Dominica welcomed more than 409,000 cruise passengers and about 250 vessels during the 2025/2026 season, recording a 21% increase in arrivals.
Dominica: The Ministry of Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives has announced that the Nature Island has recorded a 21 per cent increase in cruise passenger arrivals for the 2025/2026 cruise season, a growth that is a testament to the country's growing presence as a premier cruise destination.
This report was announced by the Minister of Tourism, Denise Charles-Pemberton, who also shared that, during this season, Dominica experienced an 8 per cent increase in vessel calls compared to the last.
According to the Minister of Tourism, more than 409,000 cruise passengers and approximately 250 cruise vessels arrived during the 2025/2026 season. She elaborated that more than 330,000 of the passengers came on shore and more than 161,000 participated in organised tours across the island.
These figures are significant not simply because of our growth, but because of what they represent for our people. Cruise tourism provides significant impact on livelihoods and strengthens families across Dominica, stated the Tourism Minister.
Pemberton further explained that Dominica has already experienced substantial growth in its cruise tourism industry and that from now onwards, the country’s seasonal success will be measured based on the impact the sector has on families rather than the number of ships and passengers arriving in the country.
Those statistics alone cannot define our success; the true measure of success is whether more Dominican families are benefiting from tourism, the Minister pointed out.
She noted that the Government has a responsibility of creating opportunities through various investments (ports, roads, etc.) and marketing, however, both service providers and citizens also have a part to play in ensuring the tourists have a memorable experience with the customer service they receive whilst visiting the country.
Minister Denise Charles Pemberton shared this during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium, which is currently taking place at Goodwill Parish for a duration of 3 days, concluding on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.