181 port calls and nearly 360,000 passengers projected
NEW YORK, NY – March 31, 2015 – The Martinique Tourism Authority is projecting another strong cruise season in 2015-2016, with a record 22 ships slated to make their first-ever port calls in The Isle of Flowers between October 26, 2015 and August 31, 2016. The 22 ships represent some of the biggest names in the cruise industry, including Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, MSC, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and more. The full list of ships visiting Martinique for the first time in 2015-2016 is as follows:
Aidamar- Adventure of the Seas
- Anthem of the Seas
- Azura
- Carnival Glory
- Carnival Liberty
- Carnival Pride
- Carnival Sunshine
- Costa Favolosa
- Costa Pacifica
- Celebrity Equinox
- Disney Wonder
- Eurodam
- MSC Orchestra
- Oosterdam
- Royal Princess
- Seabourn Odyssey
- Serenade of the Seas
- Seven Seas Mariner
- Seven Seas Navigators
- Silver Wind
- The World
“Martinique continues to capture the imagination of the cruise industry,” said Karine Roy-Camille, commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority. “With the wealth of new ships planning stops here in the coming year, passengers will enjoy a greater variety of cruise vacation experiences than ever before. Truly, there’s never been a better time to cruise to Martinique.”
One of the fastest growing cruise destinations in the Caribbean, Martinique has experienced a 524% increase in cruise passenger arrivals since 2010. For the 2014-2015 cruise season (November 2014–April 2015), The Martinique Tourism Authority is projecting 220,000 cruise passengers among the 176 scheduled port calls.
For more information on travel to Martinique, please visit www.martinique.org. For the latest, up-to-date Martinique Promotion Bureau press kit, visit www.martiniquepresskit.com.
About Martinique (www.us.martinique.org)
The Caribbean Island with French Flair, The Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (AiméCésaire) – Martinique ranks among the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world. As an overseas region of France, Martinique boasts modern and reliable infrastructure – roads, water and power utilities, hospitals, and telecommunications services all on par with any other part of the European Union.At the same time, Martinique’s beautifully unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, rainforests, 80+ miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, streams, and other natural wonders are the equal of neighboring Dominica to the north and St. Lucia to the south, so visitors here truly get the best of both worlds.
The currency is the Euro, the flag is Le Tricolour, and the official language is French, but Martinique’s character, cuisine, musical heritage, art, culture, common language, and identity are of a distinctly Afro-Caribbean inclination known as Creole Martiniquais. It is this special combination of modern world conveniences, pristine nature, and rich heritage that has earned for Martinique several notable distinctions in recent years, including being named as a “Must-Visit” destination for 2015 by Caribbean Journal, “Best Caribbean Destination” by About.com, and “Top Caribbean Island for Delectable Dining” by Caribbean Travel + Life. The Bay of Fort-de-France, which fronts Martinique’s charming capital city, was also recently inducted into The Club of The Most Beautiful Bays in the World.
Martinique’s storied history further stirs travel passions. Napoleon’s bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised in Martinique, while the majestic Mt. Pelée volcano and St. Pierre, The Pompeii of the Caribbean, are found here.
A special place, to be sure, with so much to offer – Martinique c’est magnifique!
*Photo caption: Carnival Splendor makes her inaugural visit to Martinique, November 3, 2014.
