Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Anthem of the Seas, made her inaugural call in the port of Martinique today while on a 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise. It’s a maritime tradition that every time a ship calls into a port for the first time a plaque and key is exchanged between port dignitaries and the cruise ship.
Captain Claus, the master of Anthem of the Seas said, “Quantum of the Seas was here for four calls, but I can promise you that Anthem will be here more than four times.”
Martinique, a Caribbean region of France, is just starting to see more cruise traffic again after years of being on the decline. Improved port infrastructure, taxi service, the acceptance of the USD, and more English being spoken has all contributed heavily to the growth of the port. Previously, almost everyone in the port spoke only French, making it difficult for the tourists to communicate, and cruise lines pulled their ships from calling in Martinique.
Anthem’s next stop is St. Kitts, and then onto St. Maarten before heading back to Bayonne. Anthem of the Seas is home ported in the New York City area and sails Caribbean, Bermuda and New England itineraries.
