Devon Evans, Gleaner WriterONLY DAYS after being awarded the Caribbean's 'Best Cruise Destination' at the World Travel Awards in London, Jamaica's cruise shipping sector received another major vote of confidence yesterday with the arrival of a brand new cruise ship.
The Norwegian Jewel, the newest cruise ship in the Norwegian Caribbean Lines (NCL) fleet, made its inaugural visit to Ocho Rios with over 2,400 visitors.
The ship, which was built in Germany was commissioned only in August this year and made its maiden voyage in the Caribbean on November 3 after being christened in Miami.
The 2,800, passenger capacity vessel with a crew of 1,200 will be calling at the Ocho Rios port every fortnight as part of its western Caribbean itinerary.
A host of officials for the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Port Authority of Jamaica, the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce and shipping agent, Lannaman and Morris, were in the resort town on Thursday to welcome the captain and his crew.
Speaking at the reception held on board the ship, Captain Constantinos Fafalios said he was delighted to be back in Jamaica and was looking forward to having a great time.
Captain Fafalios described Jamaica as a very special destination for Norwegian cruise line and said the company always looked forward to sending its ships to the island.
Custos of St. Ann, Radcliffe Walters who spoke at the reception, said the parish and Jamaica in general was rich in beauty, history and culture and told the captain to encourage his passengers to explore the island.
Regional director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Clive Taffe, who represented Tourism Minister, Aloun Assamba, said Jamaica cherishes its long association with NCL, which dates back to 1973, and was looking forward to several more years of this excellent relationship.
Following an exchange of gifts, members of the welcome party received blessings from Reverend Leeroy Campbell, after which they were taken on a tour of the vessel.
