The long wait for cruise ships to return to Jamaica is expected to end next Monday. Between August 16 and October 26, ports in Falmouth, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay are expected to welcome a combined total of 25 calls from Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International and MSC Cruises.
In preparation for Monday’s cruise call on Ocho Rios, teams from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the Port Authority of Jamaica will visit the Ocho Rios port on August 13 to sensitise stakeholders, particularly about the importance of taking the COVID-19 vaccine.
The global cruise industry has cautiously resumed voyages with new rules and guidelines to ensure safe sailing. A total of 190 cruise ships, representing 65 different brands, are expected to take to the seas in August, with an average of approximately 1,500 guests each.
Chukka Adventures’ CEO John Byles welcomed the return of cruise shipping to Jamaican shores.
“I think it is a welcome move. It touches a wide base of stakeholders, such as the craft markets, the bus drivers, and so many more,” said Byles, who is also chairman of the Tourism Resilient Corridors Committee.
“The good thing is that you have the entire tourism infrastructure for monitoring and managing the Tourism Resilient Corridor. It doesn’t require any additional resources, it has available space. We have 40 to 50 per cent of transportation still available; in the attractions they have more than sufficient space as well. So it really is a welcome shot in the arm, so to speak,” added Byles.
President of the All-Island Craft Traders and Producers Association, Melody Haughton, was overjoyed.
“Hip hip hooray!” she exclaimed. “I am happy to know that the cruise sector is finally reopening.”
