BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Jul 2, CMC -The St. Kitts and Nevis government says the construction of the new cruise terminal development project at Port Zante, marks the start of a transformative investment that will position the twin island Federation as a regional cruise home-porting destination.
“This new cruise terminal represents vision, partnership, innovation and confidence in the future of Saint Kitts and Nevis as one of the Caribbean’s premier cruise destinations,” said Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson, adding “we take a bold step beyond being a port of call as we position Saint Kitts and Nevis to becoming a transit port, joining the likes of Antigua and Barbados.”
Henderson said that cruise home-porting will create new opportunities for increased visitor expenditure, additional hotel occupancy, improved air connectivity, and broader participation by local businesses throughout the tourism sector.
“This project is far more than an investment in infrastructure. It is an investment in our people, our businesses, and the long-term prosperity of our nation,” she added.
The authorities say that the facility will enable passengers to begin and end their cruise vacations in Saint Kitts, transitioning the destination beyond its traditional role as a port of call.
The terminal will also feature modern passenger processing, advanced security and baggage screening systems, and enhanced immigration technology designed to deliver a seamless arrival and departure experience.
“This project reflects SCASPA’s commitment to investing in facilities that are modern, efficient, resilient, and future-ready,” said the chief executive officer of the St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA), Adeola Moore.
She described the proposed project as another significant milestone in the Authority’s commitment to developing infrastructure that supports national growth and competitiveness.
“Once completed, the terminal will significantly enhance the guest arrival and departure experience through improved passenger processing, state-of-the-art security and baggage screening systems, and modern immigration technologies comparable to those at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.”
Meanwhile, Henderson said that preparations for home-porting operations remain on schedule for November 2027, noting that P&O Cruises has advised that bookings for cruises departing from the Federation are progressing well, while regional and local travel advisor sales programmes continue to be finalised.
CMC/dj/ir/2026