FALMOUTH, Jamaica — In a significant milestone for regional economic recovery, Jamaica’s historic Falmouth Cruise Port resumed operations Tuesday with the simultaneous docking of Caribbean Princess and Norwegian Star. This event marks the port’s first cruise activity since Hurricane Melissa disrupted operations over a month ago.
The return of maritime tourism has been hailed as critical to revitalizing the local economy. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, during a preparatory visit last Saturday, emphasized the strategic importance of restoring cruise operations to Falmouth’s economic ecosystem.
Minister McKenzie revealed the extensive multi-agency collaboration behind the reopening: “A coordinated effort between all stakeholders has been mobilized to prepare Falmouth for these vessels. The municipal corporation has been working intensively with the Port Authority, Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCO), and other agencies to restore essential infrastructure and services.”
While acknowledging the long-term nature of full restoration, McKenzie stressed the immediate importance of resuming operations: “The return of cruise tourism represents vital economic support for the community during this recovery phase. These initial steps, though partial, are fundamental to the town’s commercial survival.”
Falmouth becomes the third Jamaican port to restore cruise operations following earlier reopenings in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, signaling a broader normalization of Jamaica’s crucial tourism infrastructure after recent weather disruptions.