Cruise season starts in Guadeloupe

The cruise season in Guadeloupe will begin at the Saintes, with the ship Le Bellot (Ponant Explorations) arriving at Terre-de-Haut on October 27. In Pointe-à-Pitre, the Mein Schiff 2 (TUI Cruises) will open the season on November 7, followed by several other cruise ships throughout November.

Increased passenger numbers expected

The total capacity of the scheduled ships is estimated at 430,000 passengers, compared to 386,906 passengers welcomed during the previous season. This increase reflects efforts by the Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Committee (CTIG) to maximize the economic benefits from cruise tourism.

Strategic planning for cruise stops

According to the CTIG, these stops are the result of several months of preparation. The territory plans to use multiple ports, including Pointe-à-Pitre and Basse-Terre, as well as three moorings: Terre-de-Haut, Deshaies, and Saint-Louis on Marie-Galante. The CTIG has worked to encourage cruise companies to diversify their itineraries, especially by including Deshaies.

Growing interest in Deshaies

Laurence Corenthin, responsible for cruises and nautical activities within the CTIG, states that the number of stops at Deshaies increased by nearly 60% during the previous season. This growth is partly due to the area’s appeal, including its connection to the popular TV series Murder in Paradise.

Supporting local businesses

In Pointe-à-Pitre, the CTIG has launched the Cruise Friendly program, which 21 merchants participated in during the previous season. This initiative helps local businesses by providing visibility through signs and an interactive map shared with cruise companies. In return, merchants commit to being open on port days, including Sundays.

Improving customer experience

A WhatsApp group was created to help passengers find open stores and attentive service. Merchants receive information about incoming ships, passenger numbers, and their nationalities, allowing them to prepare for crowds. The program has been well-received, with 72% of participating merchants reporting satisfaction with the traffic generated by cruise passengers.

Training for tourism professionals

In early September, nearly 90 professionals, guides, and excursion providers participated in four training days organized with Aquila, a Canadian organization specializing in cruise tourism. The Vendor Excellence training aimed to improve their understanding of cruise customer expectations and enhance service quality.

Surveying local businesses

The CTIG also surveyed more than 300 professionals during the previous season to refine its strategy. The results were positive, with 70% of respondents noting an increase in customer traffic due to cruise passengers. However, 84% of sellers reported average basket sizes below 20 euros, and nearly six out of ten noted a decrease in spending.

Passenger satisfaction and market insights

Among the passengers surveyed at tourist information points, 80% declared their wish to return while 14% considered it. The British represent 35.8% of respondents, followed by Germans and French. The CTIG uses this data to better inform visitors about accommodations and air connections, and to target specific markets for promotion.

Future plans and events

With the port calls of the MSC Opera scheduled every fifteen days in Pointe-à-Pitre starting in May, the CTIG is already listing festivals and events that may interest passengers. This approach aims to enhance the overall visitor experience and increase engagement with local attractions.