Antigua and Barbuda’s long wait for a return to cruise shipping ended on Sunday (November 14), as three vessels docked in the capital, St John’s, for the first time since the downturn triggered by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

On its maiden voyage to the twin-island country is the Sky Princess, which operates under Princess Cruises, a Carnival Corporation subsidiary.

Also visiting is the Silver Whisper, which is Royal Caribbean-owned and operated by Silversea Cruises, according to cruisemapper.com.

Stakeholders in the Antiguan tourism industry, including craft vendors, welcomed some 2,700 stopover passengers who flocked to St John’s Harbour, enjoying all the sights and feels the country has to offer.

Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez, speaking with local media, said he attributes the strong recovery in the sector to the country’s adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols as well as Antigua and Barbuda’s high level of vaccination.

Cruise tourism officials held a plaque exchange ceremony to welcome the Sky Princess and the Silver Whisper. The Silver Whisper has added the Caribbean nation to its itinerary since its return to regional waters.