The 2024-2025 Cruise Ship Season commenced with the Celebrity Summit at Roseau Cruise Ship Berth in Dominica.
The Cruise Ship Season for 2024-25 began with the arrival of Celebrity Summit at Roseau Cruise Ship Berth in Dominica. This year, 12 ships, including the MV Aida Bella and MV Majestic Princess, will make inaugural visits to Dominica. Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard is all decked up for the passengers.
The government has spent over $2 million to transform and improve the condition of Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard. Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard is home to the Roseau Cruise Ship berth. New pavements and curbs are added at the cost of approximately $2.7 million. The government has also trained over 187 service providers, including taxi drivers, vendors, hair braiders, tour guides, security officers, and immigration officers.
Minister of Tourism Denise Charles-Pemberton said that the government anticipates an increase in the number of passengers than the previous year. She said this season, expects more cruise calls, which are an 11 percent increase from last year.
“The launch of Dominica’s 2024/2025 cruise season marks a significant growth with 235 cruise calls expected, an 11 percent increase from the previous year. Approximately 375,000 passengers are anticipated, a 22 percent rise from last season’s 306,601 visitors,” she stated in a press meet.
The Ministry of Tourism conducted a training series called “Elevate your service”, to increase the performance of service providers. The training program was focused on providing quality service to the guests of this season. The aesthetics of the island was also improved during the off-season period.
In addition to Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard, several other tourism destinations have also been upgraded at the cost of over $600,000. Cabrits National Park will also receive an improved road, which was once damaged by Hurricane Beryl.
Minister Charles-Pembeton assured that the Dominican sign on the Bayfront will be restored in December. She also mentioned several major ongoing projects to improve Dominican tourism sites. The projects include the Cable Car Project to the Boiling Lake and Champagne Beach upgradation. The government also working on the construction of a modern cruise terminal, which will be completed in two phases. The commencement of the first phase of construction will take place at the end of this cruise season.
The government of Dominica is making progress to improve infrastructures and guest experiences. Dominica, being a major Caribbean destination, requires efforts from stakeholders along with the government to become the leading destination.
Denise Charles-Pemberton thanked the Minister for Public Works and staff, the Dominica Air and Seaport Authority (DASPA), Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), The Ministry of Tourism, and cruise stakeholders for their efforts in making the cruise season successful.
“These initiatives highlight the progress this government is making to improve infrastructure and enhance guest experiences, aiming to strengthen our position as a sustainable tourism destination,” she added.
