Home sweet homeporting

When the cruise industry is discussed, the word “homeporting” is often bandied around. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it so advantageous for destinations? Essentially, homeporting refers to the starting and ending point of a cruise itinerary, where the ship remains in port between trips and where passengers embark and disembark. For destinations, this can be a game-changer.

When passengers arrive at a destination to embark on their cruise, they are likely to spend at least one night in the area, either before or after their cruise, providing a boost to the local economy in terms of accommodation, food, and other activities. Additionally, many passengers will also choose a “cruise and stay” package, which can provide even more benefits for the destination.

Of course, not every destination is equipped to handle the logistical requirements. But Antigua has got it covered, with an international airport within easy reach of the port, daily flights to and from London and major cities in North America, and a plethora of accommodations and services to cater to the influx of visitors. Consequently, Antigua has recently joined the homeporting trend by welcoming P&O’s Arvia cruise ship to its new berth at Antigua Cruise Port in St John’s this cruise season. In addition, more cruise lines have confirmed homeporting operations, with Emerald Cruises scheduled for November 2023 and Sea Dream Cruises in November 2024.

Homeporting provides an extensive opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate the unique charms of a destination.

Homeporting brings in more than just extra spending by passengers on food and accommodation pre and post-cruise. Provisions need to be shipped in, and local services like garbage disposal and bunker services reap the benefits too.

And the icing on the cake? Homeporting provides an extensive opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate the unique charms of a destination. Antigua is no exception. Passengers have more time to fall in love with the island’s beauty and maybe even plan a return visit. Since 60 percent of cruise passengers have reported that they would consider revisiting one of the destinations from their cruise, it’s a win-win situation for both the destination and the cruise industry. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to explore Antigua a little more?