By the Caribbean Journal staff

It was a banner year for Martinique’s cruise sector last year, according to local tourism officials.

The destination and its signature port in the capital of Fort-de-France welcomed more than 620,000 cruise passengers last year.

That came across a total of 278 port calls, according to a statement.

And now the port is seeing even more growth, with the news that one of Carnival’s largest ships is planning its return to Martinique.

Carnival Glory.

Carnival Glory, the Conquest-class ship that is among the cruise line’s biggest, will head to Martinique on Feb. 22, 2019.

The ship will be visiting the island as part of a “Caribbean Carnival Journey,” which will include stops in St Croix, Guadeloupe, Barbados, Martinique, Antigua, St Maarten and Tortola.

The 12-night cruise will sail out of Miami.

 “It is a true pleasure for us all to welcome back the Carnival Glory. We very much look forward to greeting its passengers,” said Karine Mousseau, Martinique Tourism Commissioner.

— CJ