Tourism officials in St Kitts are optimistic about the economic opportunities that could come from P&O Cruises’ decision to homeport on the island from 2027.

Speaking with Caribbean Pulse at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua on May 14, Chief Executive Officer of the St Kitts Tourism Authority, Kelly Fontenelle, said the move is a major boost for the destination, even as preparations continue ahead of the programme’s launch in November 2027.

“This is a big plus for St Kitts to become a homeport destination for cruises,” Fontenelle said, pointing to the wider benefits beyond cruise arrivals.

He noted that the fly-cruise model, where visitors fly into the island, spend some time there and then board a cruise, is expected to create new business opportunities.

“They will need produce, they will need supplies, and it gives the destination an opportunity for new companies to come into the business as well,” he said.

P&O Cruises announced in March that it would use St Kitts as a homeport for its Caribbean fly-cruise programme, deploying vessels such as the MS Iona, which can accommodate more than 6,600 passengers and over 1,700 crew.

Fontenelle said the arrangement also positions St Kitts to attract additional cruise lines in the future.

“This is just one cruise line, but once the infrastructure is in place, it gives us the opportunity to go out and solicit others to do homeporting in St Kitts,” he said.

He added that the island’s accessibility played a key role in securing the partnership, noting that the short distance between the airport and cruise port — roughly a 10-minute transfer — is a major advantage.

Fontenelle said interest in the destination has also been growing in the United Kingdom, supported by targeted marketing and strong diaspora links.

Currently, British Airways operates twice-weekly flights to the island, though the cruise programme will rely on charter services as part of its fly-cruise package.

The programme will offer seven-night itineraries, with passengers flying in from the UK before embarking on their cruise.

Fontenelle said the initiative is expected to boost St Kitts’ visibility internationally and support year-round tourism growth.