Martinique’s cruise sector has shown there is still plenty of room to grow in the saturated Caribbean market, with another stellar year of growth for cruise traffic.
Statistics from The Martinique Tourism Authority show cruise passenger arrivals rose 71% in 2014.
Last year’s 178,000 cruise visitors is still a fraction compared to more established Caribbean cruise destinations but nevertheless represents a 524% increase since 2010.
Major upgrades at the Fort-de-France cruise port are now paying off for the French territory according to the Martinique Promotion Bureau.
Tourist officials are forecasting 220,000 cruise passengers for this year from 176 scheduled port calls.
"We could not be more pleased and proud of the results we’re seeing from the cruise sector. Without a doubt, the cruise sector is blossoming here in The Isle of Flowers, and with all the room we still have to grow and improve our tourism product, the best is yet to come," said Karine Roy-Camille, commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority.
"All of the major North American and European cruise lines have stops planned in Martinique this year, including visits by Royal Caribbean’s celebrated Quantum of the Seas in her inaugural season, and the magnificent Carnival Splendor."
