ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Manager of Bryson Shipping Nathan Dundas has stated that stakeholders in the Cruise Ship Industry in Antigua and Barbuda can expect a good winter season. In October, 10 ships will make calls to the island, which is a major improvement from the three monthly calls the country has been receiving during the summer months. For the first time, seven new cruise ships will be making inaugural calls at the nation’s port.
Dundas says it is very significant for Antigua when new ships make inaugural calls to our port as it opens opportunities for stakeholders in the tourism industry with new passengers and crew in most cases arriving for the first time to our destination. Dundas noted that Antiguans should use the opportunity to market the destination and welcome the passengers to our country.
The month of November 2010 will see 34 cruise ships visiting the island, December 58, January 53, February 50, March 62, and April 35. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line will be making the most calls followed by Princess Cruise Lines.
Dundas noted that there is no time for complacency because the Caribbean Cruise product has lost its market share. Dundas said when he first started working in the business 20 years ago, the Caribbean enjoyed 60% market share compared to 41% in 2010. The manager of Bryson’s Shipping says Antigua and Barbuda continues to be a major port of call for cruise lines during the winter season. Projections show that the nation will receive approximately 330 Cruise calls during the winter season. About 35% of the calls are from European based cruise lines bringing German, Italian, French, and British passengers while 65% are US based ships carrying mostly North American passengers.
