Cruise Continues to Expand Contribution to Martinique Tourism

The French Caribbean island of Martinique is forecasting 275 cruise ship calls for the 2026-27 season, a 12.7% increase over the previous year. The schedule includes 65 ships operated by 30 cruise lines.

The season follows a strong 2025-26, during which the island welcomed 244 cruise calls from 33 cruise lines operating 61 ships. The destination recorded 330,322 transit cruise passengers, a 10% increase over the previous season.

The arrival of larger vessels, including MSC World Europa, alongside new luxury and ultra-luxury offerings from Four Seasons Yachts and Orient Express Sailing Yachts, reflects the range of cruise experiences now coming to Martinique. These developments also bring new considerations for port infrastructure, visitor services and the experiences available ashore.

“Martinique’s gastronomy, art, culture and natural beauty offer opportunities to showcase the island’s distinctive identity this season while reinforcing the importance of preserving our rich heritage, protecting unique landscapes and maintaining the authentic character of our communities,” said Hervé Bullot, director of development for the Martinique Tourism Authority (MTA).

Cruise calls will bring visitors to destinations across Martinique, from the capital, Fort-de-France, to the northern town of Saint-Pierre and southern coastal communities including Trois-Îlets, Les Anses-d’Arlet and Le Marin.

Saint-Pierre is scheduled to receive 33 calls during the season, including Orient Express Corinthian’s inaugural visit and upcoming inaugural calls by Four Seasons I and Explora III.

The northern town has become a key port of call for Martinique’s luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines, welcoming sailing vessels and yachts whose guests can discover its history, heritage and distinctive landscape.

To enhance the reception of luxury cruise visitors in Saint-Pierre, the MTA and the city have joined forces to co-fund the new Place Bertin Premium Cruise Welcome Hub. The new space features a premium welcome kiosk, destination photo opportunities, directional tourist signage from the pier and dedicated cultural programming curated by the Cap Nord Tourist Office for every call through late December.

In Trois-Îlets, 13 calls are expected, supported by plans for a new reception desk at Pointe-du-Bout Marina and a Cruise Village featuring eight to 10 local vendors. Les Anses-d’Arlet is scheduled for 24 calls, while Le Marin will welcome three calls by Four Seasons I as its waterfront undergoes development. 

Fortde-France will remain the center of cruise activity, with its two terminals handling the majority of the season’s calls. Les Tourelles, Martinique’s primary hub for homeporting, also welcomes transit calls and is scheduled for 105 calls from 12 cruise lines operating 19 ships, with potential passenger traffic of more than 312,000. 

Pointe Simon, which handles transit calls, is expected to receive 97 calls involving 21 cruise lines and 41 ships, with potential passenger traffic of more than 200,000.

Five ships are scheduled to homeport in Martinique during the season: Costa Favolosa, Le Bougainville, MSC Opera, MSC World Europa and CFC Croisières’ Renaissance. MSC Opera will begin homeporting operations on November 20, with service scheduled through Sept. 24, 2027. MSC World Europa, which carries about 6,700 passengers, will arrive December 5.

As the season gets underway, Martinique says its focus will be on making the most of its growing cruise traffic while ensuring visitors encounter the island’s cultural richness, local hospitality and distinct sense of place.

Martinique is easier than ever to reach from Canada, with up to 18 weekly direct flights with Air Canada and Air Transat flying year round from Montreal and Quebec, plus 4 weekly direct flights from Toronto this winter.