According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, the island expects to welcome over 800,000 cruise passengers during the 2025–2026 winter season.

“We expect a significant increase,” Hilaire said, noting that despite ongoing improvement works, the island is on track to surpass previous arrival figures. “Our plan over the next two years is to reach one million cruise arrivals, and we’re working very hard to achieve that.”

The Minister highlighted several factors contributing to this growth, including Saint Lucia’s strengthened relationship with Global Ports Holding (GPH), operators of the Castries Cruise Port. He noted that the completion of GPH’s expansion at the Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico, a major hub for Caribbean cruise itineraries, will further improve Saint Lucia’s positioning in the southern Caribbean route.

“Once GPH gets going in San Juan, it will make us even more favorably located,” Hilaire explained. “We’re certainly building on that relationship with GPH.”

Even as arrival numbers climb, Hilaire emphasized that enhancing visitor experiences remains a key priority. The Ministry of Tourism is investing in several initiatives aimed at improving Saint Lucia’s tourism product, from new beach facilities to cultural attractions and training programs.

Among the developments are the Sculpture Park Project, upgrades to Reduit Beach with new restrooms and vending areas, and the opening of the Morne Pimard Beach Park within weeks. The government is also investing in training for vendors and taxi operators to elevate service quality and ensure a world-class visitor experience.

“What we have to work even harder on is the product,” Hilaire said. “How can we get cruise passengers to spend more in Saint Lucia? How can we create more experiences so that they spend more here? That’s what we’re focusing on.”