Cruise traffic to Martinique is on the rise, with the island reporting an 11 percent increase in arrivals for the 2024–2025 season. More than 465,000 passengers are expected to embark or disembark across 200-plus ship calls, underscoring Martinique’s growing role as both a homeport and transit hub.
Martinique has emerged as one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise hubs, a trend set to accelerate with MSC Cruises’ plan to resume year-round operations on the island in 2027.
“These numbers represent more than growth. They demonstrate how Martinique is evolving into a must-visit Caribbean destination,” said Muriel Wiltord, Director of the Americas for the Martinique Tourism Authority, in a media statement. “The return of year-round cruising operations validates our strategic investments in infrastructure and the guest experience.”
MSC Opera is set to launch itineraries from Fort-de-France for the winter 2026/2027 and summer 2027 seasons—it’s the first summer homeport operations in recent years. The move is expected to increase year-round tourism and provide an economic boost to the island.
During this upcoming cruise season, Martinique will welcome vessels from more than 30 cruise lines across its eight active ports. The island will see calls from nearly all major cruise brands based in Europe, the UK and North America. Ships of every size and segment, including boutique vessels, mega-ships, contemporary, premium and ultra-luxury classes, are slated to visit.
To support this growth, substantial infrastructure investments are underway. The Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique recently completed a new passenger walkway at the Pointe Simon terminal. By October 2025, a new cruise village featuring eight kiosks and tented spaces will open, providing dedicated facilities for local artisans, tour operators, taxi services and other key stakeholders.
“Martinique’s cruise sector continues to evolve with a strong focus on sustainability, quality experiences and local community impact. These results lay the foundation for an even more dynamic future as we prepare for year-round operations,” added Wiltord.
