Small Business Stakeholders in Montego Bay Welcome Return of Cruise Ships
By: , December 6, 2025
Photo: Garwin Davis
Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon (left), is presented with a gift by Captain of the Mein Schiff, Georgios Dimou, on arrival of the vessel at the Montego Bay Port in St. James on November 24. The Mein Schiff is the first vessel to call at the port since the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28.
Photo: Garwin Davis
The Mein Schiff docked at the Montego Bay Port in St. James on November 24.The Full Story
The return of cruise ships to Montego Bay following the impact of Hurricane Melissa has been welcomed with optimism by small business stakeholders, including transport operators, craft traders, and souvenir shop owners.
With many operators still picking up the pieces following the devastating impact of the storm, the revival of cruise activity is seen as a much-needed signal of economic renewal and resilience.
“Yes, it’s early days, but it’s also a great start. Hopefully, it’s a sign of bigger things to come,” transport operator Richard Blake, told JIS News.
Craft trader, Simone Clarke added, “I can tell you that we were really praying that the ships would return soon and yes, this is a great start.”
They were speaking against the background of the docking of the Mein Schiff at the Port of Montego Bay on November 24 with 2,894 passengers.
The vessel’s call is part of a homeporting operation, with the cruise ship beginning and ending its multi-day itinerary in Jamaica.
Cruise passengers fly into the island to board the vessel.
Small souvenir shop owner, Brandon Jefferson, said that over the years, cruise shipping has been a reliable source of income for small business owners and their families.
“The arrival of the ship [Mein Schiff] last week couldn’t have been more fitting…more welcomed,” he told JIS News. “It’s really great to see the ships back again,” he added.
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, noted that the vessel’s arrival not only marks the resumption of cruise shipping activities in the resort area but also signals a rebound for the sub-sector.
He noted that the country welcomed about 64,000 cruise visitors up to the end of November, bolstering economic recovery and supporting Jamaica’s tourism workers.
For his part, Montego Bay’s Mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, noted that the city’s readiness to welcome cruise ships is a direct result of coordinated planning, which saw several private and public entities partnering with the St. James Municipal Corporation in cleanup activities.
“The ships could not come unless we’re ready,” he told JIS News.