Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
PORTLAND:
FOR THE first time in more than 18 years, the resort town of Port Antonio has benefited from a stopover visit from a cruise vessel.
The ship, the Delphin Valletia stopped in Port Antonio on Valentine's Day.
Many are calling it an act of God, after the deteriorating weather conditions forced the European luxury vessel to abort plans to dock at a neighbouring Caribbean island and instead head for Jamaica about 3:00 p.m. Tuesday.
The ship's sudden arrival did not, however, allow local tourism interests time to prepare. Efforts were instead centred on the ship's arrival the following day.
According to Bent Kristensen, former Vice-
President of the Portland Chamber of Commerce, although just about everyone was caught off-guard, the police were quickly alerted to ensure the safety of the ship's passengers.
"The rain fell heavily and further delayed any makeshift changes that would have been possible," Mr. Kristensen said. "Nevertheless, a watchful eye was kept on the tourists, although no visits were made to the attraction site."
EXTENDED OPENING HOURS
The business operators, on learning about the ship's arrival, extended their opening hours and were somewhat rewarded by the additional purchases made by tourists late Tuesday.
A little more than 400 passengers were aboard the cruise vessel which, on leaving Port Antonio, will be destined for Cozumel, Mexico.
With the weather condition showing no signs of improvement, tourists were spotted roaming the town's centre while purchasing Blue Mountain Coffee and White Overproof Rum yesterday, seemingly unaffected by the inclement weather.
Meanwhile, a number of craft vendors mentioned that the going was slow for them, probably as a result of the poor weather conditions.
