Last Updated on June 19, 2026, 7:32 AM AST by Anthony Morris
St Kitts welcomed Star of the Seas to its shores on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The ship was carrying a total of 7,368 passengers onboard. The ship’s arrival on the island during the tourism off season highlights the island’s prestigious place in the cruise industry.
The island has been gaining popularity for its peaceful and beautiful vacation offerings. The people seeking a peaceful escape are increasingly choosing the small island nation for their vacations.
The Royal Caribbean International’s second Icon-class cruise ship arrived on St Kitts as a part of its 7 days, round-trip Eastern Caribbean Perfect Day cruise. Prior to docking at Port Zante, the ship was in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.
The St Christopher Air and Sea Ports shared their delight on seeing the island welcoming the cruise ship to the island. The officials have shared that, “Today’s call forms part of the 20 cruise ship visits scheduled for Port Zante between June and September 2026.”
The arrival of the ship highlights the continued strength of cruise tourism during the traditional off-season. The officials added that the arrival of the ship is supporting visitor experiences, local businesses, and stimulating economic activity throughout the Federation.
Star of the Seas will return to Port Zante four times during the summer period, between June and September, the first of four visits concluded on June 18, July 9, July 30, and August 20, 2026.
Most of the passengers and scores of crew members are expected to come ashore to keep the taxi drivers, tour operators, vendors, restaurateurs and other persons in the tourism industry busy.
Hundreds of the passengers visited the beaches at Frigate Bay and the South East Peninsula, Other tourists walked around Basseterre and stopped at places of interest including – The Berkley Memorial at the Circus, the St. George’s Anglican Church, the Immaculate Conception Co-Cathedral, Independence Square, the War Memorial and Palms Court Gardens and Restaurant.
Passengers from the ship also shopped for locally-made craft, souvenirs, perfume and jewellery on Port Zante, while others went on organized and selected island tours and trails of St. Kitts via taxis and the St. Kitts Scenic Railway.
Others made stops at Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, Romney Manor and Batik and Black Rocks,
Some passengers went to Mount Liamuiga and enjoyed the trails, snorkeling, sailing to Nevis, golfing, casino gambling and shopping and patronizing the local bars and ate at places on the island.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
