Carnival Monitoring Jamaica Ports After ‘Biblical’ Hurricane Melissa Damage, Heald Says

Carnival Cruise Line says it has no timetable for returning to Jamaica’s popular ports of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay after Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage across the island, according to brand ambassador John Heald.

In a Facebook post published Thursday at 11 a.m., Heald described the destruction as “biblical” and noted continuing concerns from flash floods and landslides. Responding to guests who asked when Carnival ships might resume calls in Jamaica, he said, “I have no idea. It might not be for some time.”

Heald also drew attention to Carnival’s many Jamaican crew members, urging guests to check in with them during upcoming sailings. “If you are sailing in the coming days or weeks and you see a crew member with Jamaica on his or her nametag, please ask how they and their families are doing,” he wrote.

The company has already adjusted itineraries, including the recent cancellation of an Ocho Rios stop aboard Carnival Dream. Carnival has not issued a formal update or provided a timeline for when Jamaican ports might reopen to cruise traffic.

Jamaica’s north-coast port facilities and surrounding infrastructure suffered significant flooding and damage, according to BBC Verify’s satellite analysis. In Montego Bay, floodwater swamped sections of the port and the adjacent industrial park, leaving the shoreline brown with runoff. Local officials said the container terminal, an oil storage site, and a water treatment plant were among the facilities affected.

The uncertainty affects thousands of cruise bookings and small businesses in Jamaica that depend on ship traffic. Heald’s comments highlight both the scale of the damage and the personal impact on Carnival’s Jamaican crew members as the country begins recovery.

Into the Funnel will continue to monitor updates from Carnival and Jamaican authorities as they become available.