By Roy Sanford, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
AFTER AN absence of more than four years the M/S Caribbean Princess sailed yesterday into Montego Bay, St. James bringing new cruise business to the resort city.
The ship, which was laden with some 3,082 passengers on board, is expected to make 16 calls to the second city this cruise season.
In an interview with The Gleaner, Stephen A. Nielson vice-president of Princess Cruise's Caribbean and Atlantic Shore Operations, said Jamaica will be benefiting tremendously from the return of the cruise ship.
"Jamaica is going to feel an impact in terms of its tourism when our passengers tell their friends about the island. This visit is really a stepping stone in generating future business for Jamaica."
David Lindo, Chairman of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce Cruise Ship Committee welcomed the return of the Princess Cruises to the second city. The cruise line pulled out of Montego Bay four years ago after concerns of tourist harassment were expressed.
"Princess used to be a cruise line that calls on Montego Bay regularly and we lost them because of our behaviour," Mr. Lindo stated. "They are looking at us again and we are making effort to ensure that Montego Bay is a regular port of call. It is a fantastic opportunity for us."
However, he pointed out that Montego Bay needs a signature attraction to give it a competitive edge in the cruise ship industry.
The M/S Princess Caribbean offers its passengers a variety of features designed for their personal enjoyment. Some of these features include 881 staterooms with private balconies, a 300-foot out door movie screen, one of the largest casinos afloat, an observation lounge suspended 150 feet above the water, a 24-hour Internet cafe, four large swimming pools, among others.
