Jamaica Reopens Cruise Ports After Hurricane Mellissa

All major Jamaican cruise ports have officially reopened following Hurricane Mellissa, according to a statement released by national authorities.

Port Royal, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Falmouth are once again prepared to receive ships and passengers after the storm, which officials noted was among the strongest ever to impact the region.

The return to operations began on Monday, with Jamaican authorities describing the full reopening of all ports as a “powerful display of national resilience, collaboration and world-class readiness.”

This coordinated recovery effort was supported by Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, its affiliated agencies, Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC), Jamaica Cruising, the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), and the Destination Assurance Councils (DACs). Municipal bodies, emergency responders and other partners also contributed to the reopening.

“Every sector put hands on deck and hearts into the mission, ensuring that Jamaica could welcome visitors again in record time after the passing of Hurricane Melissa,” authorities stated.

Among the ships arriving on Monday was the Resilient Lady, which called in Ocho Rios during a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing from Miami. The itinerary also includes stops in George Town, Cayman Islands, and Bimini, Bahamas.

Mein Schiff 1 also visited Jamaica on Monday, calling in Montego Bay during a 14-night cruise that departed from La Romana in the Dominican Republic. In addition to Montego Bay and seven other ports, the voyage included a visit to Ocho Rios the day before.

Officials also highlighted new homeporting activity in Kingston with the arrival of Vasco da Gama. The Nicko Cruises vessel visited Port Royal on Monday and became the first ship to embark guests there since the country reopened.

According to the press release, the start of homeporting marks a “clear signal of the direction Jamaica is heading” as it works to attract more high-value cruise operations.

Jamaican authorities emphasized that homeporting delivers greater economic impact by increasing passenger and crew spending on accommodations, transport and services. It also boosts demand for essential port services, such as bunkering, provisioning, freshwater supply and waste removal.