Jamaican Village Made Big Splash at Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami

Jamaican Village Made Big Splash at Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami

More than 900 cruise industry leaders, tour operators and industry related personnel took part in the 27th annual four-day Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami Beach. A major highlight of the convention was the ‘Jamaican village’, hosted by the Port Authority of Jamaica to promote the newly constructed Falmouth cruise ship pier in Trelawny, which will be officially opened on March 22, when the world’s largest cruise liner –Oasis of the Seas– makes its inaugural entry into Jamaica.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Adam Goldstein, was among the sector executives who expressed confidence that the outlook for the cruise industry seems positive. “The opportunities we see around the world create room for growth,” he told participants.

A number of panel discussions and one-on-one negotiations formed part the four-day agenda, covering topics such as the state and direction of the cruise industry; technical, environmental and safety operations; industry overview; fuel economy; and an insight into the travel industry beyond the growing cruise business.

At the ‘Jamaican Village’, there were displays of tourist attractions mounted by the Port Authority of Jamaica and the Jamaica Tourist Board, and visitors got an opportunity to taste authentic Jamaican coffee and rum punch.

Several Jamaican craft vendors and tour operators were also in attendance showcasing their products to the large gathering of cruise industry personnel. Also attending the convention were Jamaica’s Consul General, Sandra Grant Griffiths, and Deputy Regional Director, Jamaica Tourist Board, Miami, Donny Dawson.

According to Mark Hendriks, Marketing Executive with Royal Caribbean, the Falmouth port is 85 percent ready. A collaborative venture between the Port Authority and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, restoration of the berth began nearly three years ago to accommodate the arrival of Royal Caribbean’s mega liner.

The Falmouth cruise port is being transformed as a thematic destination for the growing cruise industry, as it reflects the historic character of one of Jamaica’s oldest towns. According to Mr. Hendriks, the town is a work in progress, to include beautification projects, retail shops and attractions.