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The U.S. Virgin Islands Make a Mark at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Tourism concluded a remarkable and impactful week at the prestigious Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, a premier gathering for the cruise industry held in Miami, Florida. The USVI delegation aimed to foster partnerships with industry leaders, highlight its distinctive offerings, and enhance its cruise tourism strategies, successfully leaving a lasting impression on international cruise executives and stakeholders.

Kicking off the week's events, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. hosted a lively Caribbean BBQ at the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) headquarters. This gathering was not just a welcoming event but was also instrumental in setting the stage for meaningful interaction and collaboration among cruise executives, partners, and media representatives. The warm reception showcased the authentic hospitality and culinary delights of the Virgin Islands, offering a festive atmosphere rich in vibrant cultural expression.

Throughout the event, Governor Bryan and Commissioner Joseph Boschulte held numerous high-level discussions with major cruise lines such as Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International. The topics covered varied from itinerary planning and infrastructure enhancements to improving guest experiences and initiatives focused on sustainability. The primary objective of these discussions was to expand cruise offerings to St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, thus increasing the territory's appeal and accessibility for cruise travelers.

The cruise tourism metrics reflect the growing interest in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with passenger arrivals in 2024 totaling 1.7 million, representing an increase of 90,000 compared to the previous year. Projections are optimistic, with expectations of 1.8 million arrivals in 2025 and increasing to 1.9 million in 2026. Notably, St. Thomas and St. John attracted the bulk of these visitors, accommodating more than half a million passengers at Crown Bay and over 900,000 at the West Indian Company dock (WICO), while St. Croix welcomed approximately 169,228 cruise guests at the AAMF port.

The tourism department is committed to sustaining this remarkable growth through strategic planning and leveraging partnerships within the cruise industry. Commissioner Boschulte expressed optimism regarding the Seatrade platform: "This event provides an extraordinary opportunity for direct dialogue with our cruise partners. We arrived with a clear vision for growth and innovation in cruise tourism, and the engagement we received has been profoundly encouraging."

In addition to these leadership meetings, the USVI tourism team was actively engaged on the tradeshow floor, where they conducted numerous industry interactions. The USVI booth drew significant attention, radiating cultural energy through live performances from steel pan musicians, moko jumbies, and traditional dancers. Complementing the performances were branded giveaways designed to keep the Virgin Islands top-of-mind for potential visitors and industry representatives.

The presence of the U.S. Virgin Islands at Seatrade highlighted its dedication to balancing economic development with cultural authenticity. The territory is striving to offer a cruise product that is not only competitive but also rich in its unique identity. Commissioner Boschulte emphasized this sentiment, stating, "We are not merely marketing a location; we are sharing our narrative. The breathtaking landscapes of our islands are notable, but it is our people, culture, and authenticity that render us a premier destination for cruise travelers."

With the positive momentum gained from Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, the U.S. Virgin Islands is strategically positioned for further growth in cruise tourism, bolstered by innovative strategies and strong partnerships. Visitors interested in exploring the stunning beaches and vibrant culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands are encouraged to gather more information at www.visitusvi.com.

About the U.S. Virgin Islands

Approximately 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a U.S. territory located in the Caribbean Sea, comprising the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, with Charlotte Amalie as its capital. Renowned for leisure and business travel alike, the USVI is celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, rich marine life, European-inspired architecture, and growing culinary scene. U.S. citizens can travel without the need for a passport, while non-U.S. citizens should have a passport to enter upon departure. For broader insights into the United States Virgin Islands, visit www.VisitUSVI.com, and connect with them on social media platforms: @VisitUSVI on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, and @USVITourism on TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.