St Kitts is fast-tracking development of a modern cruise terminal in time for two P&O Cruises ships to homeport there from November 2027.
Iona and Arvia will sail a series of round-trip cruises from Port Zante (pictured) in St Kitts’ capital Basseterre, as part of the operator’s 2027 Caribbean winter fly-cruise programme.
St Kitts Minister of Tourism Marsha T Henderson said: “By November 2027, the destination will move beyond a port of call to a transition port.
“This represents meaningful growth for our nation, and it is growth that our people will feel. Our approach is to build in stages, ensuring that the benefits are sustainable and inclusive.
“As part of this effort, we are upgrading Port Zante to accommodate this new level of activity, ensuring that when these ships dock, the economic opportunities extend deep into our communities. St Kitts is stepping forward with confidence, and we are ready.
“To support the 2027 launch, the Government is fast-tracking the development of a modern cruise terminal at Port Zante, an investment of the St Christopher Air and Sea Ports and the Urban Development Corporation. The facility will be designed to streamline passenger movement, enabling travellers to transition efficiently from Robert L Bradshaw International Airport to their cruise ship.”
P&O Cruises announced in September 2025 that Iona would operate Caribbean fly-cruises for the first time in 2027.
Carnival UK and P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow said: “We are delighted to be adding St Kitts as an additional turnaround port for Iona, marking an exciting evolution of our Caribbean fly/cruise programme from autumn 2027.
“Introducing St Kitts in this way gives our guests even greater flexibility and choice, while opening more seamless access to one of the region’s most beautiful and culturally rich destinations.”
A 14-night Eastern Caribbean fly-cruise to and from St Kitts on Iona, calling at Tortola, St Maarten, Martinique, Antigua, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Barbados, starts at £1,899 per person, including flights.
