First Cruise Ship Visits Dominica Since Hurricane Maria

   January 3, 2018 ,   Cruise Industry

Dominica welcomed its first cruise ship visit to its shore since devastating Hurricane Maria in September.

The Nature Island welcomed Sea Cloud Cruises' Sea Cloud II, which anchored at Purple Turtle Beach, Portsmouth on December 28 with approximately 200 passengers onboard.

The visitors took part in several excursions in the north of the island, such as horseback riding on Purple Turtle Beach and tours to Fort Shirley at Cabrits National Park.

Port of Portsmouth Dominica

The category V Hurricane Maria caused major damage to the economy of the island, including tourism sector.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the country was on course for 44.3% increase in cruise passenger arrivals during 2017-2018 season in comparison with the year before.

However, the storm curtailed the growth, with many lines canceling December calls to Dominica.