On February 10, 2025, a commemorative groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site of a new cruise terminal at the Antigua Cruise Port. The new terminal, which is operated by Global Ports Holding (GPH), will be located at the port’s fifth berth. The ceremony was attended by Mehmet Kutman, chairman and CEO of GPH, Sir Rodney Williams, governor-general of Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Charles Fernandez, the minister of tourism, and other senior executives.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kutman said, “This landmark project underscores our deep commitment to Antigua and Barbuda, reinforcing our close collaboration with local authorities and key stakeholders. Together, we are shaping a vibrant future for cruise tourism, generating lasting economic opportunities for the community. As the world’s largest cruise port operator, GPH is proud to play a vital role in the long-term growth and success of this incredible destination.”
St. John’s terminal, which has taken five years to plan and finance, will fill four acres in the capital city and cover 1.6-million square feet. Gasper George, general manager of Antigua Cruise Port, stated that the term is expected to create hundreds of jobs especially during the construction phase, which is expected to last until June 2026. However, he continued, “…even more rewarding career opportunities will be available once the terminal has been completed. This undertaking represents a massive economic boost for our community with a substantial multimillion-dollar investment being undertaken by GPH. We remain committed to ‘Unlocking Quay Opportunities’ for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”
The new terminal will provide food and drink venues, shopping, a bazaar reflecting the island’s culture, an ice cream parlour in the park and the Antigua Day Club featuring a swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Fernandez believes the project “will put Antigua and Barbuda at the top of the list…for best cruise port in the region.”
The Antigua Cruise Port had a record-breaking 2024 when it welcomed 580 cruise ships and 825,526 passengers in 2024.