Guadeloupe asserts its ambition for controlled, sustainable growth
On the occasion of the Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, Guadeloupe reaffirmed its strategic position in the Caribbean cruise industry.
Through the eyes of the Grand Port Maritime and the Comité du Tourisme the archipelago is clearly committed to combining port excellence, an enhanced tourism experience and sustainable development to enhance its international reputation.
The Grand Port Maritime : supporting the cruise industry
For Marc Gautier, Director of Prospective and Development at the Grand Port Maritime de la Guadeloupe, cruising is a major source of economic growth for the archipelago.
“Cruises are a strategic lever for Guadeloupe”, he asserts.
With its modern, high-performance infrastructures, the port can accommodate several cruise ships simultaneously, offering companies optimal conditions for their calls.
The number of calls to the destination is constantly increasing, a sign of its growing appeal.
A key factor in this dynamic is the strong local synergy.
“The collective work between the port, the Tourist Board, the service providers and the authorities guarantees a quality experience for companies and passengers alike,” emphasizes Marc Gautier.
While no major obstacles have been identified to date, the port remains vigilant: anticipating market developments is essential to maintain competitiveness and quality of service.
🎯 Marc Gautier’s ambition: to continue Guadeloupe’s rise in the cruise industry, while maintaining the excellence of its infrastructure and hospitality.
Distribute, enhance, build loyalty : the Comité du Tourisme's strategy
For Laurence Corenthin, deputy director of the Comité du Tourisme des Îles de Guadeloupe, the post-Covid recovery of the cruise business is a real opportunity – provided it is supported intelligently.
” We have experienced a rapid recovery. The challenge now is to better distribute flows and enhance the passenger experience. “she explains.
The Comité du Tourisme focuses on :
Enhancing the downtown area of Pointe-à-Pitre, to encourage cruise passengers to discover the destination as soon as they arrive,
The development of an off-season offering, to spread visitor numbers over the year,
Enhanced excursions and tourist experiences to meet the expectations of international customers in search of authenticity.
Cruises now play a major role in the local tourism economy. It has a direct, structuring impact on the archipelago’s economy, boosting trade, transport and cultural activities.
🎯 Laurence Corenthin’s vision: to position Guadeloupe sustainably as a cruise destination that is authentic, lively and respectful of its territory.
A destination on the move, looking to the future
At Seatrade 2025, Guadeloupe clearly demonstrated its ability to support tourism growth without compromising its identity.
Through the excellence of its port infrastructures, the richness of its tourism offering and the collective commitment of its players, the archipelago confirms its ambition: to make cruising a sustainable lever at the service of the territory and its inhabitants.
In Guadeloupe, a cruise is more than just a stopover: it’s an invitation to discover an authentic island on the move, proud of its roots and resolutely looking to the future.
French Guiana asserts its ambition to become an exceptional stopover between the Amazon and the Caribbean at Seatrade 2025
Present at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, French Guiana showcased its unique positioning in the world of cruising.
With presentations by Jean-Luk Le West and Thierry Eliboxthe region asserted its ambition to offer an authentic cruising experience, combining wild nature, space heritage and a tailor-made welcome, while building a sustainable, structured industry.
Developing an exceptional cruise - Jean-Luk Le West's vision
For Jean-Luk Le West, Vice-President of the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane in charge of economic development and President of the Tourism Committee, the Seatrade was a major opportunity to position French Guiana as a new cruise operator in the region.
Unlike other destinations, French Guiana does not have a strong seasonal tourism pattern, but cruises do follow a marked rhythm, with peaks in visitor numbers.
The territory’s uniqueness is based on :
-
The Guiana Space Center, a real differentiating asset,
-
Luxuriant nature, between rivers and Amazon forests,
-
A rich multicultural heritage.
However, to fully accommodate its cruising potential, appropriate infrastructure is still needed.
Jean-Luk Le West stresses the importance of a future deepwater port, capable of accommodating different types of ships.
🎯 Its ambition is to make French Guiana an exceptional destination, between land and sea, by developing an authentic, controlled offering.
Building a sustainable cruise industry - Thierry Elibox's commitment
Thierry Elibox, President of the Club Croisière Guyanereminds us that Guiana is still an emerging market in the world of cruising.
Despite the challenges, the momentum is there:
-
Recently welcomed companies such as Exploris and Club Med,
-
Increase in the number of scheduled stopovers,
-
Strengthening synergies between local players (cabs, agencies, tour guides).
The priority today is to structure a genuine cruise industry:
-
Develop services tailored to cruise passengers,
-
Better training for professionals, particularly in English,
-
Promote authentic excursions, with experiences based on nature, history and space.
“We need to create a solid value chain around cruising, so that the economic impact is real and shared locally,” explains Thierry Elibox.
🎯 His wish: more international air links and a deeper port to support the sector’s growth.
Guiana, a new horizon for cruising in the region
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, French Guiana demonstrated that it would not be content to be just another stopover.
With its unique environment, its space heritage and its commitment to sustainable tourism, it has established itself as a destination in a class of its own,
offering cruise passengers a singular, authentic and resolutely forward-looking experience.
Saint Lucia asserts its commitment to offering a unique experience rooted in its identity
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, Saint Lucia reminded us of what makes it unique in the Caribbean world: an exceptional natural heritage, a dynamic culture and a tourism experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
In the words of Louis Lewis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the Caribbean island confirms its determination to combine authenticity, dynamic tourism and the preservation of its deep-rooted identity.
A destination of spectacular nature and living heritage
For Louis Lewis, Saint Lucia offers more than just heavenly beaches.
The island offers a unique experience, where nature and culture meet at every step.
The only place in the world where you can drive directly into an active volcano,
Remarkable natural sites: waterfalls, hot springs, lush forests, black and golden sand beaches,
Monts Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
“We have an exceptional natural product, but it’s also the human richness and cultural mix of Saint Lucia that make the experience unforgettable,” emphasizes Louis Lewis.
The local culture, a blend of British, French, African and Caribbean, is expressed through :
Creole festivals,
Traditional festivals,
Local gastronomy and music,
Community events to promote the island’s authenticity.
🎯 Saint Lucia’s challenge: to make every stopover an immersion in a unique, deeply-rooted art of living.
Diversifying the offer and smoothing out the tourist season
While cruising remains a strong pillar of the tourism economy,
Sainte-Lucie is not content with a seasonal activity concentrated on winter.
Thanks to the Community Tourism Agency, new products have been created for :
Promoting authentic local experiences,
Develop new cultural and natural excursions,
Attract visitors in both high and low seasons.
A few emblematic examples:
The Sea Moss Experience (based on traditional seaweed),
Creole festivals and carnivals,
Flower Festival,
Tours of unspoilt villages and natural sites.
This strategy aims to spread visitor flows throughout the year, protect emblematic sites from over-visitation and strengthen the local economic impact.
🎯 Louis Lewis’ vision: to build harmonious tourism growth, driven by authenticity, living culture and respect for natural resources.
Saint Lucia, emotion at the heart of the cruising experience
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, Saint Lucia has stated loud and clear that its tourism development will be based on authenticity, diversity and preservation.
With its accessible volcanoes, Creole traditions and warm welcome, the island offers cruisers much more than just a stopover: an immersion in a land where nature, culture and history weave unique and lasting memories.
Turks and Caicos asserts its identity as a lively, welcoming archipelago
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, Turks and Caicos highlighted what makes them unique in the Caribbean: an authentic welcome, a unique island diversity and a deep respect for their natural and cultural environment.
Through the voices of the Tourism Board: Experience Turks and Caicos and the Ministry of Tourism, the archipelago affirms its ambition: to offer authentic experiences for every visitor, while accompanying the growth of the cruise business in a sustainable manner.
Human warmth at the heart of the experience - The view from the Comité du tourisme
For Alverson Lewis, Senior Tourism Development Manager at Experience Turks and Caicos (the Tourism Board), authenticity is the soul of local tourism.
” We want every visitor to feel welcomed like a member of the family,” he confides.
Beyond the paradisiacal beaches, the real wealth of the archipelago lies in the warmth of its people and the unique personality of each island.
Each island tells a different story:
Grand Turk, steeped in history,
Salt Cay, guardian of traditions,
Providenciales, famous for its pristine beaches,
South Caicos, an unspoilt natural sanctuary.
” We don’t sell a product, we share a story,” says Alverson Lewis.
🎯 Its aim: to preserve the authenticity of the archipelago, while developing new activities that invite visitors to go beyond the port.
Diversifying and enriching the cruise experience - The Ministry of Tourism's strategy
For Arthur Been, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, cruises are a pillar of the tourism economy in the TCI – but their development must remain harmonious.
Today, the archipelago welcomes over a million cruise passengers a year, mainly via Grand Turk, which offers a rare feature:
a port located just a stone’s throw from a dream beach.
Arthur Been insists on the need to make the archipelago’s hidden treasures better known:
A fascinating historical heritage, linked to the first voyages of Christopher Columbus, John Glenn and the American War of Independence,
Authentic experiences to strengthen the bond between visitor and territory.
” We’re working to create more excursions, more immersive activities, to reveal who we really are,” he explains.
🎯 Its ambition: to continue to exceed visitors’ expectations, without ever betraying the authenticity and natural beauty of the islands.
Turks and Caicos, authenticity as a signature
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, Turks and Caicos confirmed their vision:
to make every cruise more than just a stopover, but a true immersion in a preserved Caribbean, welcoming and full of history.
With its warm welcome, island diversity and preservation of authenticity, the archipelago is charting its course: growing without ever denying its soul.
Jamaica affirms its strategy of combining living heritage and maritime excellence
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, Jamaica presented a strong vision: to combine the richness of its cultural heritage with the ambition to strengthen its attractiveness in the cruise industry.
With presentations by Carol Rose Brown and Mark Hylton, Jamaica, an anchor on Caribbean cruise itineraries, asserts its determination to anchor its tourism development in authenticity, innovation and resilience.
Preserving Jamaica's cultural soul - Carol Rose Brown's initiative
For Carol Rose Brown, Director of the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation within the Tourism Enhancement Fund, preserving Jamaican identity is a major challenge in an increasingly standardized tourism world.
At the heart of this approach: the Falmouth Artisan Village.
Designed as a living showcase for traditional skills – ceramics, basketry, leather, sewing, cigars – the village enables visitors to discover, understand and buy directly from local craftsmen.
” We don’t want our culture to be relegated to a mere spectacle: it must be lived, shared, passed on,” insists Carol Rose Brown.
L’Artisan Village also innovates by integrating :
-
Immersive technologies (augmented reality, interactive QR codes),
-
Free events combining gastronomy, crafts and live entertainment,
-
Creative workshops, allowing visitors to actively participate.
🎯 Carol Rose Brown’s ambition: to make every stopover in the island an authentic encounter with the soul of the country, and to extend this cultural model to other sites on the island.
Strengthening cruise competitiveness - The Port Authority's vision
For Mark A. Hylton, Vice President of Cruise Operations at the Port Authority of Jamaica, Island has shown exceptional resilience in the face of recent challenges.
In 2024, despite a major incident that temporarily affected one of the ports, the island maintained a high level of cruise arrivals, thanks to :
-
Solid infrastructures,
-
Close relations with cruise lines,
-
An ability to adapt quickly to new expectations.
The Island is also working on :
-
Improve road links to facilitate visitor mobility,
-
Develop new attractions around its ports of call,
-
Strengthen its position on Western Caribbean itineraries.
” We have to keep innovating to remain competitive, while at the same time promoting what makes Jamaica unique,” stresses Mark Hylton.
🎯 Its aim: to build sustainable growth that benefits both local communities and shipping companies.
Jamaica between heritage and modernity
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, the Island demonstrated that cruising can be much more than just transit:
it can become an authentic encounter between travelers and territories.
Buoyed by its lively culture and ability to adapt, the island is charting an ambitious course: to build a strong maritime tourism industry, faithful to its identity and looking to the future.
The U.S. Virgin Islands assert their cultural and tourist uniqueness
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, the US Virgin Islands (USVI) highlighted what makes them unique in the Caribbean:
a unique cultural heritage, stemming from a Danish history that is still very much alive, combined with an ambitious, sustainable cruise strategy.
Through the voice of Alani Henneman, Deputy Commissioner of the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, the archipelago affirms its desire to combine tourism growth with the preservation of its plural identity.
Three islands, three experiences, authentic hospitality
Tourism, the territory’s leading industry, relies heavily on cruises.
With 1.8 million cruise passengers this year and a forecast of 1.9 million next year, the USVI has confirmed its strategic position on Caribbean itineraries.
Cruising is a year-round activity, with a slight low season in summer.
Efforts made during the pandemic to improve port infrastructures are now bearing fruit: better traffic flow, better flow management, and an upscale customer experience.
Comprising St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, the US Virgin Islands offer a diversity that is rare in the Caribbean.
Each island boasts its own unique atmosphere:
Saint-Thomas, vibrant and dynamic,
Saint-John, unspoilt and wild,
Saint-Croix, steeped in culture and history.
🎯 Alani Henneman’s stated aim: to make the USVI not just a stopover, but a real gateway to discover the richness of the region.
Turning a stopover into a cultural immersion
For Alani Henneman, the major challenge now lies in transforming the cruise experience.
” We have a strong cultural identity that we want to share: the quadrille, Danish architecture, our music and traditions. That’s what we want visitors to experience. “she explains.
The development of new themed excursions and the improvement of the hotel offer are at the heart of the strategy.
The ambition is clear: to encourage cruise passengers to extend their stay, by offering them authentic and memorable experiences.
🎯 If she could grant a wish, Alani Henneman would like to see the creation of new hotels, to turn even more passing visitors into long-term tourists.
USVI, between living roots and the future of tourism
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, the US Virgin Islands reaffirmed that it is possible to combine historical heritage, modern tourism and a warm welcome.
By capitalizing on the uniqueness of their history and the diversity of their islands, they are charting an ambitious course:
to make every cruise a true voyage to the heart of an authentic, proudly preserved Caribbean identity.
Saint-Martin asserts its ambition to offer tailor-made cruises for refined tourism
Present at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, Saint-Martin (French part) asserted its unique positioning in the world of Caribbean cruising.
Through the testimonials of Aïda Weinum and Ellis Albéric, the island highlighted its desire to offer an authentic, selective experience that respects its cultural and environmental identity.
Authenticity as a pillar of tourism development
For Aïda Weinum, Director of the Saint-Martin Tourist Office, it’s essential to preserve the soul of the island in a rapidly changing cruise industry.
In Saint-Martin, the choice is clear: no very large liners on the French side, to preserve the balance between tourism and quality of life.
The island favours small cruisers and offers passengers a tailor-made experience, focusing on :
Gastronomy, as Saint-Martin is recognized as the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean,
Cultural workshops, such as cooking classes, dance classes and historical tours,
Authentic discoveries, far from mass tourism.
” We want every visitor to leave with a genuine souvenir, a sincere encounter with our region,” explains Aïda Weinum.
Raising awareness among the local population is also a major challenge, so that everyone becomes a player in this dynamic of upscale hospitality.
🎯 Aïda Weinum’s ambition is to establish Saint-Martin as a refined, human cruise destination, firmly rooted in its Caribbean identity.
A port for customized excellence
Ellis Albéric, Managing Director of the Établissement Portuaire de Saint-Martin, confirms this differentiating strategy on the French side.
The port welcomes only small-capacity vessels, up to 750 passengers, giving priority to :
A human-scale approach,
A quality stopover, without saturation,
Personalized support for tourist flows.
A Caribbean delegation in solidarity in Washington
” Our aim is not to compete with the big ports, but to offer a high-end alternative to companies and passengers alike,” stresses Ellis Albéric.
With a strong season from mid-November to May and growth of over 20%, the port plans to :
Platform expansion,
Dredging the channel to make it easier to accommodate certain units,
Maintaining quality standards in port and tourist services.
🎯 Ellis Albéric’s vision: to make Saint-Martin an exceptional stopover for customers in search of authenticity and refinement.
Saint-Martin, a destination of excellence
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, Saint-Martin (French part) demonstrated that authenticity and high standards can be the best allies of an ambitious tourism strategy.
By combining gastronomy, culture, tailor-made hospitality and port excellence, the island confirms its ambition: to remain true to its identity while offering visitors a rare and precious experience in the Caribbean.
Martinique asserts its ambitions at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025
From April 8 to 11, 2025, Martinique shone at the Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, the world’s largest trade show dedicated to the cruise industry.
Through the voice of the Grand Port Maritime, the Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme, Marship – Antilles Shipping Services, and the CODERUM, the island has set itself a clear goal: to strengthen its position in the Caribbean cruise ecosystem, by combining operational excellence, tourism strategy and heritage enhancement.
The Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique: a hub in full transformation
For Bruno Mencé, Chairman of the Board of the Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique, the Seatrade is “the place to be”.
In a Caribbean region that accounts for 38% of the world cruise market, it was essential for the port to assert its projects and investments with European and American companies.
The major challenge? The impact of the new European environmental tax (ETS), which penalizes both air tickets and sea fares. ” The impact on air fares can be as much as 180 euros per passenger, which is a real brake on our development as a port base,” explains Bruno Mencé.
In the face of these challenges, Martinique is counting on the unity of its players: the port, shipping agents and the Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme (Martinique Tourism Board) are moving forward together with a common vision. This collective approach has been hailed by companies as a guarantee of reliability and attractiveness.
🎯 If Bruno Mencé had a magic wand, he would above all like to ” lighten the impact of the ETS to preserve the development of cruising in Martinique”.
The Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme: positioning the island as a territory of excellence
For Bruno Brival, CMT General Manager, Seatrade is a strategic opportunity to prepare for future seasons and attract new companies.
” We still have a lot under our belts, as they say. Now it’s up to us to structure offers that are more rooted in the authenticity of the region, to transform this potential into a differentiating offer. “he stresses.
Today, Martinique is highly rated by cruise lines, but must continue to innovate. The region is moving towards year-round cruise tourism, beyond the high season, with jobs that will become less seasonal.
Bruno Brival recalls the four pillars of the island’s tourist identity:
Seaside and water sports,
Historical and memorial heritage,
Gastronomy and spirit tourism,
Nature and biodiversity.
🎯 If he had a magic wand, Bruno Brival would like to ” structure a more immersive, authentic and sustainable tourism offer “.
Photo credit @Comité Martiniquais de Tourisme
Marship - Antilles Shipping Services: guaranteeing operational excellence for the cruise industry
Present in Guadeloupe and Martinique for over twenty years, Marship and Antilles Shipping Services are the full representatives of shipping companies, whether cruise or cargo.
” Our role is to coordinate everything: customs formalities, provisioning, technical assistance, passenger reception, waste management “, explains Catherine Defontis, Branch Manager.
Their unobtrusive but essential work ensures that every port of call runs smoothly.
Marship works with a wide range of companies: MSC, Virgin Voyages, Mein Schiff, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Compagnie du Ponant, and many others.
However, several obstacles remain:
Cumbersome administrative procedures compared with other Caribbean territories,
The financial impact of the ETS, which makes French stopovers more expensive than those of their English-speaking neighbors.
🎯 If the Marship team had a magic wand, they would ” do away with the ETS, increase the number of stopovers, and continue to strengthen links between all players in the sector”.
CODERUM: promoting authentic Martinique through spirit tourism
Célia Sainville, tourism manager at Habitation Clément represented CODERUM at Seatrade.
Her mission: to defend the spiritourisme, a cultural showcase for Martinique rum.
” Spiritourism adds a strong cultural dimension to our tourism offering,” she reminds us.
Visiting historic distilleries, tasting rums and discovering the region’s built heritage are all experiences that enrich the stopover and leave a lasting impression on cruise passengers.
🎯 If Célia Sainville had a magic wand, she would like ” every cruise passenger, after discovering our sites, to want to come back for a real stay in Martinique “.
Coeur des îles: Martinique's experience earns international acclaim
Another strong signal for Martinique is the international recognition of the Martinique-based incoming agency Coeur des îles, recently awarded a prize by Azamara Cruises in the “Best New Tour Operator” category – a first for the Antilles. Behind this award lies the in-depth work carried out by the Julian’s group since 2022, with a qualitative, immersive and sustainable approach to tourism.
By focusing on small groups, off-the-beaten-track tours (cocoa, vanilla, Creole garden) and a coherent blend of physical activity, culture and gastronomy, Coeur des îles is responding to a growing demand to give meaning to the experience. This strategy appeals as much to North American cruisers – on the rise with 11 weekly flights to Canada in high season – as to longer-stay travelers. With more than 80,000 visitors a year, the agency proves that it is possible to combine high operational standards with local roots.
Martinique charts its course towards an ambitious maritime future
At Seatrade 2025, Martinique demonstrated its collective spirit, its capacity for innovation and its determination to assert its Caribbean identity.
By combining port excellence, an authentic tourism offering and a strategy of unity between stakeholders, the island is gradually establishing itself as a benchmark cruise destination in the Caribbean.
The challenge remains great, between regional competition, regulatory adaptation and constant innovation.
But one thing is certain: Martinique is moving forward with conviction towards an ambitious and sustainable maritime future.
Sint Maarten asserts its ability to combine gigantism and quality of welcome
Present at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, Sint Maarten highlighted one of its greatest strengths:
its unique ability to simultaneously welcome several of the world’s largest cruise ships, while offering a safe, smooth and welcoming experience to cruise passengers.
Through the testimony of Rensley Rollan, Port Facility Security Manager at the Port of Sint Maarten, the Dutch island affirms its ambition to combine operational excellence with Caribbean hospitality.
Impressive control over the flow of cruise passengers
For Rensley Rollan, Sint Maarten’s performance is based on meticulous organization.
The port can accommodate up to seven cruise ships simultaneously, including theIcon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise liner.
” We are capable of handling over 30,000 passengers in a single day, which is more than the entire population of the Dutch side of the island,” he explains.
A challenge met thanks to close coordination between port teams, security forces and local authorities.
The system is reinforced on busy days:
Traffic control,
Creation of safe pedestrian zones,
Permanent patrols to guarantee passenger safety.
Even alcohol-related incidents or medical emergencies are handled with responsiveness and efficiency.
🎯 Rensley Rollan’s wish: to further expand the port in anticipation of market growth and continue to offer a seamless experience to visitors.
A lively destination, combining leisure and authenticity
Beyond its infrastructure, Sint Maarten seduces with its unique energy.
With its water sports, lively beaches, festivals, casinos and vibrant nightlife, the island is often described as a veritable “mini Las Vegas” of the Caribbean.
This diversity allows cruisers to enjoy a wide range of experiences:
Farniente on white sandy beaches,
Cultural exploration,
Creole and international cuisine,
Sports activities for all tastes.
Even during the low summer season, Sint Maarten maintains a regular cruise activity, welcoming several calls per week.
🎯 Rensley Rollan’s vision: to continue to offer a lively, rich and attractive destination, while managing the growing volumes of visitors.
Sint Maarten, the balance between power and hospitality
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, Sint Maarten reaffirmed its unique position as a port of excellence capable of welcoming the world’s largest ships, without ever sacrificing the human experience and quality of welcome.
With its world-class infrastructure and Caribbean energy, Sint Maarten embodies a powerful promise: to bring gigantism, fluidity and authenticity to the world of modern cruising.
Saint Kitts affirms its commitment to sustainable tourism and immersive experiences
Present at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, St. Kitts confirmed its determination to establish itself as an authentic, sustainable and attractive Caribbean destination all year round.
Through the testimonies of representatives of the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority and St. Kitts Tourism Authority The island has shown that it relies both on environmental innovation and on enriching the tourist experience to attract cruise passengers and visitors from all over the world.
A port at the service of the island's attractiveness - The Port Authority's strategy
Adeola MooreGeneral Manager of St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority It’s the first and last impression cruise passengers have of our island,” she stresses.
Aware of this essential role in the visitor experience, the island is constantly striving to improve its infrastructure to meet the expectations of a rapidly evolving industry.
In response to the new demands of the sector, Saint Kitts is investing in sustainable projects:
Deployment of solar and wind power solutions to reduce carbon footprint,
Anticipation of the arrival of the first ships powered by shore power.
With its new slogan “Venture Deeper”, the island invites visitors to dive deeper into the soul of St. Kitts: explore its culture, savor its gastronomy, vibrate to the rhythm of its music and discover its authentic way of life.
🎯 Adeola Moore’s aim: to make Saint Kitts a dynamic and attractive cruising destination all year round, beyond the peak season.
Strengthening the tourism offer - The commitment of the Comité du Tourisme
For Kelly Fontenellerepresentative of the St. Kitts Tourist Board (St. Kitts Tourism Authority) For more information, visit
” It’s crucial to remind companies of all that St. Kitts has to offer,” she says.
This season, the island is aiming for a historic milestone: welcoming over a million cruise passengers – a landmark performance after the slowdown caused by the pandemic.
Saint-Kitts is seductive for the diversity of its offer:
– Unspoilt beaches,
– Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
– Rich cultural heritage,
– Local gastronomic experiences,
– Numerous activities and events.
To further enhance its nautical appeal, the island is preparing to launch its own regatta, scheduled for 2026-2027.
🎯 Kelly Fontenelle’s ambition: to make this regatta a major event in the Caribbean sailing calendar.
Saint Kitts, a new impetus for sustainable and immersive tourism
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, St. Kitts clearly asserted its determination to consolidate its position as a benchmark cruise destination, extend its appeal beyond the traditional season, offer a more authentic experience and inscribe its development in a sustainable approach.
A cruise to St. Kitts is more than just a stopover: it’s an immersion in a lively, generous island with a resolutely forward-looking outlook.