Dominica has welcomed the first ship of its 2026-27 cruise season. Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas called at Roseau on 8 October 2026, and the island is preparing for a busy winter with nearly 270 ship calls. For UK travellers, it is a good moment to look at Southern Caribbean cruises and the “Nature Island” itself.

Rhapsody of the Seas Kicks Off the Season in Roseau

Rhapsody of the Seas docked at the Roseau Cruise Ship Pier on 8 October 2026, marking the start of Dominica’s new cruise season. Discover Dominica reports that a ceremony was held on board to mark the occasion.

Speakers included representatives from the Discover Dominica Authority, the Ministry of Tourism, the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA) and the ship’s local agent. Dominican officials and the ship’s officers also exchanged commemorative plaques, a traditional gesture for a first call of the season. The ship was built in 1996.

What to Expect from Dominica’s 2026-27 Season

According to Discover Dominica, the destination expects nearly 270 cruise calls and more than 475,000 visitors over the season. The tourism agency said Dominica is looking forward to welcoming guests and creating opportunities across its tourism sector.

Rhapsody of the Seas is due to return regularly. Seven more calls are scheduled before the end of 2026. Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas will also visit Roseau this winter.

Other lines serving the island include Costa Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, Marella Cruises, AIDA Cruises, CFC and Windstar, among others. This variety means travellers can find Dominica on everything from mainstream family cruises to small-ship and luxury itineraries.

The Southern Caribbean Itinerary Behind the Opening Call

Rhapsody of the Seas arrived in Dominica on a seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise, sailing round trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The itinerary also included:

• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• St. John’s, Antigua
• St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

The ship returned to San Juan on 10 October 2026.

This kind of route is typical of Southern Caribbean cruising, with a different island each day and a mix of beaches, shopping and nature, all in a single week.

Why Dominica Appeals to Cruise Guests

Dominica is known as the Nature Island, and it tends to attract travellers who want more than a beach day. Port days there are usually built around the outdoors, such as rainforest walks, rivers and waterfalls, and the island’s volcanic landscape. If you prefer scenery and wildlife to resort-style stops, it is worth asking your agent which itineraries include a full day in Roseau.

Planning a Southern Caribbean Cruise from the UK

Some points for UK travellers considering a winter Caribbean cruise:

• Choose your embarkation port: San Juan is a popular starting point for Southern Caribbean sailings, but ships also leave from other Caribbean and US ports.
• Consider a fly-cruise: a flight from the UK to Puerto Rico or another gateway, plus a night or two before sailing, helps avoid missed departures.
• Look at UK-friendly lines: Marella Cruises is among the lines calling at Dominica and is well known with British guests.
• Book early for the peak winter weeks: Christmas, New Year and February half-term are the busiest times.
• Check excursions: shore trips in Dominica are often outdoors, so ask about fitness levels and what to wear.

Itineraries, port calls and ship deployments can change, so always check the latest details before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Dominica’s 2026-27 cruise season start?
It opened on 8 October 2026 with the arrival of Rhapsody of the Seas at Roseau.

How many cruise calls is Dominica expecting this season?
Discover Dominica expects nearly 270 calls and more than 475,000 visitors.

Which cruise lines visit Dominica?
Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, Marella Cruises, AIDA Cruises, CFC and Windstar are among those scheduled.

Which other Royal Caribbean ships are visiting this winter?
Vision of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas will call at Roseau, along with Rhapsody of the Seas.

What other ports were on the Rhapsody of the Seas itinerary?
St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antigua and St. Croix, on a seven-night round trip from San Juan.

Can I book a Southern Caribbean cruise from the UK?
Yes. Contact our team for current availability, fares and fly-cruise packages. Itineraries are subject to change.

Book a Southern Caribbean Cruise with Cruise Continent

Our UK-based cruise specialists can help you compare Southern Caribbean itineraries that call at Dominica and arrange flights and pre- or post-cruise stays. Call [phone number], email [email address] or [enquire online] to start planning your winter escape.