In the busy winter season in the last year, the island of Jamaica saw close to a double digit rise in cruise ships arriving to the island ports. The announcement was made by the tourism minister of the country on Tuesday.
The rebounding cruise ship passenger numbers is a great piece of news for Jamaica, as the country is dependent on tourism. In addition, unlike other islands in the Caribbean, Jamaica has a reputation for crime that has not done much for tourists. The main tourist incoming is from cruise ship passengers.
Last year had seen the numbers of cruise ship visitors to the island of Jamaica decrease by 1.4 per cent in the last year, from 910, 000.
It is also hoped that the numbers will rise even more in the coming years, as a cruise port has opened in Falmouth Parish. The port is in the north coast of the island, and is a two berth cruise port. The opening of the cruise port is all set to increase visitors.
The project amounted to $ 220 million, and wasa completed in three phses. It was partnered by the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, and the Port Authority of Jamaica. Falmouth is located nestling between the famous resorts of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.
The first visiting cruise ship came to the port in Feb, and the opening ceremony for the port was held in March as part of the arrival of the Oasis of the Seas, a 204 100 – metric – ton ( 225, 000 ), sixteen decks and more.