Construction of Berth 6 at the Port of Bridgetown is set for completion in September 2025, effectively separating cargo and cruise operations at the Barbados port. The timing of this project is critical, as Barbados anticipates a record number of cruise passengers this year. The projected number of cruise arrivals stands at 850,000.

With more than a week to go before the end of April 2025, the Dominican Republic was still on track to receive 74 cruise ships – the highest monthly figure to date, as noted by Jean Luis Rodríguez, Director of the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom). As was explained then, most of these vessels will dock in Puerto Plata, but La Romana, Cap Cana and Samaná will also receive cruise ships.

The following is the second of a two-part interview by Mike Jarrett with the President of the Caribbean Maritime University, Professor Andrew Spencer.