Coming off a “record-breaking” 2024–2025 season that “welcomed over 650 000 cruise passengers”, Saint Lucia has officially reopened its 2025–2026 season today with projections to surpass those figures by 14 per cent, aiming for 750 000 cruise visitors in the months ahead says Minister of Tourism Ernest Hilaire.
Celebrations were held with a ceremony at the Pointe Seraphine Cruise Terminal on October 5, welcoming the first vessel of the season, the Celebrity Reflection.
The event featured cultural performances, music, and traditional displays, setting the tone for what is expected to be another next outstanding year in the island’s tourism industry.
Minister for Tourism Dr Ernest Hilaire delivered the keynote address, describing the occasion as one of national pride and gratitude. He said this year’s launch symbolises “our resilience, our innovation, and our unwavering commitment to excellence in the tourism sector. We anticipate 750 000 visitors gracing our shores in the months ahead.”
He noted that the country’s success in cruise tourism is backed by strong partnerships and collective national effort. “From taxi drivers and tour guides to craft vendors, port workers, hospitality professionals, and dedicated agencies,” he said, “most importantly, it is our communities that form the backbone of this industry.”
The minister also acknowledged the significant contribution of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Corporation, whose scheduled arrivals “account for 18 per cent of projected passenger arrivals this season.” With over 400 cruise calls planned, Saint Lucia continues to stand “tall and competitive within the Caribbean’s vibrant tourism landscape.”
Hilaire highlighted several upcoming developments aimed at enhancing visitor experience and promoting sustainable growth. Among them are new facilities in Canaries and Monchy, a beach park in Roseau, and the much-anticipated National Underwater Sculpture Park set to be unveiled in January 2026, described as “a breathtaking 300-foot display that celebrates our culture, heritage, and marine biodiversity while preserving the integrity of our natural environment.”
The minister reaffirmed that Saint Lucia’s tourism product extends beyond its beaches. “We are committed to showcasing not just our beaches, but our villages, cuisine, arts, and people, because the soul of Saint Lucia is found in its culture and its communities,” he said. “Let us remember, Saint Lucia is not merely a stop along a journey. It is a destination that leaves an imprint on every visitor.”
It was also announced at the ceremony that Saint Lucia recently won the Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Destination and the Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination at the 2025 World Travel Awards.
