BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cruise ships arriving in Barbados for the 2025/2026 winter cruise season are reporting strong occupancy bookings according to the country’s Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill.

Gooding-Edghill, who is leading a delegation at Seatrade Europe, in Hamburg, Germany, said: “Every cruise line representative that we have met with here at Seatrade Europe has confirmed that last year was a very good season, with almost full occupancy. Looking forward to the next winter season, we have been told by the cruise executives that the booking trend from last season will continue into this coming winter season, with the cruise ships reporting bookings of 100 per cent occupancy. This is very good news for Barbados as a destination as we seek to maximise the benefits from this sector.”

Based on the data submitted by the cruise companies to the Barbados Port Inc., Barbados will benefit from a 22 per cent increase in cruise passengers this coming winter season, with more than 800,000 cruise passengers expected next winter season.

Barbados will also see more than 400 cruise calls, exceeding the 389 cruise calls registered for the last winter season.

The tourism minister was speaking on the heels of the Port of Bridgetown receiving the runner-up title in the Port of the Year category at the Seatrade Cruise Awards. The port was one of three finalists out of 160 ports that contested the awards.

Speaking about the reviews on the Port of Bridgetown operations, Gooding-Edghill noted that industry officials indicated they had fewer challenges with port turnaround operations. He commended the port’s management team and staff for not only receiving an award, but also for the positive operational reviews.

“This is very good news for the Barbados Port Inc., which is very positive for Barbados as a cruise destination. We have been engaging with our stakeholders to ensure we have another smooth cruise season, and we are focused on earning more foreign exchange with respect to on-island spending,” Gooding-Edghill said.

He also disclosed that one cruise company had launched Barbados as an onshore wedding destination. In addition, Taste of Barbados, featuring two Barbadian chefs and one mixologist, will be on board the ship in the Port, showcasing Barbadian culinary delights and a range of beverages.