SOURCE: CARIBBEAN JOURNAL- A new world-class passenger terminal is nearing completion at Antigua Cruise Port, part of the first phase of the Upland Development project set to be finished by November 2025. Designed to support the island’s growing homeporting operations, the development will also introduce a mix of shopping and dining venues aimed at showcasing the culture and appeal of Antigua and Barbuda as a leading Caribbean cruise destination.
Officials received a comprehensive walkthrough of the site earlier this month, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez, during a scheduled progress update. The project, located along Newgate Street in St. John’s, is a central component of the port’s broader landside redevelopment.
The terminal is being developed through a public-private partnership with Global Ports Holding, which manages operations at Antigua Cruise Port. Once completed, the new facility is expected to elevate the island’s ability to handle cruise traffic, particularly as demand for homeporting in the Eastern Caribbean continues to grow.
Alongside the terminal, the Upland Development will include retail and dining spaces intended to enhance the visitor experience while creating new opportunities for local businesses. The goal is to deliver a modern, efficient port district that reflects both the operational needs of the cruise sector and the distinct identity of Antigua and Barbuda.
It’s the latest project in the region for Global Ports Holding, which led the massive transformation of the Nassau Cruise Port and manages San Juan and Saint Lucia’s ports, both of which are also being transformed.
Cruise traffic to Antigua has continued to trend upward. According to port officials, cruise calls during the most recent season increased by more than 10 percent compared to the previous year, while homeporting activity grew by over 20 percent — a sign of Antigua’s expanding role in the regional cruise landscape.
The project is also generating new investment in the surrounding area, with nearby developments underway as local entrepreneurs respond to the changing dynamics of the port zone. A second phase of construction is expected to follow, further expanding the footprint of the redevelopment.