Key Points:
- Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam grew to become the primary cruise ship to convey friends again to Jamaica since Hurricane Melissa.
- MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina referred to as later in the identical day, and Carnival Cruise Line has additionally introduced plans to return quickly.
- It is a good signal that Jamaica’s restoration efforts are going nicely and that the Caribbean nation will be capable to totally reopen by its aim date of December 15.
Jamaica has formally welcomed its first cruise friends after being ravaged by Hurricane Melissa on the finish of October, marking an essential milestone within the island nation’s restoration efforts.
Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam arrived in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, at 8 a.m. native time on the morning of Tuesday, November 11, 2025, making this the primary ship to name because the Class 5 storm decimated the nation.
The cease was included as a part of a 14-night Caribbean crusing that embarked in Miami, Florida, on November 1, 2025.
“We’re honored to return to Ocho Rios and deeply grateful for the collaboration with the port, local people and tour operators,” mentioned Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.
“The choice was made with care and respect, understanding that tourism is important to Jamaica’s restoration and future. Our friends are excited to convey much-needed assist to the native economic system,” Bodensteiner added.
Learn Additionally: Jamaica Cruise Ports: Full Listing and Overview
The lead ship of Holland America’s Vista class is able to carrying 1,988 friends, all of which convey a a lot wanted financial enhance. Jamaica’s economic system depends closely on tourism.
Moreover, the 2002-launched ship introduced 1,700 containers that had been packed to the brim with reduction provides, comparable to meals, water, bedding, clothes, and mattresses.
The donations had been dropped off Reynold’s Pier earlier than passengers had been permitted to disembark for the day on the Turtle Bay Pier.
“On behalf of the individuals of St. Ann, and likewise representing Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett immediately, I wish to sincerely thank Holland America Line for this extremely well timed donation of 20 pallets of meals objects and water to our tourism hall,” mentioned Hon. Matthew Samuda, Member of Parliament of Northeast St. Ann, Jamaica.
“It additionally sends a transparent message: cruise companions aren’t simply coming to take pleasure in Jamaica, they’re standing with us in restoration. Each ship that returns to Ocho Rios strengthens jobs, protects livelihoods and helps our neighborhood bounce again stronger, and we worth this type of actual, sensible partnership.”
Including to the cruise line’s generosity, dozens of Holland America Line volunteers participated in a seaside cleanup in Seville, close to Ocho Rios, in the course of the port name.
And later this week, friends and crew will participate within the On Deck for a Trigger 5K Stroll to proceed elevating cash to assist the Hurricane Melissa reduction fund.
Extra Ships Start to Return
Jamaica has set a aim to renew all tourism operations by December 15, 2025.
With this aim now simply over a month away, extra cruise traces have begun to plan their returns to the Caribbean nation.
The truth is, two hours after Zuiderdam arrived in Ocho Rios, MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina docked within the port.
The decision was included as a part of a 14-night Caribbean crusing that embarked in Miami, Florida, on November 6, 2025.
Equally, Carnival Cruise Line has additionally introduced that Carnival Paradise would be the first ship in its fleet to return to Jamaica.
The Fantasy-class cruise ship will name on Ocho Rios on November 13 as a part of a 6-night Western Caribbean crusing that embarked in Tampa, Florida, on November 10, 2025.
Extra From Cruise Hive
She was initially supposed to go to Jamaica’s Montego Bay that day – which is the nation’s second largest cruise port – however Ocho Rios is additional alongside in its restoration efforts and extra geared up to welcome friends.
Over the previous couple weeks, cruise traces like Royal Caribbean have additionally been stopping at Jamaica to drop off donations and provides to help in restoration efforts with out together with the vacation spot as a typical port name.
Jamaica Welcomes First Cruise Friends Since Hurricane Melissa
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