New York, September 24, 2018 —The Island of Martinique’ great port of Fort-de-France won second place in the Seatrade Cruise Awards’ Port of the Year category. The award was announced in Lisbon on September 19, 2018 featuring three finalists: the port of Dublin—the 2018 winner, the port of Martinique and the port of Quebec.
“We are thrilled that our efforts and the improvements we made to welcome the top cruise ships and their passengers have been recognized by the great organization Seatrade and the cruise industry leaders who judged the competition” said Jean-Rémy Villageois, CEO of the Martinique Port Authority.
The “Grand Port” of Fort-de-France—the island’s capital, features the passenger cruise terminals of Pointe-Simon Cruise Terminal and nearby Tourelles. These modern facilities are located the capital’s magnificent bay which was named among the “Most Beautiful Bays in the World.”
The Pointe Simon Cruise Terminal in Fort-de-France’s is now the island’s most frequented and state-of-the-art cruise facility. It is attached to a promenade, along the seaside that leads directly into the heart of the capital city. The early 2018 inaugurations of the first shops of the new shopping center of la Pointe Simon have also contributed to the site’s appeal.
The Tourelles Cruise Terminal in Fort-de-France also received an upgrade, with expanded facilities, additional security lines and new VIP room for larger home ported vessels.
Martinique Salutes Carnival Glory
Recognizing the Isle of Flower’s know-how and beauty, the Carnival Glory, one of the cruise line’s “fun ships” will call on Martinique February 22nd, 2019. The cruise, which is part of the “Caribbean Carnival Journeys,” will depart Miami for its 12-night romp through Caribbean on February 16. Through February 28 Carnival Glory will visit the U.S. Virgin Islands’ St. Croix, The Islands of Guadeloupe, Barbados, Martinique—the Isle of Flowers,- Antigua - St.Marteen/Saint-Martin and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.
On learning of the return of this great ship, Karine Mousseau, Martinique Tourism Commissioner said: “It is a true pleasure for us all to welcome back the Carnival Glory. We very much look forward to greeting its passengers.”
The Conquest-class ship—among the largest of the Carnival fleet—is an amazing floating resort, featuring the Camel Club Casino, an impressive array of clubs, shops and lounges, Very family friendly it includes family entertainment areas like a teen club, a video game roomand Camp Carnival. It also boasts Spa Carnival and large selection of international and specialty eateries. 60% of the staterooms have ocean views and private balconies.
Martinique is now well on the cruise world’s map. In 2017 it welcomed over 620,000 passengers during 278 port calls.
About Martinique (http://us.martinique.org/) The French Caribbean Island of Martinique is also known as the Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, the Birthplace of coffee in the New World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) – Martinique ranks among the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world. As an overseas region of France, Martinique boasts modern and reliable infrastructure – roads, water and power utilities, hospitals, and telecommunications, services all on par with any other part of the European Union. At the same time, Martinique’s beautifully unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, rainforests, 80+ miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, streams, and other natural wonders
are unparalleled in the Caribbean, so visitors here truly get the best of both worlds. The currency is the Euro, the flag and the official language are French, but Martinique’s character, cuisine, musical heritage, art, culture, common language, and identity are of a distinctly Afro-Caribbean inclination known as Creole. It is this special combination of modern world conveniences, pristine nature, and rich heritage that has earned for Martinique several notable distinctions in recent years. In 2018, Martinique is highlighted in the Caribbean segment of the New York Time’s “52 Places to go in 2018.” and prominently featured in a January 2018 article in Travel + Leisure. In a 2017 review of noteworthy French Islands throughout the world ThePointsGuy.com selected Martinique as number one. Other distinctions include being named as a “Must-Visit” destination by Caribbean Journal, “Best Caribbean Destination” by About.com, and “Top Caribbean Island for Delectable Dining” by Caribbean Travel + Life.