Port Antonio Celebrates Back-to-Back Cruise Ship Arrivals After Decades

PORT ANTONIO, PORTLAND: The resort town of Port Antonio buzzed with excitement on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, after receiving back-to-back cruise vessels, providing a much-needed boost to local businesses.

The arrival of the Insignia and Seven Seas Navigator on December 24th and 25th was a significant event, marking the first time in over two decades that Port Antonio had welcomed consecutive cruise ships.

Veteran craft vendor, Cathlene Henry, expressed her enthusiasm, noting that this presents a valuable opportunity for craft vendors and JUTA (Jamaica Union of Travelers Association) operators to earn a living. She reminisced about the heyday of cruise tourism in Port Antonio during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, when multiple ships would dock daily.

East Portland Member of Parliament, Annmarie Vaz, met with vendors and JUTA members to assess their experiences. She emphasized that the arrival of the two cruise ships had a positive impact on the entire tourism industry in and around Port Antonio, benefiting businesses and the local community.

Vaz highlighted that a cruise ship is scheduled to visit Port Antonio on February 26th and March 10th. She expressed her commitment to lobbying for increased cruise ship arrivals in Port Antonio, ensuring that the town receives its fair share of the tourism pie.

The Insignia docked on December 24th with 607 passengers and 99 crew members, followed by Seven Seas Navigator on Christmas Day with 459 passengers and 379 crew members. Passengers explored various attractions, including the Folly Ruins, Reach Falls, Port Antonio Craft Village, Boston Jerk Centre, and Winnifred Beach.