Thursday, October 8, marks the official start of the 2026-2027 cruise ship season.
Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton made the announcement during a statement on Wednesday.
“Dominica’s 2026-2027 cruise season officially starts on October 8, and there is much to be encouraged about,” she said. “Cruise tourism remains an important part of our tourism industry, supporting livelihoods, driving economic activity and creating opportunities for businesses and communities across Dominica.”
The minister reported that this season, Dominica is expected to welcome 267 cruise calls and 475,521 cruise passengers, an increase of nearly 50,000 passengers from last season.
“That is significant. Every additional visitor represents an opportunity to put tourism dollars directly into the hands of our people, our taxi and top operators, tour guides, craft vendors, retailers, restaurants, attractions and other service providers,” Charles Pemberton stated.
Furthermore, she indicated that ahead of the season’s opening, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, undertook works to prepare key cruise sites.
She said her ministry also met with stakeholders across the sector to strengthen preparedness, service delivery and the overall visitor experience.
Charles-Pemberton stated that the government, through the Ministry of Tourism and working with the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), DASPA and its industry partners, remains focused on strengthening the cruise product, improving infrastructure and delivering a better visitor experience.
“We are encouraged by the steady increase in cruise arrivals over the past five years,” she said. “Our ambition is clear: to grow cruise passenger arrivals towards one million annually [whilst] ensuring that this growth translates into stronger businesses, more opportunities for our people and greater economic benefits for communities across Dominica.”
She said the government looks forward to sharing in the near future its plans with stakeholders for the new cruise port development.
Charles-Pemberton said as Dominica welcomes its visitors this season, the message is simple:
“Let us make every passenger count, let us provide exceptional service, showcase the warmth and hospitality of all people, and give every visitor an authentic Dominican experience.”
