Passengers of MV Emerald Azzurra engage in various tours in Dominica

The luxury cruise MV Emerald Azzurra of Celebrity Cruises arrived in the Commonwealth of Dominica on January 3, marking its inaugural visit to the island.

The ship brought over 100 cruise passengers who visited Dominica for the first time and was immersed in unique tours in the North, including a visit to Purple Turtle Beach.

This beach is known for its pristine waters and vibrant marine life. The passengers also visited the Indian River, which offers a glimpse into Dominica's rich biodiversity, and the Cabrits National Park, which is home to a historic fort and rich wildlife. They also witnessed the beauty of the Syndicate nature trail, which is a haven for birdwatchers.

The Ministry of Tourism of Dominica hosted a plaque exchange ceremony aboard the shop to commemorate its maiden visit. MV Emerald Azzurra will be making one more call during the 2023/24 cruise season. [caption id="attachment_66181" align="alignnone" width="642"] MV Emerald Azzurra[/caption]

The cruise is an impressive passenger ship which was constructed in 2022 and sails under the flag of the Bahamas. Its overall length is 110 meters, and its width spans over 16 meters.

The ship boasts a carrying capacity of 100 passengers, 76 crew members, 7 decks and 50 cabins.

For the ongoing cruise season, the Ministry of Tourism anticipated 222 cruise calls, which will bring around 360,000 passengers to the island.

Of these 222 cruises, 13 are expected to be inaugural calls, and in December 2023, the country received 69 cruise calls, bringing in 86,363 passengers. Around 62, 843 passengers were reported to disembark on the island nation, with 36,009 engaging in exclusive tours.

The country is witnessing a thriving cruise season, and amid that, it is also welcoming several unscheduled calls.

The Discover Dominica Authority have also urged all tourism stakeholders to make sure of a welcoming, safe and enjoyable experience for cruise visitors throughout this season.

The government of Dominica is also continuing its relentless efforts to promote the island as a safe and desirable cruise destination while aiming to increase cruise calls to the island nation.