Cliff Hamilton, Chairman of Tourism Trinidad Limited, extended a warm welcome to all, including executives from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, the Port of Spain City Corporation, and industry partners. He expressed the organisation's commitment to growing the cruise sector locally and highlighted the importance of the MS Nautica’s inaugural visit, remarking, "The arrival of the MS Nautica today is a testament to the hard work and strategic vision of Tourism Trinidad in the international market, as well as our ongoing efforts to position Trinidad as a premier destination in the Caribbean."
This season, Destination Trinidad is set to welcome 20 cruise calls from 11 different cruise lines, including an impressive six inaugural visits. This lineup reflects Trinidad’s rising appeal as a must-visit destination, attracting well-known cruise lines such as Seabourn/Carnival Corporation, Oceania Cruises, Seven Seas Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Hapag-Lloyd. In addition, Princess Cruises is scheduled for four calls, while Royal Caribbean’s EPIC will make five consecutive visits during Carnival, giving passengers the chance to immerse themselves in Trinidad’s vibrant festival culture.
The chairman added, “These achievements are the direct result of strategic initiatives by Tourism Trinidad to boost the island’s visibility on the global tourism stage. The team has actively participated in major international tradeshows, promoted the unique offerings of Destination Trinidad online, built strong relationships with global partners, and ensured that the destination meets the high standards expected by international visitors.”
Cornell Buckradee, CEO of Tourism Trinidad Limited, emphasised the tremendous opportunities that the cruise sector brings to local stakeholders and the broader tourism landscape. "Every cruise call is a gateway to economic growth, job creation, and invaluable exposure for our local tour operators, artisans, taxi drivers, and small businesses," Mr. Buckradee stated. "These visitors are not just tourists; they have the potential to become destination ambassadors for Trinidad, sharing their positive experiences with their personal and online networks, which is vital for building our reputation internationally."
He continued, "At Tourism Trinidad, we are dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience at every touchpoint. From the moment passengers arrive, our focus is on ensuring they have a seamless, enjoyable, and memorable stay. We have been working diligently to showcase our unique cultural offerings, captivating sites and attractions, and unparalleled hospitality. It’s this commitment to excellence that helps turn first-time visitors into lifelong advocates for our destination."
Following the official launch event, a distinguished delegation from Tourism Trinidad Limited, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Port of Spain City Corporation were invited onboard the MS Nautica for an exclusive executive tour. This tour provided a firsthand glimpse into the amenities and state-of-the-art facilities offered by the MS Nautica, showcasing the ship's commitment to delivering a high-quality experience to the passengers visiting Trinidad.
The highlight of the visit was the Traditional Crest Exchange Ceremony, a respected maritime tradition that serves as a symbolic gesture of goodwill and partnership. During the ceremony, the shipmaster of MS Nautica and local officials exchanged commemorative crests. This act not only marks the ship's first visit to Trinidad but also signifies the start of a fruitful and enduring relationship between the cruise line and Destination Trinidad.
The MS Nautica’s arrival and the official launch of the 2024–2025 cruise season are a testament to the strategic efforts made by Tourism Trinidad and its partners to foster strong relationships with international cruise lines, paving the way for increased cruise traffic and a vibrant, successful cruise season ahead.
