Caribbean Cruise Arrivals Surge Across Several Islands

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has reported a strong surge in cruise passenger arrivals for the first half of 2025, with several islands achieving double-digit growth. The rebound confirms the region’s dominant position as the world’s leading cruise destination.

Among the top performers, Barbados recorded a 34.8 % increase in arrivals, followed by Turks and Caicos with 20 %, Grenada with 17.6 %, and the Bahamas with 13.1 %. Meanwhile, Martinique saw growth of 15.5 %, signaling renewed confidence among cruise lines in diverse Caribbean ports.

Experts attribute the success to new cruise itineraries, modernized port facilities, and expanded berthing capacity. The entry of new-generation ships has also encouraged operators to distribute traffic more evenly among smaller islands.

However, tourism ministers caution that with growth comes the need for careful planning. Some destinations are already experiencing pressure on local services, waste management systems, and fragile ecosystems.

Efforts are underway to adopt sustainable cruise tourism models, including limits on ship arrivals, investment in renewable energy, and incentives for eco-friendly shore excursions.

The report underscores that the future of the Caribbean cruise industry will depend on balancing growth with community wellbeing and environmental preservation, ensuring that the region remains both prosperous and sustainable.