Disney Magic of Disney Cruise Line made its inaugural call to Dominica on Tuesday May 16th, 2023, at the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth. This was Disney cruise line’s second call to the island, with Disney Fantasy having called in July 2022. In commemoration of the ship’s first call to Dominica, a welcome ceremony including a plaque exchange with the ship’s captain and crew, was held aboard the ship.
The 83,969-ton vessel has a passenger capacity of approximately 2,400, served by 950 crew members. The passenger type is family oriented, thus efforts to cater to the interest of the passengers, includes a kid’s corner with an array of activities for the children’s involvement. Other on shore activities organized by the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) included performances showcasing Dominica’s culture, dress, and heritage. A mini cultural parade along with other cultural acts was coordinated by Dominica’s cultural specialist, Mr. Raymond Lawrence. Passengers of Disney Fantasy were also serenaded by live performances from local bands which were scheduled at intervals throughout the day.
The island’s cruise stakeholders to include Craft & Souvenir Vendors, Taxi Operators and Tour Operators, were all in gear for rendering exceptional services to the passengers and crew of Disney Magic. Dominica’s major cruise sites such as Emerald Pool, Trafalgar Falls and Mero Beach were heavily visited by cruise passengers.
Dominica’s cruise industry is on the rebound after a devasting blow from the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the cessation of cruise activity for a sixteen-month period from March 2020. Based on preliminary data, the season yielded 244,265 visitors, exceeding the 2021/22 season by 71%. This performance also surpassed the pre-pandemic season (2019–2020) by 29%.
DDA looks forward to the 2023/2024 cruise season and solicits the cooperation of all tourism stakeholders in ensuring a welcoming and enjoyable experience for the cruise visitors for the upcoming cruise season. The Government of Dominica will continue its effort in promoting Dominica as a desirable cruise destination to increase cruise calls to Dominica.
