New terminal at Antigua Cruise Port set to enhance visitor's experience

Antigua and Barbuda: In a significant development, the Antigua Cruise Port is all set to begin construction on a new terminal at St Harbour. According to the information, the work on the terminal is scheduled to begin processing cruise passengers in May. The significant development is coming into reality as the Antigua Cruise Port is on the verge of making history. With almost 430,000 cruise visitors having already visited the island, the Port is sailing close to reaching the mark of welcoming 500,000 visitors this season.

The mark has pushed the authorities to provide ease to the visitors arriving to the island on cruises and give them a great experience.

While sharing the major information, Operations Manager at the Port Rawle Reynolds stressed on the huge importance of the terminal, particularly with the focus on home porting in cruise tourism.

Manager Reynolds said that the terminal is located adjacent to the 5th berth pier on Newgate Street but not on the pier itself and is aimed at allowing cruise passengers easy access for processing. He further shared the details and said that it resembles an airport terminal and will handle passengers who will arrive or depart on cruise ships, including ships like Arvia from P&O Cruises.

Reynolds added that the terminal will have the capacity to accommodate thousands of passengers during their visits with border control officers overlooking immigration as well as customs processes.

Earlier, these activities used to take place in a large tent during the last two seasons but in order to get a permanent structure, this terminal is being built.

According to the information, the terminal building will form part of a significant landside development that Antigua Cruise Port will undertake. The complex is said to be erected on lands running from the carpark area on Lower Newgate Street to Barnes Funeral Home, which will further relocate ahead of the development.

The Operations Manager further noted that the construction of this terminal is a major move for the Antigua Cruise Port as it will complement the growing demands of the cruise tourism business in Antigua and Barbuda while enhancing the overall experience of the passengers.