Port information & tips for Portsmouth
Portsmouth is the charming gateway to the untouched north of Dominica and delights as the island's second-largest city with its authentic Caribbean serenity. The picturesque location on Prince Rupert Bay offers travelers an impressive natural backdrop of lush rainforest and azure water. Absolute highlights include the directly adjacent Cabrits National Park with the historic Fort Shirley, as well as an idyllic boat trip on the nearby Indian River, which enchants with its dense mangrove vegetation. Cruise ships dock at the modern Cabrits Cruise Ship Berth, located in the immediate vicinity of the national park. Thanks to the short distance of about two kilometers, visitors can easily reach the lively city center of Portsmouth by taxi or on a relaxing walk along the coast.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
The port of Portsmouth on Dominica, located in the picturesque Prince Rupert Bay, is a charming port of call for smaller cruise ships and expedition vessels. The Cabrits Cruise Ship Berth, nestled within Cabrits National Park, serves as the main docking facility, while larger ships use tenders. Arriving early is recommended due to long flight times, ensuring a relaxed start to your cruise adventure.
Airplane
Travel to the Portsmouth cruise port is usually by air via Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM), Dominica's main airport on the island's northeast coast. There are no direct flights from the DACH region; instead, you connect through Caribbean hubs such as Antigua (ANU), Barbados (BGI), St. Maarten (SXM), Guadeloupe (PTP), or San Juan (SJU). Airlines such as LIAT, Winair, or Air Antilles offer regional connecting flights. DOM airport is approximately 45 minutes to an hour's drive from Portsmouth.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM), you can easily reach Portsmouth by taxi or pre-booked shuttle service. Taxis are available at the airport, and official rates are fixed, with a trip to Portsmouth costing about 80 US dollars. Numerous local providers offer private transfers that will take you directly and comfortably to the Cabrits Cruise Ship Berth. The winding roads provide your first impressions of Dominica's lush nature.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to long international flight times and the necessity of connecting flights, it is recommended to arrive in Dominica at least one day before embarkation. A pre-cruise hotel in or near Portsmouth allows for a relaxed start to your journey. In Portsmouth and the surrounding area, you will find various accommodations to get used to the Caribbean flair and board your ship well-rested.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
