Bonaire continues to grow its cruise tourism sector at an impressive rate, stemming from years of outreach with key industry executives leading to a projected increase in cruise arrivals to about 250,000 for 2015 calendar year and to approximately 400,000 in 2016.
“As a result of our long standing commitment, along with our focus on improving our destination product and service offerings, we are pleased to announce that this growth will continue”, said Gabriele Tixi, Bonaire Cruise Manager “Bonaire is becoming an increasingly desired port of call according to the cruise line executives and offers their clients a new, “less traveled”, Southern Caribbean island”.
Furthermore, Bonaire will be added to the itineraries of Pullmantur Cruises starting September 22nd, 2015 and thereafter every Tuesday, offering embarkation from Bonaire. This year in November, and for the first time, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will be calling on Port Kralendijk for its passengers. Offseason calls in the summer of 2016 are also scheduled leading to year round cruise ships docked at Port Kralendijk.
Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) continues to build a solid reputation for its cruise tourism product. Its representatives have attended many cruise tourism events and have participated in trade shows and conferences including the PAMAC Cruise, Cruise Shipping Miami and Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) sponsored conferences. As a result of their continued presence at these events and high profile among cruise line executives, Bonaire’s market visibility has increased and overall, the destination has garnered a successful cruise season.