A bright cruise ship day for Port Antonio
Published:Monday | December 16, 2024 | 12:07 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
KEN WRIGHT PIER, Port Antonio:
The cradle of tourism, Port Antonio, appears set for the winter tourist season after welcoming its first cruise vessel just days ahead of the start of the much-anticipated cold season, which officially began yesterday.
It was a welcome sight for many, including craft vendors, Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA) members, taxi operators, and other industry players, who expressed delight at the arrival of cruise vessel Seven Seas Navigator, which docked at the Ken Wright Cruise Ship Pier last Tuesday.
It was an obviously elated East Portland Member of Parliament Ann-Marie Vaz who spoke to The Gleaner on Tuesday, while pointing out that the winter tourist season could be a bright one for all players in the industry as, according to her, the likelihood of more cruise ship arrivals leading up to February next year appears to be encouraging.
“I have never seen craft vendors so excited about a cruise ship arrival in a long time. And it goes to show that Port Antonio will be getting its fair share of cruise tourists for this winter season,” commented Vaz.
“Tuesday was a day which saw the town buzzing with excitement, and tourists were seen walking the streets and mingling with the local people. This is something that I have been lobbying for with [Tourism] Minister Edmund Bartlett and now it is finally happening. We cannot accommodate the mega-liners due to the size of the harbour, but we will still be able to attract the smaller boutique-type ships to the pier. And it is good to see tour bus operators being able to earn from their livelihood,” she added.
The Seven Seas Navigator docked at the Ken Wright Pier about 11 a.m. on Tuesday with 459 passengers, along with 371 crew members, and departed at approximately 8 p.m., after its passengers visited varied attraction sites across the parish.
Delano Seiveright, senior strategist and chief adviser in the Ministry of Tourism, told The Gleaner last week that the town of Port Antonio has its own unique qualities and natural beauty, which, according to him, makes it a preferred destination for visitors.
“Port Antonio is a true gem of Jamaica, with its breathtaking natural beauty and unique charm,” said Seiveright.
“The lush landscapes and pristine beaches, combined with our rich cultural heritage, create an irresistible allure for visitors from across the globe. It is a natural draw for those boutique ships looking for that kind of experience...quiet and nature filled.”
In the meantime, Professor Gordon Shirley, president and chief executive officer of the Port Authority of Jamaica, stated that Port Antonio is tailored for boutique-styled ships like the Seven Seas Navigator.
“We are, and have been, in discussions to get more of those ships to come on a more consistent basis for Port Antonio, which has its own unique qualities, natural beauty, and friendly people,” he said.