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Press Room
Latest News
from Antigua and Barbuda
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CRUISE TOURISM
The development of Cruise Tourism in the Caribbean over the past two decades has been spectacular to say the least. What was considered to be a large cruise ship twenty years ago is rarely seen today. Ships of 15 000 tons carrying 700 passengers have been replaced by mega ships of 140 000 tons carrying 3 500 passengers and 1000 crew. These new ships offer their passengers almost all the amenities they require from theme bars to wall climbing and even ice-skating. The food on board is as good as you can get in any of the world famous restaurants.
In order to cater to the requirements of these ships, an expensive infrastructure must be in place. Antigua, blessed with one of the best natural harbours in the region has had to spend in excess of US$20 million to bring its facilities up to the level required by these ships. This cost dredging St, John's harbour to a depth of 35 feet, widening the channel into the, harbour, increasing the, size of the turning circle so that the ships can manoeuvre, refurbishing Heritage Quay and extending it for the bigger ships and building a whole new quay off Redcliffe Quay so that four large ships can be berthed downtown.
It is fine to have all the infrastructure in place to accommodate the ships, but what about the passengers requiring interesting things to do? It is no longer acceptable to have only island tours with the driver explaining the sights as he drives through the countryside. Modern passengers are better travelled than their counterparts of 20 years ago and demand exciting, educational, cultural and historical tours and events. They also demand clean facilities, garbage free environment, comfortable air conditioned vehicles and knowledgeable and friendly tour guides. Antiguan tour operators have risen to the occasion and have developed new and exciting tours and facilities that are available to the cruise passengers as well as the local people. These tours include off- road vehicles both safari style and single passenger "swamp buggies", kayaks and catamaran trips, pirate ship experiences and high-speed trips to fantastic coral reefs for
snorkeling.
One difficulty that Antigua and Barbuda must overcome is to develop the country as a year round Cruise Tourism destination. At present the country is busy with cruise ships in the winter season which stretches from late October until the early days of May. It is difficult for operators to invest in facilities and equipment with only a six-month period to recoup their costs and make a profit. The Government is working with the Cruise Tourism Association to develop Antigua and Barbuda as a year round destination. It has been demonstrated that people who visit a destination on a cruise ship and are pleased with their visit may return to that destination for a longer stay at one of the hotels.
Tourism is the lifeblood of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy and the Government, the Cruise Tourism Association and private enterprises are working together to make Antigua and Babruda the premier Cruise destination in the Caribbean.
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