Massive cruise ship stops in Ocho Rios

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett says the maiden visit of the Carnival Horizon is a “shot in the arm” for the island’s cruise sector.

Carnival’s newest and biggest ship in the company’s Vista luxury line made a call at the Ocho Rios Pier on Tuesday. Bartlett said the Carnival Horizon is just “a prelude” to what is to come, adding that “we have a commitment from the company that all their luxury vessels will be coming to Jamaica”.

“In coming inside the pier today, I was particularly pleased to see how well our craft traders were represented. I was also impressed with our bus drivers and the level of professionalism that was on display,” Bartlett said.

He said that with the commitment that the Carnival Horizon will join its sister vessel – the Carnival Vista – as regulars on the western Caribbean itinerary, “Jamaica now has a good chance of becoming the number-one cruise destination in the region”. Georges Valley, Richmond, Old England, Gray Ground, New Port, Ward Avenue, Heartease, Albion, May Day, Brumaila, Marshall’s Pen, Lincoln, Huntley, Greenvale and Mike Town. unique and interesting items,” she said.

“Jamaican music is also another huge opportunity which we have never used to promote Jamaican products. There are about 20 to 30 music festivals in Europe. We need a programme to position Jamaican cuisine, music and the whole lifestyle as a vehicle to sell our products,” she said.