January turned into a memorable month for Dominica as the island welcomed several cruise ships making their very first calls. For local ports, tourism officials and residents, the arrivals were a clear sign that Dominica is steadily gaining attention as a must-visit Caribbean destination.
Each visit was marked with traditional plaque exchange ceremonies, adding a celebratory feel to what has already been a strong winter cruise season.
Royal Caribbean set the tone on January 23, 2026, when Brilliance of the Seas arrived in Roseau for the first time. The ship became the ninth vessel to make a maiden call during the 2025–26 season.
Sailing on a seven-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean itinerary from San Juan, the visit introduced many guests to Dominica’s lush landscapes, volcanic scenery and unspoiled coastline, offering a quieter and more nature-focused stop compared to other Caribbean ports.
Just one day later, Cunard’s Queen Victoria followed with her own inaugural visit on January 24. The elegant ship was part of a 35-night round-trip cruise from Southampton in the United Kingdom.
Industry reports noted that January saw several first-time cruise ship visits to Dominica, highlighting the island’s growing presence on Caribbean itineraries.
Guests onboard were treated to a longer stay in the region, with Dominica standing out as a unique highlight along a route that included several Caribbean destinations as well as North Atlantic ports.
Earlier in the month, Dominica also welcomed the Hebridean Sky for its first-ever call at the Cabrits Cruise Ship Berth in Portsmouth on January 15.
The move reflects a broader trend of cruise lines repositioning ships to major U.S. homeports to support short, themed, and charter-focused sailings.
The smaller expedition-style vessel brought a different kind of cruise guest, often more interested in in-depth exploration and cultural experiences.
Local officials and community leaders joined the welcoming ceremony, underlining the importance of these calls for nearby towns and businesses.
Tourism representatives say maiden calls like these play an important role in strengthening Dominica’s cruise profile while spreading economic benefits across the island.
Other first-time visitors this season include Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Ascent. As the winter season continues, Dominica is quietly building momentum, with each new ship visit helping to position the island as a destination cruise lines are eager to return to.
