Jamaica´s Montego Bay Hailed the Freedom of the Seas

With 160,000 gross tons and hosting 3,634 guests double occupancy, the Freedom of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, and its first-ever call to Montego Bay brought on a world-class celebration.

A command performance by Grammy Award winner Shaggy, as well as complimentary Jablum Blue Mountain Coffee and Appleton Rum, were some of the treats served up to passenger dockside.

“A big ship deserves an even bigger welcome, and everyone in the cruise community is thrilled that Montego Bay is part of the Freedom of the Seas itinerary,” said William Tatham, Vice President Cruise and Marina Shipping at the Port Authority of Jamaica.

Among the premium tourism and leisure brands welcoming passengers were Margaretville Caribbean, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, Green Grotto Caves, Dunn´s River Falls and Red Stripe. Craft merchants also got into the act with a souvenir bazaar.

Jamaica´s Minister of Transport the Hon Robert Pickersgill, along with the Hon Wykeham McNeil, State Minister for Tourism, welcomed the ship in an onboard ceremony.

Several local guests also toured the ship which is more than 1000 feet long and 185 feet wide. Montego Bay is the only Caribbean port where the Freedom of the Seas can dock directly alongside.

Freedom of the Seas will make weekly calls to Montego Bay throughout 2006, and in 2007 will be joined by the 3,500-guest Liberty of the Seas, in alternate weekly calls to Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Up to April 2006, there were 242 cruise ship calls to Jamaica with 505,380 passengers, an eight percent increase over last year.