Martinique Cruise Surge Adds New Options for DR Itineraries

While the Dominican Republic remains the Caribbean's dominant cruise destination, a smaller French-Caribbean island is making waves of its own. Martinique is experiencing a significant surge in cruise traffic, according to Caribbean Journal, with port calls at Fort-de-France climbing sharply over the past year.

The Numbers Behind the Growth

The island welcomed 322,640 cruise passengers in 2025, representing a 20.9 percent jump over the prior year, as reported by Caribbean Journal. That kind of growth is notable in a region where several destinations have plateaued, and it suggests cruise lines are actively diversifying their Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

Why This Matters for DR Travelers

For visitors planning a Dominican Republic cruise or a multi-island Caribbean voyage, Martinique's rise is worth watching. Several major cruise lines that call at Amber Cove in Puerto Plata and the Port of La Romana also include Martinique on their longer Southern and Eastern Caribbean loops. If you're booking a repositioning cruise or an extended itinerary that begins or ends in the DR, expect to see more sailings that pair Puerto Plata or Santo Domingo with stops in Fort-de-France.

The trend also reflects broader competition for cruise dollars in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic continues to lead the region in overall cruise arrivals thanks to its dedicated ports at Amber Cove and Taino Bay, but the growth in destinations like Martinique means travelers now have more variety when choosing multi-stop itineraries.

Practical Tips for Cruisers

If your DR cruise vacation includes a Martinique stop, keep a few things in mind:

• Currency: Martinique uses the euro, while the DR uses the Dominican peso. Plan card and cash accordingly.
• Language: French is the official language in Martinique; Spanish dominates in the DR.
• Shore excursions: Book DR excursions in advance during high season, as Amber Cove and Taino Bay can host multiple mega-ships on the same day.

Cruise passengers considering a longer stay in the Dominican Republic after disembarking should note that both Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo have expanded post-cruise hotel packages, giving travelers an easy way to extend their Caribbean trip.