ANGUILLA--Anguilla is preparing to welcome a series of luxury cruise ships and yachts during its 2026-2027 tourism season, with scheduled visits from internationally recognized operators including Four Seasons Yachts, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Explora Journeys, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, Emerald Cruises, Orient Express and Windstar Cruises.
The cruise schedule, which extends through April 2027, is expected to create opportunities for local taxi operators, tour guides, restaurants, retailers and other tourism-related businesses while introducing cruise passengers to Anguilla's beaches, culinary offerings and hospitality services.
The season officially began on November 5 with the inaugural visit of Explora III, operated by Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of MSC Group. The vessel arrived with 784 passengers, approximately 650 of whom disembarked to explore the island.
Anguilla Premier Cora Richardson Hodge led an official delegation aboard the vessel for a ceremonial plaque exchange hosted by Captain Pietro Sinisi, marking the ship's first visit to the destination.
Anguilla's Minister of Health, Tourism and Sports, Cardigan Connor, said the government intends to ensure that the expansion of luxury cruise tourism produces economic benefits for local businesses.
"Anguilla has built a strong reputation as a luxury destination, and we want our cruise tourism sector to reflect that same commitment to quality," Connor said.
"These visits should create tangible opportunities for Anguillian taxi operators, tour guides, restaurants, retailers and other businesses. Working with our cruise industry partners, our priority is to deliver a rewarding experience for visitors while ensuring that our people and our island benefit."
Cruise tourism has formed part of Anguilla's visitor economy for more than three decades. The current schedule reflects the island's continued focus on attracting operators whose vessels and passenger demographics align with its tourism strategy.
Among the vessels scheduled to visit during the season are Four Seasons I, Ilma from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Emerald Azzurra, Emerald Sakara, Seabourn Quest, Silver Ray, Silver Spirit, Orient Express Corinthian and Wind Surf.
The vessels are expected to anchor at Road Bay or Prickly Pear Cays, allowing passengers to visit beaches, restaurants and other attractions.
Director of Tourism for the Anguilla Tourist Board, Jameel Rochester, said the vessels selected for the destination complement the experiences Anguilla offers its visitors.
"The ships visiting Anguilla are well aligned with our tourism product and the experiences that distinguish our island," Rochester said.
"Our beautiful beaches, exceptional culinary scene, boutique accommodations and personalized hospitality appeal to travelers who value quality and authenticity. We welcome the opportunity to introduce more visitors to these experiences while creating meaningful opportunities for our local tourism partners."
Anguilla's tourism strategy continues to emphasize luxury travel, supported by internationally recognized resorts including Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, Cap Juluca, Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, Malliouhana and Zemi Beach House.
These properties, along with the island's private villas, boutique accommodations and restaurants, form part of the tourism product being promoted to luxury cruise passengers.
The Anguilla Tourist Board is also seeking to use cruise visits as an opportunity to encourage repeat travel, particularly among passengers who may consider returning for longer vacations.
Kendisha Hall-Prentice, Chief Marketing Officer of the Anguilla Tourist Board, said cruise arrivals provide an opportunity to introduce visitors to experiences that could encourage future stayover tourism.
"Every cruise visit gives us an opportunity to make a lasting impression," Hall-Prentice said.
"Many of these guests are already familiar with luxury travel, and Anguilla offers the kind of intimate, personalized destination experience they appreciate. Whether they discover a favorite beach, enjoy an exceptional meal or connect with our people, we want them to leave inspired to return and explore more of what Anguilla has to offer."
The 2026-2027 cruise season will continue through April, with tourism officials emphasizing cooperation between cruise operators and local businesses to ensure that visitor arrivals contribute to the island's economy.
The emphasis on luxury vessels also reflects Anguilla's approach to cruise tourism, targeting operators whose passengers are seeking smaller-scale destination experiences rather than relying primarily on large cruise ship arrivals.
