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Chukka expands into St. Thomas with Cruise Ship Excursions acquisition

Chukka Caribbean Adventures expanded into St. Thomas by acquiring the venerable USVI tour operator Cruise Ship Excursions.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

March 11, 2024

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Cruise Ship Excursions, founded and operated by John and Judy Reeve, has been providing visitors with immersive experiences for more than 51 years.

This strategic move marks Chukka's presence in a sixth Caribbean destination.

Continung the Reeves' legacy

'We are honored to continue the legacy that John and Judy Reeve have built with Cruise Ship Excursions. This acquisition is not just an expansion of Chukka’s footprint in the Caribbean, but a transition and passing of the baton between two families dedicated to showcasing the beauty and thrill of the Caribbean to the world,' Chukka CEO Marc Melville said.

He added a commitment to 'contributing positively to the local community and economy.'

John Byles, executive deputy chairman of Chukka, called the expansion a 'significant milestone for Chukka' that 'underscores our commitment to offering unparalleled and sustainable adventure experiences in the Caribbean. We are deeply committed to the communities we serve and look forward to making a positive impact in St. Thomas.'

Confidence in Chukka

For their part, the Reeves said: 'After more than five decades of serving the adventurous souls who visit St. Thomas, we are confident that Chukka is the right company to take the helm. Their track record of innovation, excellence and community involvement is aligned with the values we’ve championed for years. We look forward to seeing the new heights they will reach on this beautiful island.'

Jamaica-based Chukka also has operations in Belize, Turks and Caicos, Barbados, Dominican Republic and is known for high-quality, sustainable adventure tours that connect visitors with the Caribbean's rich culture and natural beauty.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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