Saint LuciaCruise Season Arrives
Saint Lucia's new cruise season is approaching, but key upgrades for arriving passengers will not be ready, according to Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire. The Castries waterfront redevelopment is still ongoing due to supply chain challenges.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire said the Castries waterfront redevelopment will not be completed in time for the new cruise season. The season usually begins to pick up around mid-October.
Hilaire attributed the delay to difficulties in getting materials into Saint Lucia, which has slowed work not only in Castries but also on the cruise-related development in Soufrière.
The Castries works are part of a larger redevelopment led by Global Ports Holding, which took over management of Saint Lucia's cruise port operations in April 2024. The project includes a new Vendors Arcade, a Fishermen's Village at Banannes Bay, and upgrades to cruise berths.
The Government initially announced the project as a $135 million investment in the island's cruise infrastructure. Hilaire hopes that by the end of this cruise season, there will be visible progress, including the opening of facilities at Banannes and along the waterfront.
The unfinished works raise questions about the experience for passengers arriving while parts of the redevelopment are still closed. Hilaire said things would become clearer as cruise schedules are finalized, with some ships still adjusting their itineraries.
Hilaire expects that by this time next year, the Castries redevelopment and other tourism projects will be much further along, giving Saint Lucia a stronger offering for cruise lines and passengers.
For now, the island will start the new cruise season with some of its new attractions still to come on stream.
Key facts
- The Castries waterfront redevelopment will not be completed in time for the new cruise season.
- Supply chain challenges have slowed work on the project.
- The redevelopment is part of a $135 million investment in the island's cruise infrastructure.
- The project includes a new Vendors Arcade and a Fishermen's Village at Banannes Bay.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The delay in the Castries waterfront redevelopment may impact the experience for cruise passengers. The situation will become clearer as cruise schedules are finalized. The Government is working to complete the project as soon as possible.
Positive
The investment in the island's cruise infrastructure is expected to boost the tourism industry. The new facilities and upgrades will provide a better experience for passengers and help attract more cruise lines to the island.
Negative
The delay in the project may affect Saint Lucia's ability to attract its usual cruise lines. The unfinished works may also impact the overall experience for passengers arriving on the island.
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