Construction has commenced on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante in Basseterre, St Kitts, marking a significant step in the island's plans to establish itself as a Caribbean turnaround port. The facility is being developed in preparation for the introduction of P&O Cruises' homeport operations, scheduled to begin in November 2027 with the deployment of Iona and Arvia on Caribbean fly-cruise itineraries.
From the 2027–2028 winter season, both vessels will operate Caribbean cruises embarking and disembarking in St Kitts, while Basseterre will also serve as an additional turnaround port for Iona. The expansion is expected to diversify P&O Cruises' Caribbean programme by complementing its existing embarkation ports in the region.
The new terminal forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the island's cruise infrastructure and support continued growth in passenger volumes, with St Kitts having welcomed more than 950,000 cruise passengers during the current season. Upon completion, the facility will incorporate modern security screening and immigration systems designed to streamline embarkation and disembarkation procedures for turnaround passengers.
St Kitts' Minister of Tourism, Marsha Henderson, stated that the project was the result of long-term cooperation between government agencies, technical specialists, financial advisers and private-sector partners. She noted that the investment is intended to strengthen the national economy, create new opportunities for local communities and enhance the country's competitiveness within the global cruise industry through improved infrastructure.
Carnival UK and P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow described the commencement of construction as an important milestone for the cruise line's future operations in the destination. He indicated that the investment reinforces St Kitts' growing role within the Caribbean cruise market and supports the delivery of enhanced turnaround facilities for guests travelling aboard Iona and Arvia from autumn 2027.
The terminal is expected to generate wider economic benefits through increased visitor spending, additional hotel stays, stronger air connectivity and expanded opportunities for local businesses. The project also represents a further step in St Kitts' long-term ambition to develop full homeport capabilities and strengthen its position as a leading cruise hub in the Eastern Caribbean.