Cruise lines report strong bookings

Cruise ships coming to Barbados for the 2025/2026 winter cruise season are reporting strong occupancy bookings, according to Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill, who is leading a delegation at Seatrade Europe in Hamburg, Germany.

“Every cruise line representative that we have met with here at Seatrade Europe has confirmed that last year was a very good season with almost full occupancy,” he said.

“Looking forward to the next winter season, we have been told by the cruise executives that the booking trend from last season will continue into this coming winter season, with the cruise ships reporting bookings of 100 per cent occupancy.

This is very good news for Barbados as a destination as we seek to maximise the benefits from this sector.”

Based on the data submitted by the cruise companies to the Barbados Port Inc. (BPI), Barbados will benefit from a 22 per cent increase in cruise passengers this coming winter season, with more than 800 000 cruise passengers expected next winter season.

Barbados will also see more than 400 cruise calls, exceeding the 389 cruise calls registered for the last winter season.

The minister also spoke about reviews on the Port of Bridgetown operations, noting that industry officials had indicated they had fewer challenges with port turnaround operations, and commended the port’s management team and staff for not only receiving an award but also for the positive operational reviews. (BGIS/BT)