Dominica welcomed its first cruise call for the 2025-2026 season today, with the arrival of MV Grand Princess.
MV Grand Princess is a grand-class cruise ship owned by Princess Cruises. It is presently docked at the Woodbridge Bay Port at Fond Cole.
Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton said during a statement that this season is the biggest in Dominica’s history.
“Dominica 2025-2026 cruise season officially opens on October 15 and is said to be the biggest in our history,” she said. This year we’re expecting 475,000 cruise visitors and 274 cruise calls, including 13 inaugural visits from major international lines like Celebrity Accent, Majestic Princess, and Queen Victoria. Also, the return of Disney magic.”
She continued, “This represents a 38 percent increase over the last season.”
According to Charles-Pemberton, the surge in arrivals reflects Dominica’s strong partnerships with cruise lines, the growing demand for Dominica as a leading nature destination, and government’s commitment to upgrade the country’s infrastructure to enhance cruise visitors’ experience.
“Ahead of the season’s opening in August 2025, The Discover Dominica Authority launched the island’s first Chief Experience Officer Training Program, training 147 service providers, including taxi operators, tour guides, vendors, and border control officers in areas such as customer engagement, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence,” she stated.
Charles Pemberton urges every stakeholder, port agent, taxi operators, vendors, guides, and performers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, service, and pride.
“Each smile, each story, and each encounter helps define how the world experiences Dominica,” she emphasized.
Additionally, she said the 2025-2026 season will also feature expanded entertainment and cultural programming on cruise days at the Old Market Plaza and key premium sites.
“The cruise season will officially close on August 27, and we expect to receive a cruise ship every two weeks during the summer months. So, let’s welcome the world with pride and make this season the most remarkable yet,” Charles-Pemberton remarked.
