Dominica’s 2024-2025 cruise season will include 235 ports of call
Dominica opened the 2024-2025 cruise season with the arrival of Celebrity Summit on Oct. 9, 2024.
The season is expected to be vibrant, featuring 235 cruise calls and potentially bringing approximately 375,000 cruise passengers to the island. Notably, 12 ships, including MV AIDAbella, MSC Explora II, MV Sapphire Princess, MV Majestic Princess, and MV Resilient Lady, will make their inaugural visits.
Dominica concluded the 2023-2024 cruise season with remarkable achievements. From October 2023 to April 2024, the island welcomed 306,601 cruise visitors—an 11 per cent increase over the previous season and a 62 per cent rise compared to pre-pandemic figures for 2019-2020.
December 2023 alone attracted 71,000 visitors, while 16 inaugural visits from reputable ships like MS Vista and MSC Explora 1 significantly boosted the island’s profile in the cruise industry.
Boosting the local economy
This influx of visitors generated approximately $20.4 million for the local economy, benefiting businesses and tour operators. Among these visitors, 247,922 disembarked to explore the island; more than half participated in organized tours that enhanced their experience while supporting local enterprises.
“As we welcome the new cruise season, I am filled with excitement and pride for our beautiful island. The remarkable growth in our tourism sector reflects our team and partners’ dedication and hard work. Each visitor gives us a chance to showcase Dominica’s rich culture, stunning scenery, and genuine hospitality. Together, we will create memorable experiences that inspire our guests to return and share their stories. Let’s continue to work together to position Dominica as a premier cruise destination,” said Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica Authority.
Preparing for a successful cruise season
Significant efforts were made during the off-season to enhance service quality in preparation for a successful season. The Authority hosted the “Elevate Your Service” Training Series and the 2024 Cruise Service Providers Symposium, with 189 service providers completing training aimed at fostering a culture of service excellence essential for encouraging repeat visits.
Dominica was also actively represented at the FCCA PAMAC Summit in Jamaica by key figures such as Benoit Bardouille, CEO of Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority; Odile Jno Baptiste, product promotions manager, Discover Dominica Authority, and Daniel Nunez, a NISE-certified cruise tour operator. This summit facilitated crucial networking and business discussions aimed at strengthening relationships between cruise lines and destinations.
To further enhance visitor experiences, the Ministry of Tourism has implemented upgrades at major tourism sites, including improvements to access roads, reception facilities, and trails.
The Government of Dominica remains committed to promoting the island as a premier cruise destination while continuously enhancing visitors’ overall experiences.
