Martinique Forecasts 275 Cruise Calls for 2026-27 Season

Martinique forecasts 275 cruise ship calls for the 2026-27 season, a 12.7% increase over the previous season, according to the Martinique Tourism Authority (MTA). The schedule covers 65 vessels from 30 cruise lines, with five ships set to homeport on the island.

The forecast compares with 244 calls by 61 ships from 33 cruise lines in 2025-26, meaning more vessels and visits despite fewer participating operators. Last season, Martinique received 330,322 transit cruise passengers, up 10% year over year.

Fort-de-France will handle most of the traffic, while new yacht arrivals and reception projects will extend activity to northern and southern coastal communities. Herve Bullot, director of development for the MTA, said the island wants to put its food, art and culture in front of visitors while “preserving our rich heritage, protecting unique landscapes and maintaining the authentic character of our communities.”

Most calls run through Fort-de-France

Les Tourelles, the island’s principal homeporting terminal, has 105 calls scheduled across 19 vessels representing 12 cruise lines. Its potential passenger traffic exceeds 312,000, including both homeporting and transit activity.

Pointe Simon’s transit schedule comprises 97 visits by 41 ships across 21 cruise lines, with potential traffic above 200,000 passengers. The terminal sits on the downtown waterfront, within walking distance of Fort-de-France’s historic center, shops and restaurants.

Costa Favolosa, Le Bougainville and CFC Croisieres’ Renaissance are among the ships scheduled to homeport in Martinique. MSC Opera will make its inaugural Les Tourelles call and begin homeporting on Nov. 20, with operations continuing through Sept. 24, 2027. MSC World Europa completes the homeporting lineup and is scheduled for its first call on Dec. 5.

Two further inaugural visits at Les Tourelles are booked for Vasco da Gama on Nov. 29 and Le Laperouse on Dec. 27.

The Tourism Office Terres du Centre will oversee reception at both capital terminals. Services will include visitor information, Cruise Village activities and musical entertainment, and local businesses and cultural offerings will be part of the welcome.

Operations will also be coordinated with major events in Fort-de-France: the Half-Marathon on Nov. 29, Boucans de la Baie on Dec. 30 and Carnival in February 2027.

Beyond the capital, smaller ports gear up

Saint-Pierre, on the island’s northern coast, expects 33 calls during the season. The 110-guest Orient Express Corinthian made its inaugural visit on Oct. 27, the same day the Place Bertin Premium Cruise Welcome Hub opened.

Jointly funded by the MTA and the city, the hub provides a welcome kiosk and photo opportunities, along with signs directing visitors from the pier. The Cap Nord Tourist Office has arranged cultural programming for each call through late December.

Participating Saint-Pierre merchants have also begun English-language and service-quality training. The MTA is covering the full cost, with support from the Martinique Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Along the southern coast, Trois-Ilets anticipates 13 calls. Planned reception facilities include a desk at Pointe-du-Bout Marina and a Cruise Village accommodating eight to 10 local vendors. Ships generally serve the destination by anchoring offshore.

Les Anses-d’Arlet has 24 calls scheduled. Several ports are also discussing temporary arts-and-crafts villages where local artisans could sell to cruise visitors. These remain proposals.

The 222-guest Four Seasons I makes its first Saint-Pierre call on Nov. 26. The yacht also has three visits booked at Le Marin, where waterfront development is underway. Explora III is scheduled to make its first Saint-Pierre call on Jan. 26, 2027.

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