Carnival Returns to Jamaica as Ocho Rios Reopens After Hurricane Melissa
At a Glance
- Carnival returns to Jamaica for port stop November 10
- Montego Bay remains closed following Hurricane Melissa
- Carnival guests will be able to donate to relief efforts on board
Just days after saying there was no timeline for a return, Carnival returns to Jamaica. Ocho Rios will reopen next week, marking the first Carnival port call to Jamaica since Hurricane Melissa hit the island in late October. Montego Bay is still closed to cruisers.
Carnival Paradise will be the first ship back on November 10. The cruise itinerary was originally scheduled for Montego Bay, but that port remains in recovery. However, local officials confirmed that Ocho Rios is ready to receive cruise guests.
In a Facebook Reel posted November 7, brand ambassador John Heald said Ocho Rios is “more than prepared to welcome guests back,” and encouraged Carnival cruisers to support local businesses and relief efforts.
Thank you so very much for getting off the ship, maybe spending a few dollars at one of the shops or doing something in one of the markets. I know how much they will appreciate you.
Carnival recently announced a $1 million partnership to support storm recovery across Jamaica. And on November 4, Carnival Horizon offloaded thousands of supplies, including bottled water, baby food, diapers, canned goods, cereal, and hygiene items, for communities rebuilding after the hurricane. Guests on upcoming sailings will also be able to donate on board.
Carnival Paradise is sailing a six-night Western Caribbean itinerary from Tampa. More sailings in November may follow a similar reroute depending on port conditions. Tour operators and shops in Ocho Rios will reopen in phases while infrastructure repairs continue.
Carnival Liberty’s November 9 sailing from New Orleans was also scheduled for Montego Bay next week, but will now head to Progreso, Mexico. Heald said the switch is due to limited pier space and ongoing operational issues in Montego Bay.
Ocho Rios will be the first Jamaican port to welcome Carnival cruisers after Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28th. Additional itinerary changes are likely as recovery moves forward.
Into the Funnel will continue tracking port updates and recovery progress from Carnival and Jamaican officials.
Sources & Further Reading
Official & External Sources
- Yahoo! News: “Carnival Cruise Line is resuming visits to one Jamaica port”
- Cruise Hive: “First Carnival Cruise Ship to Return to Jamaica for Port Visit”
