1.2 million cruise passengers are expected to visit Jamaica for the year 2003 with the introduction of new ships and homeporting facilities in the island. - File A RECORD 1.2 million cruise passengers are projected to visit Jamaica for the year 2003 with the introduction of new ships and homeporting facilities in the island.
Dr. Wykeham McNeill, newly appointed State Minister for Industry and Tourism and former junior minister in the Ministry of Tourism and Sport is optimistic that the destination will be able to build on its natural advantages in this area and continue to increase the number of cruise passenger arrivals and those who can be enticed to return as stop-over visitors.
"This presents an area of growth in tourism and is indicative of the expected boost to the sector as a consequence of the strategic alliance between the Port Authority of Jamaica, the Jamaica Tourist Board and industry players to provide the best facilities and services of any Caribbean cruise destination," Dr. McNeill said.
Mr. William Tatham, Vice President for Cruise-shipping and Marina Services of the Port Authority of Jamaica notes that the island expects calls from Royal Caribbean's "Brilliance of the Seas" and the Navigator of the Seas", a brand new ship of the Voyager Class. The vessels will call on Ocho Rios in November and December respectively. The "Navigator of the Seas" will join the "Voyager of the Seas" and the "Explorer of the Seas" as three of the world's largest cruise ships visiting Jamaica.
In addition, the "Carnival Conquest", the largest and newest vessel in the Carnival fleet will begin calling on Montego Bay every Wednes-day starting in December. In order to accommodate the size of the 'Conquest', the Port Authority undertook the dredging of the Montego Bay harbour.
In terms of the European lines, 'Festival Cruises' will also begin visiting Jamaica as a regular port of call with two vessels, 'Mistral' which will be calling on Ocho Rios for the winter season and 'Caribe' which will begin year round calls on Montego Bay in December.
Jamaica will also be the new homeport for the winter season for Seetours' 'A Rosa Blue' catering to the German market and will include a 'Sail and Stay' programme to the benefit of the hotel sector where passengers spend one week on board and one week on shore at a hotel.
Sun Cruises has been very successful in Jamaica as a winter homeport over the last five years, Mr. Tatham said. As a result of increased demand Sun Cruises will be replacing the 'Sun Dream' with the larger 'Sun Bird'.
Cruise-shipping in Jamaica is being marketed worldwide under the brand, 'Cruise Jamaica' by the Port Authority in close collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board. One of the latest initiatives of Cruise Jamaica is the launch in December this year of its magazine, 'The Shore Thing'. 'The Shore Thing' will be the official cruise guide for arriving passengers.
It will outline all that can be done in and around the specific port of call in a day with easy to read maps highlighting local attractions, restaurants and shopping.
This material will benefit the 35 per cent of cruise passengers who do not wish to take a pre-arranged tour but who would rather explore the area themselves. The guide will become a part of the collateral to be made available at the various cruise shows especially those targeting the cruise only travel agent, most notably 'Cruisefest' and 'Cruise-a-thon'.
Jamaica has been positioning itself in the cruise-shipping market through substantial infra-structural development in recent months. The resort area of Port Antonio has received a major boost with the opening of the refurbished Port Antonio Marina on September 12. Catering to boutique ships, the modern complex boasts an air-conditioned terminal, covered walkway, bar and grill, shopping areas and a private beach which is being developed adjoining the terminal.
