Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) has announced that for the first time, Carnival Cruise Lines will call on Bonaire in January 2015, totaling nine calls in 2015.

The TCB is projecting a total of approximately 180,000 passenger arrivals for the 2014/2015 season and 200,000 to 250,000 cruise passenger arrivals for the 2015/2016 season with a ceiling of 250,000 passengers in the high season.

The calls are the results of conversations that were recently held with select cruise lines in Miami, according to the TCB. The meetings were also focused on ship calls in the low season, which would make Bonaire a year-round port of call.

“I am pleased that Bonaire is achieving higher marks in categories such as ‘Appeal’ and ‘Satisfaction,’ with our authenticity being a strong selling point for the cruise lines planning itineraries in the Southern Caribbean,” commented Ethsel Pieternella, director of Tourism Corporation Bonaire. “Additionally, our commitment to the sustainable, eco-tourism activities we offer cruise ship passengers is attractive and affords them unique experiences while they are on shore.” he concluded.