passengers next season. The cruise line will also increase its overall calls to the destination to 83 calls, up from 71 for the current season. Antigua & Barbuda also scored well on RCCL’s customer surveys, receiving above average destination scores in Destination Appeal, Safety, Availability of Things to See, and Overall Visitor Satisfaction. Antigua and Barbuda also ranked highly against scores for the Eastern Caribbean.
Holland America Cruise Lines, and its subsidiary Seabourne Cruise Lines, also recorded an improvement in customer satisfaction ratings on the destination, with passengers giving Antigua & Barbuda a score of 6.12 out of 7.
A new, larger Holland America ship with a 602 passenger count is to be deployed in April 2016, with a second-day call into Barbuda; offering a beach barbecue day for passengers. Overall, it was a very successful and productive week of negotiations for Antigua and Barbuda. As a cruise destination, the islands continue to gain positive ground with an upward trend in cruise calls and passengers.
The continued collaboration and support of all local cruise tourism stakeholders will allow the country to ensure a first-class experience for its cruise line partners and the thousands of cruise guests that visit our shores each year.
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