Trinidad and Tobago is projecting a significant jump in cruise passenger traffic this season, as more cruise ships will be calling on the destination.

Local tourism officials are anticipating a bumper season, which is begin this month and run through April of 2024.  They say “all signs point” to major gains in traffic.

The first cruise vessel ship to visit the twin-island republic will be Seabourn Pursuit, which will arrive on October 11. Initial projections suggest just under 90,000 passengers and 30,000 crew will come along the shores, which would represent an 81 percent increase in passengers from last season. 

There will be 10 inaugural visits this year, along with five new cruise lines coming to Trinidad —with the latter including Seabourn, Ex Polaris, Victoria Cruises, Silver Seas Cruises and Salen Ship Management Company.

Last year, Trinidad reported 48,243 passengers across 29 calls in Port of Spain. 

Carla Cupid, CEO of Tourism Trinidad, is excited at the upcoming season saying, “employment opportunities flourished as the cruise season unfolded. Local guides, tour operators, taxi drivers, craft vendors and service personnel played a pivotal role in ensuring an unforgettable experience for cruise passengers.”

Conitinuing, Cupid remarked, “this surge in employment not only provided income for individuals but also fostered skills development and contributed to the growth of the local tourism sector.”