By
Laura Hyde |
Antigua Cruise Port successfully conducted two homeporting operations on 18 November 2023 when both P&O Cruises’ Arvia and Emerald Cruises’ luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, called at the port.
Arvia docked at the port’s fifth berth, bringing its near maximum capacity of 5,200 passengers to the Caribbean island. According to the port, over 700 passengers disembarked to end their cruise while another 700 boarded to begin their voyage. The P&O vessel is scheduled to make nine turnaround calls at the port this season.
Meanwhile, Emerald Sakara completed a full turnaround at the Nevis Street Pier. It is the first time the 100-passenger capacity vessel has visited the country. The Emerald Cruises vessel will make 13 turnaround calls at the port throughout the 2023-2024 winter season.
Phoenix Reisen’s Artania and Marella Cruises’ Marella Discovery also berthed at Heritage Quay, making it the first time four vessels have been in port on the same day this season.
“Today’s success indicates our capacity to manage homeporting,” said Cynthia Jacobs-Browne, officer-in-charge at Antigua Cruise Port. “We had four vessels in port, and operations were smooth, so guests had a pleasant experience.”
Antigua Cruise Port is also homeport for Star Clippers’ Royal Clipper and SeaDream Yacht Club’s SeaDream II this season. The port recently reported it is expecting its busiest winter season since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020.