OCHO RIOS:
THE 2004/2005 cruise shipping season got off to a bright start in Ocho Rios with the resort town receiving more than a dozen calls over the past two weeks.
The town is poised to receive 220 cruise ship calls this season, including a number of new vessels, one of which officially started its fortnightly itinerary on Wednesday.
The Royal Caribbean vessel, Radiance of the Seas, called at the Ocho Rios Port week with 2,200 visitors and a crew of nearly 1,000, including over 30 Jamaicans.
Director-General in the Ministry of Tourism, Carolle Guntley officially welcomed Captain Kent Ringborn and his crew to Jamaica at a special ceremony which was held on board the vessel.
Miss Guntley noted that cruise shipping continues to be a very important part of the country's tourism development and that Jamaica cherishes the excellent relationship that it has been enjoying with the cruise lines.
Also adding his words of welcome was Acting Custos of St. Ann, Karl Fuller, who said the people of the parish are grateful that the ship had chosen Ocho Rios as its port of call and that everyone will be looking forward to its fortnightly visits.
The captain was appreciative of the courtesies and said that he too was looking forward to enjoying a very close relationship with Jamaica.
He had high praises for the Jamaican staff members aboard the ship. He pointed to bar manager Richard Hamilton and cruise director Adam Dyer, whom he said were among the best staff members in his employ.
Devon Evans
