The Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), has defended the financial investment made to bring the Uber Soca Cruise to the shores of the Virgin Islands, asserting that it will positively impact the local economy. Photo: Facebook

The uber cruise which is expected to visit the virgin islands will bring over 3000 guests expected to visit Tortola as part of the Ubersoca Cruise’s (USC) inaugural visit to the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Vino/file

The Ubersoca Cruise is expected to visit the Virgin Islands, bringing over 3,000 guests to Tortola as part of its inaugural trip to the territory for the Ocean’s 11 Edition. The Virgin Islands is the latest destination added to the cruise’s itinerary.

USC is the largest soca festival at sea and will depart from Miami, Florida, before docking at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park in Road Town on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Increase in estimated revenue 

During a press conference on Friday, November 7, 2025, Honourable Hodge-Smith responded to a press question regarding the investment made by the government to bring in Ubersoca cruise. She cited a 2024 report by the Caribbean Tourism Association, which indicated an average passenger spending of $72.49; however, she projected that passengers would spend between $100 and $120 each during their time in the Virgin Islands, representing a 30% to 60% increase over previous estimates.

"With six to eight hours ashore of the contribution, it's estimated $15 per hour, to the economy with over 4,000 passengers. So we could generate approximately $350 to $420,000 in spending."

Funds invested break even with projected revenue

She further stated, "So the funds that we've expedited in terms of investing, we kind of break even in a sense, but then...this is just the passengers, but then, you know, it could also go up to maybe $600,000 to $750,000 overall compared to other events that the passengers might necessarily participate in."

The Junior Minister clarified that the figures are estimated amounts. 

She elaborated on the breakdown of spending, indicating that 60% would go towards direct expenditures, such as food, taxis, and retail, totalling between $350,000 and $420,000. An additional 25% would be indirect spending by suppliers, utilities, and logistics, while 15% would account for household spending and wages for local vendors.

Ultimately, she emphasised, "Ubersoca single day in port represents more than a moment of celebration. It is [a] concentrated surge  of commerce that reaches from the pier to every corner of our economy."