The Antigua Pier Group is anticipating over 660,000 passengers and about 330 ship calls in the 2010-2011 winter season, according to Avonelle H. Pole, marketing executive. Royal Caribbean International will continue to the most frequent caller with 60 calls, followed by Celebrity Cruises, 18; and Costa, 17.

The first phase of restoration of the St. John’s Cathedral, the more than 161-year-old historical landmark dubbed “Big Church”, has begun.  The cathedral, which has been closed for regular worship services since December 2009, is a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of cruise passengers and other visitors yearly who come mostly to admire the splendid architecture of the 1800’s.  Now that it is a construction site, all visits will cease. Financial support for the restoration is being solicited during the period of restoration.