Grenada Welcomes Coral Princess to Open 2026 Cruise Season

Grenada’s 2026–2027 cruise season officially opened with the arrival of Coral Princess at the Melville Street Cruise Terminal, marking the start of an important period of business for the guides, vendors, attractions and service providers who bring Grenada’s visitor experience to life.

The Princess Cruises vessel, with a guest capacity of 2,000, marks the opening of a season with 192 scheduled calls through May 2027, including visits to Carriacou. A mix of large cruise ships, smaller luxury vessels and sailing ships will introduce a broad range of travellers to Grenada’s culture, landscapes and locally operated experiences.

The season provides an opportunity to strengthen the connection between cruise visitation and the wider tourism economy. The time visitors spend ashore supports local enterprise through excursions, transport, dining and purchases from vendors and artisans, while the quality of that experience helps shape their interest in returning for a longer stay.

Honourable Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture, highlighted the importance of ensuring that the season’s benefits extend to Grenadian businesses and communities stating,

“Cruise tourism provides an important avenue for our people to participate in the visitor economy. The knowledge of our guides, the creativity of our artisans and the hospitality of our communities are part of what visitors come here to experience. As we welcome the new season, our focus must be on supporting a tourism industry in which these contributions are valued and more Grenadians can build sustainable livelihoods.”

The busiest period is expected between December and February, with 38 calls scheduled for December, 42 for January and 44 for February. This concentration of activity gives tourism operators a clear basis for planning services and coordinating the visitor experience during the peak months.

“Each call gives us a valuable opportunity to show visitors why Grenada deserves more than a day on their itinerary,” said Randall Dolland, Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “Our task is to make that first experience compelling, from the welcome at the port to the places they explore and the people they meet. By connecting cruise visitors with the depth of our destination, we can strengthen Grenada’s appeal for future holidays while creating value for local businesses during their visit.”

That approach extends to Carriacou, where scheduled calls will introduce visitors to the sister island’s maritime heritage and distinctive experiences.

“A well-coordinated visit allows passengers to make the most of their time ashore and gives our service providers the best opportunity to deliver,” explained Shanai St. Bernard, Nautical Development Manager at the Grenada Tourism Authority. “Working with cruise lines, port partners and local operators, our priority is to support a smooth arrival and a welcoming experience, with clear information and dependable service throughout. Those details matter both to our guests and to the relationships that sustain Grenada’s cruise business.”