Port-of-Spain, Trinidad – Sixteen ships and over 30,000 cruise visitors are expected to experience the scenic wonderland of Trinidad and Tobago when the 2015/2016 cruise ship season kicks off in November.
As Trinidad and Tobago continues to aggressively pursue the cruise market, the upcoming season, which ends in May 2016, represents a 56 per cent increase in cruise passenger arrivals, when compared to the same period last year.
Some of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships have added Trinidad and Tobago to their itineraries for the upcoming season including the MSC Orchestra, with a capacity of over 2,000 passengers and the intimate yet sumptuous World Odyssey and Voyager ships. Also making a return to Trinidad and Tobago’s waters are the Saga Sapphire and Seven Ocean Princess.
The increasing popularity of Trinidad and Tobago as a port-of-call comes as the Caribbean Tourism Organisation reported 104 per cent growth in cruise tourism arrivals for the twin island nation between 2014 and 2015, the largest rate of growth reported for any destination.
As the amount of visiting ships grow in number, so too are the variety of on-shore activities and tours available for cruise passengers, both in and beyond the city of Port of Spain. Shore side activities are as much a part of the cruise experience as enjoying the onboard services of the cruise ship and visitors to the islands can explore through the eyes of a local the City Tour, bask in the beauty of the lush northern mountain range en route to Maracas Beach or witness the spectacular sight of Scarlet Ibis at the Caroni Swamp and Bird Sanctuary.
The Tourism Development Company (TDC) of Trinidad and Tobago is committed to ensuring that every cruise visitor experiences the warmth and vivacity of Trinidad and Tobago and will be deploying Visitor Guides in and around the Port of Port of Spain to assist passengers. Local tourism ambassadors, Visitor Guides are strategically positioned at the cruise ship terminal and in the streets of the capital city to assist passengers with maps and information on local points of interest.
As Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism sector prepares a warm welcome for cruise visitors the islands will also benefit from the opportunity to showcase its sites, attractions and amenities to thousands of tourists.
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