The British Virgin Islands is the fastest-growing cruise destination in the Caribbean, according to the latest numbers from the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

The archipelago reported a total of 699,105 cruise passenger arrivals last year, a 35.4 percent increase over 2015.

That was the largest increase of any destination in the Caribbean, followed by Martinique at 14.3 percent.

The growth has come thanks to the development of the Tortola Pier Park, which has drawn significantly more ships, thanks to new berthing agreements with Disney and Norwegian Cruise Line.

The pier park actually celebrated its first year anniversary last month.

“We are very pleased with our vast accomplishments since the grand opening last year, and are immensely grateful to our partner cruise lines, as well as all the other cruise lines who have made the BVI a port of call. We are especially appreciative to our wonderful tenants, patrons, and entertainers who have been paramount in our success,” said Dona Regis, CEO of Tortola Pier Park Ltd.

— Caribbean Journal Staff