Destination Trinidad welcomes Majestic Princess cruise ship
February 5th, 2025
The Majestic Princess, a premier vessel in the Princess Cruises fleet, made its highly anticipated inaugural call to Trinidad, further strengthening the island’s position as a key player in the regional cruise tourism industry. Destination Trinidad welcomed the ship at the Port of Spain Cruise Ship Complex with a ceremonial crest exchange, an executive tour, and a vibrant cultural showcase.
The Majestic Princess arrived at 8:00 AM and departed at 6:00 PM, bringing approximately 3,469 passengers who had the opportunity to explore Trinidad’s rich heritage, culture, and attractions. This visit was part of the vessel’s 14-day Circle Caribbean itinerary, which began on January 21, 2025, in Florida and included stops in Sint Maarten, Saint Kitts, Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad, Aruba, and Curaçao before returning to Florida.
On board for the special occasion were Keiba Jacob Mottley, Chairman of TTL; Cornell Buckradee, Interim CEO of Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL); Charles Carvalho, Port Agent; Peter Corbie, Operations Manager of the Carnival Museum; and Natalya Scott Crawford, Cruise Shipping Supervisor for the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.
As part of the welcome experience, TTL, in collaboration with the Carnival Museum, brought traditional Carnival characters on board the vessel to give passengers a preview of the upcoming Carnival season. Costumed portrayals of iconic figures such as the Pierrot Grenade, Dame Lorraine, and Fancy Sailor entertained guests, offering them an immersive glimpse into Trinidad’s cultural heritage.
Captain Giuseppe Castellano – Italian of Majestic Princess expressed his enthusiasm about the visit, stating, “We were especially excited to visit Trinidad, as we know the people to be very warm and welcoming. Beyond that, Trinidad’s unique cultural appeal and world-famous Carnival make it a standout destination in the Caribbean. It was a pleasure to get a peek at the vibrant Carnival spirit through the traditional characters who greeted us today.”
A total of 912 passengers from Majestic Princess embarked on pre-booked tours across the island, with the most popular excursions being the City and Culture Tour, Maracas Beach Tour, and the Caroni Bird Sanctuary Tour.
The cruise season officially began on October 8, 2024, with the arrival of the Seabourn Venture. For the 2024–2025 cruise season, Destination Trinidad is expected to welcome 22, including five (5) inaugural visits. From October 8 to December 30, 2024, the island welcomed 7,519 cruise passengers, highlighting its growing appeal in the Caribbean. Looking ahead, the next inaugural call will be the Hanseatic Nature from the Hapag-Lloyd cruise line on April 20, 2025.
Cornell Buckradee, Interim CEO of TTL, emphasised the importance of cruise tourism in driving economic activity and cultural exchange, stating, “Every cruise call presents an opportunity to showcase the warmth, vibrancy, and uniqueness of Destination Trinidad. As we continue to welcome visitors from across the globe, we remain committed to delivering authentic, unforgettable experiences that inspire return visits.”
Following the ceremonial crest exchange, the delegation embarked on an exclusive tour of the vessel, exploring its luxurious amenities and offerings. The visit aligned with Destination Trinidad’s ongoing efforts to enhance cruise tourism, increase visitor engagement, and solidify the island’s reputation as a premier cultural and adventure tourism hub.
With the Carnival season fast approaching, passengers of Majestic Princess received an unforgettable preview of what awaited them should they choose to return for the grand celebrations.
