en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has announced the commencement of construction for a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, with plans to begin homeport operations from Basseterre in November 2027.

The terminal development project is being implemented by the St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA). The project aims to enable passengers to start and end their cruise vacations in St. Kitts, rather than merely using it as a port of call. The government expects that homeport operations will drive growth in visitor spending, increased demand for overnight hotel stays, enhanced airlift capacity requirements, and a rise in business volume for the local tourism sector.

The terminal is planned to be equipped with modern passenger processing systems, advanced security and baggage screening systems, and enhanced immigration technology. Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson stated that St. Kitts and Nevis is seeking to become a cruise turnaround port alongside Antigua and Barbados. Henderson noted that this new cruise terminal reflects the vision, collaboration, innovation, and confidence in St. Kitts and Nevis as one of the Caribbean's premier cruise destinations.

Preparations for homeport operations remain on track for November 2027. Henderson stated that P&O Cruises has reported good booking progress for cruises departing from St. Kitts, with regional and local travel advisor sales plans still being finalized. P&O Cruises' 2027/28 winter program includes 14-night Caribbean fly-cruise itineraries departing from Barbados, Antigua, and St. Kitts, operated by the Arvia and Iona. One of the Arvia sailings is scheduled to operate round-trip from Basseterre from November 8 to 22, 2027.