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New Cruise Season Kicks Off With Seven Inaugural Calls

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Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP) has enthusiastically welcomed the 2025/2026 cruise season highlighted by the inaugural visits of seven vessels to St. Lucia’s shores in October and November. Grand Princess, under the leadership of captain Stefano Ravera arrived at Port Castries followed by Amera at Port Soufriere under the guidance of Captain Dariel Valdes during the month of October. November brought a surge with five more vessels – MV Renaissance, AIDAblu, MS Allura, Celebrity Ascent and Vasco Da Gama docking at both Port Castries and Soufriere.

With the visit of these seven new vessels and the return of other cruise lines, Saint Lucia has welcomed a total number of 119,542 passengers and 56 cruise vessels from October 1, 2025, through to November 30, 2025.

MS Allura on November 23, 2025, (left to right), Racquel Preville, Marketing Manager SLCP and Captain Silic Pavle.
MS Allura on November 23, 2025, (left to right), Racquel Preville, Marketing Manager SLCP and Captain Silic Pavle.

Each vessel was welcomed by a contingent from The Ministry of Tourism, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Invest Saint Lucia, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority and Saint Lucia Cruise Port who warmly welcomed the various captains, crew and passengers with the traditional plaque exchange ceremony.

(left to right) Chief Officer and Captain Jouffroy Yan of MV Renaissance with Racquel Preville Marketing andCommunications Manager and Jahkim Daniel, Operations Manager of SLCP on November 16th, 2025.
(left to right) Chief Officer and Captain Jouffroy Yan of MV Renaissance with Racquel Preville Marketing and
Communications Manager and Jahkim Daniel, Operations Manager of SLCP on November 16th, 2025.

Saint Lucia Cruise Port is say they are extremely pleased to highlight the introduction of a new plaque used with artwork created by 15- year-old student Zaira Cadette, the winner of plaque design competition highlighting the theme Saint Lucia, Her Beauty, Her Splendor. Zaira’s captivating art piece displays the four seasons of Saint Lucia, Independence, Carnival, St. Lucia jazz and Kwéyòl festival.

Captain Tasos Kafetzis and Crew of Celebrity Ascent at plaque exchange ceremony on November 25, 2025.
Captain Tasos Kafetzis and Crew of Celebrity Ascent at plaque exchange ceremony on November 25, 2025.

SLCP advances major construction at Port Castries, including a new Boardwalk and upgraded Vendor’s Arcade, to elevate the passenger experience and spotlight locally owned products and services. Construction at Port Soufriere is set to begin shortly, featuring the development of a new amphitheater, an extended boardwalk, and enhanced food and beverage facilities along the Soufriere Waterfront. These enhancements aim to boost infrastructure, diversify product offerings and drive economic growth as Saint Lucia grows as a premier cruise destination within the region.

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