Cruising down – but not for long 

Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, April 19, 2024 – Even though a banner year has been predicted for cruising globally the Turks and Caicos numbers are trending down, less ships might be the temporary cause.

“Cruise visitors were lower in January and February 2024 when compared to the corresponding period for 2023.  The Grand Turk Cruise Centre welcomed 86,822* cruise passengers in January 2024 and 78, 293* in February compared to 88,471 cruise passengers in January 2023 and 96,127 in February 2023, a 1.89 percent and −18.56% percent reduction respectively,” a March 18 report from Experience Turks and Caicos said.  Air arrivals in the Turks and Caicos showed an increase while the cruise numbers lowered

It’s a contrast to the December 2023 report from Reuters that predicted a record year for cruising companies based on tickets already bought.

“Next year is looking like a banner year for cruise vacations, as travelers across all income and budget levels have been booking voyages at greater volumes than even before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to U.S. cruise operators and travel agents,” it declared.

The tickets are bought and residents are traveling plus the Caribbean remains top ranked among travelers. A market data report shared by Gitnux says, “4.8 million passengers took ocean cruises in 2022, with 1.75 million of those passengers visiting the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, making it the most popular destination.”

With the region maintaining popularity and cruise tickets up, the dip in the TCIs numbers could be down to less ships.

Based on data shared by the Grand Turk Cruise Centre in February 2024, there were 22 dockings over 13 days.

In February 2023 there had been 27 dockings over 19 days.  Every weekday that month had seen at least one arrival barring the first day of the month.

In January the situation was similar.  For January 2024 there were 25 dockings over 17 days.  However in 2023 there were 27 dockings over 17 days.

Despite the numbers, cruise vendors and other stakeholders need not worry.

The stats are likely to go back to their normal trend of increasing in March as there are 31 ships slated to arrive over 21 days.  It’s an increase compared to 29 ships scheduled over 17 days in 2023.

In fact another year on year increase is possible for the Turks and Caicos.  There are 33 ships scheduled for April versus 26 in 2023.  In May 2024 there are 28 scheduled versus 19 in 2023.  In June 2024 there will be 22 ships docking,  an increase over the 15 in 2023.

It’s an indication that the popularity of the Turks and Caicos as a cruising destination is not waning.