Jamaica welcomes 32,000 cruise passengers since Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica has welcomed 32,000 cruise passengers from eight ships since Hurricane Melissa struck the island on October 28, Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett reported Thursday while addressing business stakeholders in Ocho Rios.

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The Minister projected that the same number of passengers would arrive in Ocho Rios next week, bringing the total tally to 64,000 visitors since the hurricane, a sign that the island’s cruise industry is returning to normal operations.

“Despite the challenges we faced in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the industry is showing resilience and a shared commitment to Jamaica’s recovery and continued growth,” Minister Bartlett said. He added that cruise lines’ continued itineraries reflect confidence in Jamaica’s safety and readiness to deliver high-quality tourism experiences.

The Minister highlighted key attractions, including Dunn’s River Falls, which remain open to visitors, and praised the ongoing collaboration among local tourism partners.

Cruise line executives reaffirmed their support. Beth Bodensteiner, President of Holland America Line, said the company is “honoured to return to Ocho Rios” and recognized the critical role tourism plays in Jamaica’s recovery. During Zuiderdam’s November 11 visit, the ship delivered 5,000 boxes of relief supplies and about 30 crew members volunteered in local clean-up efforts with Chukka Caribbean Adventures in Seville, St. Ann.

Similarly, Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, praised the resilience of Jamaicans and reiterated her company’s commitment to continuing calls to the island, noting the support provided to Jamaican crew members across the Carnival fleet.

Recent visits by Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas and other vessels further signal the cruise sector’s confidence in Jamaica’s post-hurricane recovery, reinforcing the island’s position as a premier Caribbean tourism destination.

“Tourism in Jamaica is back on track, and the faith that cruise lines have in our island is evident in their continued operations,” Minister Bartlett concluded.