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Martinique Projects 275 Cruise Ship Calls as 2026–27 Season Gets Underway
From our correspondent
Roseau, Dominica – October 30 2026 — Martinique is preparing for a busy 2026 – 27 cruise season, with 275 vessel calls projected across its ports, representing a 12.7 per cent increase over the previous season. The schedule features 65 ships from 30 cruise operators, a development expected to generate increased activity for tourism – related businesses and communities throughout the island.
The forecast follows a strong 2025 – 26 season, when Martinique recorded 244 cruise calls involving 61 vessels operated by 33 cruise lines. During that period, the French Caribbean territory received 330,322 transit passengers, marking a 10 per cent rise compared with the preceding season. The upcoming programme will include larger vessels such as MSC World Europa, as well as luxury and ultra-luxury brands Four Seasons Yachts and Orient Express Sailing Yachts. Hervé Bullot, Director of Development at the Martinique Tourism Authority (MTA), said the island intended to use its culinary traditions, arts, cultural heritage and natural attractions to distinguish the destination while protecting its landscapes and community identity.
Cruise activity will extend beyond the capital, Fort-de-France, to several coastal communities, including Saint-Pierre, Trois-Îlets, Les Anses-d’Arlet and Le Marin. Saint-Pierre is expected to receive 33 calls, including inaugural visits by Orient Express Corinthian on October 27, Four Seasons I on November 26 and Explora III on January 26, 2027. To improve the experience for premium cruise passengers, the MTA and local authorities have introduced the Place Bertin Premium Cruise Welcome Hub, featuring visitor information, tourism signage, photo opportunities and cultural activities. The authority is also financing customer-service and English-language training for participating businesses, with support from the Martinique Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Other southern destinations are also preparing for increased visitor activity. Trois-Îlets is scheduled to receive 13 calls, with plans for a new reception facility at Pointe-du-Bout Marina and a cruise village featuring between eight and 10 local vendors. Les Anses-d’Arlet is expected to welcome 24 calls, while Le Marin has three visits by Four Seasons I on its schedule as waterfront development continues. Discussions are also taking place across several ports to establish temporary arts and crafts markets, providing local artisans with additional opportunities to sell their products and interact with cruise passengers.
Fort-de-France will continue to handle the largest share of cruise operations through its Les Tourelles and Pointe Simon terminals. Les Tourelles, which serves as the island’s principal homeporting facility, is projected to record 105 calls involving 19 ships from 12 cruise lines, with potential passenger traffic exceeding 312,000. Pointe Simon is expected to accommodate 97 calls by 41 ships representing 21 cruise lines, with potential traffic of more than 200,000 passengers. Five vessels are scheduled to homeport in Martinique: Costa Favolosa, Le Bougainville, MSC Opera, MSC World Europa and Renaissance. MSC Opera is due to begin operations on November 20, while MSC World Europa, with capacity for approximately 6,700 passengers, is scheduled to arrive on December 5. Four inaugural calls are also planned at Les Tourelles during the season.
Visitor reception at the capital’s two terminals will include information services, cultural activities and musical entertainment coordinated by the Tourism Office Terres du Centre. Cruise operations will also take place alongside major events, including the Fort-de-France Half-Marathon on November 29, the Boucans de la Baie celebration on December 30 and the island’s Carnival celebrations in February 2027. With cruise arrivals expected to increase, Martinique’s tourism authorities are seeking to strengthen visitor services, expand opportunities for local businesses and showcase the island’s cultural and natural attractions while preserving its distinctive character.
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