Approximately US$8 million will be pumped into Trinidad and Tobago’s economy with the arrival of the EPIC all-inclusive cruise, according to its Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Mack.
The Rhapsody of the Seas, a cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International, berthed at the Cruise Ship Complex on Carnival Friday as a private charter.
Mr. Mack said the EPIC all-inclusive cruise initiative is designed to address the country’s limited hotel capacity as it introduces an all-inclusive, premium hotel experience aboard the ship.
“We’re bringing about an economic impact of about $8 million U.S. to Trinidad and Tobago. We’re just epic. And the plan is, for me, that we want to export Trinidad Carnival to the world. We have the world’s greatest show. Just like Machel Montano’s exporting Soca music to the rest of the world, I want to bring the rest of the world to Trinidad and Tobago.”
He said 1,200 passengers boarded from Puerto Rico, and 300 passengers are boarding from Trinidad and Tobago to make it 1,500 passengers in total.
“You see, the vision was, flying into Puerto Rico is cheaper than flying into Trinidad for Carnival, so a lot of the people from the East Coast, and Toronto, and New York, and Florida flew into Puerto Rico, but Trinidad doesn’t have enough hotel rooms for people traveling into Trinidad and Tobago, so the people that are boarding today to stay for the entire duration, this is Trinidad and Tobago’s first all-inclusive premium hotel. Trinidad and Tobago doesn’t have all-inclusive resorts like Jamaica and the rest of the world; this is what we’re bringing to Trinidad and Tobago.”
The EPIC Carnival experience is fully integrated with the country’s biggest events, including Duck Work, Soca Brainwash, J’ouvert, and Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
“We’ve invested also about US$8 million to produce this. So, 2023, 2024, and if you add it in to what we’re investing for 2026, it’s going to be about $12 million US dollars that we’re investing in this. So, we look forward to Trinidad and Tobago, not only just tourism, but we believe that this is a commerce.”
Aside from being the son of local mas designer Sonia Mack, he shares another reason for his passion for Carnival.
“It’s meaningful for me. I’m a Carnival baby. I was born on a Carnival Monday morning. I love Carnival.”
The EPIC Carnival Cruise has been confirmed for 2026, 2027, and 2028.
“This is a long-term endeavour to bring export to Trinidad and Tobago and showcase Trinidad and Tobago to the world.”
Passengers will also visit Tobago’s Pigeon Point Beach on Ash Wednesday, further boosting economic activity in both islands.