Martinique Opens New Cruise Village

Tourism Commissioner Karine Roy-Camille
cuts the ribbon to open the Cruise Village

Cruise passengers going ashore in Martinique are set to be greeted by the Martinique Tourism Authority’s latest initiative to welcome them to the island—the Martinique Cruise Village. Located at the Pointe Simon Cruise Terminal at the entrance of downtown Fort-de-France, the complex consists of vendors and information points that will be open from 8:30am to 4:30pm on days of ship calls until Friday, April 18, 2014.

The village features a wide variety of vendors, who all accept US dollars, including: local clothing stands, jewelry and accessory designers, locally-produced skin care products and perfumes, souvenir shops, local artists exhibiting their paintings and artisanal treats. Set to the rhythm of live music, the experience is enriched by local dancing and rum tasting. In addition,visitors will soon be able to buy the local AOC rums.

Mrs. Karine Roy-Camille, the Martinique Tourism Commissioner said, “This temporary cruise village is a milestone for the cruise passengers’ experience in Martinique. We hope to enhance visitors’ appreciation of the island by extending the traditional Martinican hospitality from the moment they step off the boat.”

The Martinique Tourism Authority and the Fort-de-France tourist office also have booths onsite to assist visitors in planning their perfect day on the island. Further into the city, visitors will be assisted by “city stewards” easily noticeable by their red jacket uniforms. These multilingual local guides, dispatched throughout the city, are on hand to answers questions, give directions and greet visitors.

Cruise lines making port calls in Martinique during the 2013-2014 cruise season include: Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Aida, Seabourn, Star Clippers, Club Med, Compagnie du Ponant, Costa, MSC, Sea Cloud, and Swan Hellenic.

Image Courtesy of Martinique Tourism Authority