Source: The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) in the Cayman Islands

Joseph Woods, Former Acting Director, Cayman Islands Port Authority

February’s Numbers Don’t Tell Paint an Accurate Picture – Cruise Tourism Trends Show the Urgent Need for Cruise Piers

CAYMAN ISLANDS (April 13, 2025) – The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) in the Cayman Islands is cautioning the public not to be misled by recent headlines claiming that cruise tourism is rebounding. While the Department of Tourism reported a 22% increase in cruise arrivals in February 2025 compared to February 2024, ACT urges voters to take a closer look at the data – and the context behind it.

A one-month increase does not equal long-term growth, especially when last year’s figures were artificially low, argues ACT. In February 2024, weather disruptions caused 15 missed cruise calls. If those calls had not been missed, the number of ship calls would have been 56 – just one more than February 2025, which recorded 55 calls.

Looking at pre-pandemic data puts Cayman’s current cruise trajectory in stark perspective. 

February 2018: 220,603 cruise passengers on 80 ships

February 2019: 197,234 passengers on 71 ships

February 2023: 148,968 passengers on 55 ships

February 2025: 145,594 passengers, on 55 ships

ACT Steering Committee member Joseph “Joey” Woods, former Acting Director for the Cayman Islands Port Authority, said: “The figures for 2023 show that there were 55 calls in February 2023, the same amount in February 2025. The passenger count in February 2023 was slightly more than the passenger count in February 2025. So would you say that’s a rebound? Nope.”

Woods added that the outlook for the rest of the year is grim. “When you look at August 2025, there are only 12 scheduled calls from just six ships. That’s shockingly low – and it’s going to remain painful for Caymanian businesses as cruise arrivals continue to decline year after year,” he said. “Somehow, ACT opponents believe Cayman’s status as a marquee destination will magically guarantee cruise visits. The reality is quite the opposite – without proper infrastructure, the ships will keep bypassing us.”

The public is reminded that without a cruise pier, the Cayman Islands’ ability to attract and retain the largest and most financially impactful ships is at serious risk.

“The idea that Cayman can sustain its cruise industry ‘as is’ is not only misleading – it’s dangerous,” affirmed Ellio Solomon, Executive Program Manager of ACT.

ACT urges voters to consider the full picture ahead of the upcoming April 30 referendum on whether the Cayman Islands should proceed with cruise berthing infrastructure. “Cayman needs cruise piers to stay in the game, and we firmly reject the sanctimonious false narratives being peddled by opponents of cruise tourism,” he added.

About The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) in the Cayman Islands

The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) represents a coalition of stakeholders dedicated to the sustainable and responsible growth of the cruise tourism industry in the Cayman Islands. With members across a broad spectrum of the local economy, including tour operators, merchants, restaurants, bars and transportation providers, ACT advocates for the businesses, entrepreneurs and local stakeholders who benefit from cruise tourism, ensuring their voices are heard in decisions impacting this crucial sector. ACT is also dedicated to educating the public, advocating for balanced policies, and supporting initiatives that drive economic growth while benefiting all residents of the Cayman islands. For more information, visit actcayman.com.

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