Saint Lucia Cruise Port (Castries) commenced 2025 with the arrival of 4 vessels making their inaugural calls during the month of January. These included AIDAmar from AIDA Cruises on January 4th, Odyssey of the Seas from Royal Caribbean Cruises on January 21st, Majestic Princess from Princess Cruises on January 27th, and Iona from P&O Cruises on January 28th.
Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Invest Saint Lucia, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, port agents Cox and Company and Platinum Port Agency, as well as Saint Lucia Cruise Port, formally welcomed each vessel to the island and participated in plaque exchange ceremonies.
AIDAmar, under the command of Captain Manuel Pannzek, arrived as part of a 43-day itinerary with over 15 scheduled ports of call. During her visit, Captain Pannzek hosted local representatives on a bridge tour. Odyssey of the Seas, carrying 4,379 passengers and 1,633 crew members, was captained by Marek Slaby. Visiting delegates were given the opportunity to experience the vessel’s North Star observation capsule, which provides 360-degree panoramic views from 300 feet above sea level.
Majestic Princess, arriving with 3,478 passengers and 1,321 crew members, was welcomed by Captain Castellano Giuseppe, who highlighted the island’s appeal to both passengers and crew. On January 28th, Iona completed the month’s inaugural calls, with Captain Martin Allen receiving a formal welcome. Saint Lucia Cruise Port also extended an invitation to Ms. Hidra Charlery, owner of Top Banana, a souvenir store at La Place Carenage, to join the welcoming delegation. Ms. Charlery, who has been self-employed for 8 years, represents local businesses that benefit from the seasonal influx of cruise passengers and crew.
With the arrival of these 4 vessels, Port Castries recorded an additional 14,875 passengers and 5,375 crew members in January alone. Saint Lucia Cruise Port anticipates further inaugural calls and sustained growth in visitor numbers throughout the year and into the next cruise season.