Dominica has officially launched its 2025-2026 cruise season with the arrival of the MV Grand Princess, marking a historic milestone for the island nation. The grand-class cruise ship, owned by Princess Cruises, docked at Woodbridge Bay Port in Fond Cole, signaling the start of what Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton described as the largest cruise season in Dominica’s history. The season, which began on October 15, is expected to welcome 475,000 cruise visitors and 274 cruise calls, including 13 inaugural visits from renowned international cruise lines such as Celebrity Accent, Majestic Princess, and Queen Victoria. Notably, the return of Disney Magic adds to the excitement. This represents a 38% increase compared to the previous season, underscoring Dominica’s growing appeal as a premier nature destination. Charles-Pemberton attributed this surge to strong partnerships with cruise lines, increased global demand for nature-based tourism, and the government’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure to enhance visitor experiences. In preparation for the season, the Discover Dominica Authority launched the island’s first Chief Experience Officer Training Program, equipping 147 service providers—including taxi operators, tour guides, vendors, and border control officers—with skills in customer engagement, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence. The minister urged all stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and pride, emphasizing that every interaction shapes the world’s perception of Dominica. The season will also feature expanded entertainment and cultural programming at key sites like the Old Market Plaza. The cruise season is set to close on August 27, with a cruise ship expected every two weeks during the summer months. Charles-Pemberton called on the nation to welcome visitors with pride and make this season the most remarkable yet.