Trinidad gets ready to welcome 30,000 cruise visitors

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – Sixteen ships and over 30,000 cruise visitors are expected to experience the scenic wonderland of Trinidad and Tobago when the 2015/2016 cruise ship season kicks off in Novem

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – Sixteen ships and over 30,000 cruise visitors are expected to experience the scenic wonderland of Trinidad and Tobago when the 2015/2016 cruise ship season kicks off in November.

As Trinidad and Tobago continues to aggressively pursue the cruise market, the upcoming season, which ends in May 2016, represents a 56 percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals, when compared to the same period last year.

Some of the worldโ€™s most luxurious cruise ships have added Trinidad and Tobago to their itineraries for the upcoming season including the MSC Orchestra, with a capacity of over 2,000 passengers and the intimate yet sumptuous World Odyssey and Voyager ships. Also making a return to Trinidad and Tobagoโ€™s waters are the Saga Sapphire and Seven Ocean Princess.

The increasing popularity of Trinidad and Tobago as a port-of-call comes as the Caribbean Tourism Organization reported 104 percent growth in cruise tourism arrivals for the twin island nation between 2014 and 2015, the largest rate of growth reported for any destination.

As the amount of visiting ships grow in number, so too are the variety of on-shore activities and tours available for cruise passengers, both in and beyond the city of Port of Spain. Shore side activities are as much a part of the cruise experience as enjoying the onboard services of the cruise ship and visitors to the islands can explore through the eyes of a local the City Tour, bask in the beauty of the lush northern mountain range en route to Maracas Beach or witness the spectacular sight of Scarlet Ibis at the Caroni Swamp and Bird Sanctuary.

The Tourism Development Company (TDC) of Trinidad and Tobago is committed to ensuring that every cruise visitor experiences the warmth and vivacity of Trinidad and Tobago and will be deploying Visitor Guides in and around the Port of Port of Spain to assist passengers. Local tourism ambassadors, Visitor Guides are strategically positioned at the cruise ship terminal and in the streets of the capital city to assist passengers with maps and information on local points of interest.

As Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism sector prepares a warm welcome for cruise visitors the islands will also benefit from the opportunity to showcase its sites, attractions and amenities to thousands of tourists.

About Trinidad & Tobago

Home to the largest Carnival celebration in the Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago is the southernmost Caribbean nation located seven miles east off the Venezuelan coast. Ranked the happiest nation in the Caribbean by the United Nationsโ€™ World Happiness Report, in 2013 and 2015, the destinationโ€™s distinct and harmonious blend of cultures, eclectic cuisine and environmental treasures continue to attract travelers of all ages to its shores. Birthplace of the limbo and the world famous steelpan, the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century, as well as a diverse mix of monthlyfestivals and events, itโ€™s little wonder that Trinidad is known as the โ€˜cultural capital of the Caribbean.โ€™ Sister island Tobago offers a quintessential Caribbean vibe with secluded beaches, quaint villages, private villas and award-winning eco attractions. Tobago is home to the largest brain coral in the Western Hemisphere and the oldest protected reserve in the Western hemisphere, The Main Ridge Rainforest. Come and explore Trinidad and Tobago-the true Caribbean!

For more information on upcoming special events and attractions in Trinidad & Tobago visit trinidadandtobago.com or visittobago.gov.tt

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Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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