Martinique Forecasts 275 Cruise Calls for 2026-27 Season

Martinique is forecasting 275 cruise calls for the 2026-27 season, up 12.7% from the previous season, according to the Martinique Tourism Authority. Five ships will homeport on the island, while the call schedule extends beyond Fort-de-France to Saint-Pierre and communities along the southern coast.

The roster covers 65 ships from 30 cruise lines, compared with 61 ships from 33 lines in 2025-26. Last season brought 244 calls and 330,322 transit cruise passengers, with transit passenger volume rising 10% over the preceding season.

Fort-de-France combines homeporting and transit calls

Most cruise activity will remain concentrated at the capital’s two terminals. Les Tourelles, the main homeporting facility about 2 kilometers from downtown, expects 105 calls involving 19 ships from 12 cruise lines. Its potential passenger traffic exceeds 312,000, covering both homeport and transit operations.

The downtown Pointe Simon terminal will handle transit visits, with 97 calls scheduled across 41 ships and 21 cruise lines. Potential passenger traffic there exceeds 200,000.

The homeport lineup comprises Costa Favolosa, Le Bougainville, MSC Opera, MSC World Europa and CFC Croisieres’ Renaissance. MSC Opera’s inaugural call at Les Tourelles on November 20, 2026, will begin a homeporting program scheduled to continue through September 24, 2027.

MSC World Europa is due for its first Les Tourelles call on December 5. Two other inaugural visits are scheduled at the terminal: Vasco da Gama on November 29 and Le Laperouse on December 27.

The Tourism Office Terres du Centre will oversee reception arrangements at both capital terminals. Services will include visitor information and Cruise Village activities, alongside musical entertainment.

Saint-Pierre adds luxury arrivals and a welcome hub

Saint-Pierre, on the northern Caribbean coast, expects 33 calls. The 110-guest Orient Express Corinthian made its inaugural visit on October 27, the same day the town opened its Place Bertin Premium Cruise Welcome Hub.

Further first visits are scheduled from the 95-suite Four Seasons I on November 26 and Explora III on January 26, 2027. Four Seasons Yachts and Orient Express Sailing Yachts are among the new luxury operators on the island’s seasonal schedule.

The tourism authority and Saint-Pierre jointly funded the welcome hub, which provides a visitor kiosk, signs directing passengers from the pier and destination photo locations. The Cap Nord Tourist Office has arranged cultural activities for each call through late December.

Participating merchants have also begun English-language and service-quality training. The tourism authority is covering the full training cost, with assistance from the Martinique Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Herve Bullot, director of development for the Martinique Tourism Authority, said the season’s tourism opportunities also carry a responsibility for “preserving our rich heritage, protecting unique landscapes and maintaining the authentic character of our communities.”

Southern communities prepare for smaller-ship traffic

Along the southern coast, Les Anses-d’Arlet is scheduled for 24 calls, while Trois-Ilets expects 13. Plans at Trois-Ilets include a reception desk at Pointe-du-Bout Marina and a Cruise Village accommodating eight to 10 local vendors.

Le Marin will receive three visits from Four Seasons I while work continues on its waterfront. The town’s existing marina and yachting facilities include shops, restaurants and marine services.

Discussions are also underway at several ports about temporary arts-and-crafts villages where local artisans could sell to cruise visitors.

In the capital, cruise operations will be coordinated around the Fort-de-France Half-Marathon on November 29 and the Boucans de la Baie celebration on December 30. Carnival celebrations follow in February 2027.

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