Cruise travel in the Caribbean is on a sharp upswing in 2025 — and five Caribbean islands are leading that momentum. According to new data provided to Caribbean Journal by the Caribbean Tourism Organization, several islands have seen double-digit growth in cruise passenger arrivals in the first half of the year, reflecting both surging traveler demand and expanded regional deployment from major cruise lines.
Barbados posted the highest growth in the region, with 472,875 cruise visitors from January through June, a 34.8 percent year-over-year increase. The island has become one of the most dynamic ports in the Southern Caribbean, buoyed by growing homeporting operations and major berth improvements at Bridgetown.
The Turks and Caicos Islands followed with a 20 percent jump to 720,850 passengers in the first half of the year. Its easy access, marquee beaches and established position on Eastern Caribbean itineraries continue to make it one of the region’s most in-demand cruise stops, centered in the booming cruise hub of Grand Turk.
Grenada saw a 17.6 percent increase to 227,378 arrivals, driven by both mainstream cruise lines and smaller luxury ships adding calls at St George’s. The island’s natural beauty and reputation as a less crowded Southern Caribbean stop have helped accelerate its growth.
In Martinique, arrivals grew 15.5 percent to 216,641 passengers between January and June. The island’s strong cultural offerings and positioning as part of French Caribbean itineraries are attracting a wider mix of international cruise travelers.
The Bahamas — the region’s largest cruise market — rounded out the top five with 5,277,639 arrivals in the first half of the year, a 13.1 percent gain. Its proximity to Florida, along with an expanding portfolio of private island experiences, continues to anchor its dominant role in the Caribbean cruise sector, anchored by the top cruise port in the Caribbean: Nassau Cruise Port.
Together, these destinations represent both established powerhouses and fast-rising stars, signaling a robust season ahead for Caribbean cruising.
Caribbean Journal Staff
2025-10-22 15:39:00