Disney Cruise Line Steers Clear of Martinique Due To New Passport Restrictions
Last Fall we shared the news that passport requirements have changed for the island of Martinique in the Southern Caribbean. Carnival Cruise Line began notifying passengers back in September of 2019 that officials in Martinique changed their passport policy and that all visitors to the island needed a valid passport to go ashore. Officials in Martinique were firm in advising that passport requirements would be strictly enforced by local authorities.
Disney Cruise Line has said little about these updated requirements until now. It would seem that Disney has made the decision to bypass the Island of Martinique during Southern Caribbean favoring St Lucia instead.
Here’s the official letter going out to clients booked on the June 27, 2020, 9-Night South Caribbean Sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy:
We are writing to provide you and your clients with important information regarding their June 27, 2020, 9-night sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy. We recently became aware that Martinique now requires all Guests going ashore have a passport. Knowing the impact this change will have on our Guests without passports, we have made the decision to visit Castries, St. Lucia instead of Fort-de-France, Martinique on July 1, 2020. St. Lucia boasts mountainous peaks, lush rainforests and breathtaking vistas. We know our Guests will enjoy this popular port. We look forward to welcoming your clients onboard and providing them with an exceptional cruise experience. Sincerely, The Cast and Crew |
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Disney Cruise Line describes St. Lucia as a volcanic island with vibrant natural beauty and a mix of African, French and British cultures. British influences can be felt in the language which is primarily English. French culture is infused in the arts, music, and dancing. Because the population of the island is primarily of African descent the residents of Castries also place a strong emphasis on family.
The island is known for its scenic natural wonders- including mountains, forests and beaches. Highlights of your island visit could include:
- Shopping- Pointe Seraphine is the destination of choice for treasure hunters, offering a variety of shops selling artwork, wood carvings, straw mats and clay pottery.
- National Rain Forest – Guests looking to lose themselves to the unspoiled beauty of nature will want to visit the National Rain Forest, home to 19,000 acres of stunning flora and fauna, and Latille Waterfalls and Gardens, brimming with rushing waterfalls, windswept trees and winding hiking paths perfect for exploration.
- Pigeon Island – Adventure seekers and history buffs should visit Pigeon Island, where stately ruins—including that of an actual fort—paint a picture of St. Lucia’s tumultuous past.
- La Sikwe Historical Sugar Mill & Plantation – Visit the museum highlighting St. Lucia’s primary agricultural staple amid the picture-perfect surroundings of a tranquil botanical garden.
- Beaches – Jalousie Beach is where the dramatic Piton volcanic peaks—the symbol of St. Lucia—towering majestically in the distance. Snorkelers are invited to glimpse the abundant sea life at Anse Chastanet beach without ever having to journey out to deeper waters.
- Sulphur Spring s- A visit to St. Lucia would be incomplete without a trip to Sulphur Springs, known the world-over as the only drive-in volcano in the world.
- Marigot Bay- Enjoy beautiful Marigot Bay, the picturesque inlet surrounded by green hills which served as the setting for Doctor Doolittle, the 1967 film starring Rex Harrison.
At the moment, the only cruise Disney has re-routed to St. Lucia is the 9-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral departing on June 27, 2020. No news as of yet as to whether this change will be permanent and what impact it will have on future sailings.
Here at MickeyBlog we’ll be keeping an eye on upcoming itineraries and promise to keep you posted!
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