Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

7 6 Development Corporation is upgrading a public beach at the edge of town to include an amphitheatre, food and beverage offerings and a jogging track among its attractions. “Jamaica’s size lends itself to diverse offerings and each port offers access to different natural attractions including mountains, rivers and waterfalls, alongside historical heritage sites,” says Tatham. “Opening Port Royal means we now have five unique ports of call, each one close to exceptional attractions. In recent years our road network has improved dramatically, including completion of the north-south coast highway so guests coming into Port Royal can easily take a tour to Ocho Rios and vice versa.” At each port, the authority is careful to avoid the congestion that it has seen negatively impacting the guest experience elsewhere. “We decided some time ago to fully develop Jamaica’s ports of call, but not to keep adding berths,” says Tatham. “Once we’ve reached a two-ship capacity, we look elsewhere to develop new ports. So, for example, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, can both take two mega-ships alongside and one more at anchorage. Falmouth can take two Oasis class vessels but there is no room for anchorage. And in Port Antonio we accommodate small boutique ships. Port Royal is an exclusive port of call where no more than one vessel will dock at any time. It can take ships up to Freedom of the Seas, but our objective for now is to take smaller vessels while we build our understanding of its capacity and facilities.” Looking ahead, Tatham says plans for Port Royal include the development of new attractions including a museum at the port facility, a historic railway experience, a bar, restaurant and entertainment area at the nearby lighthouse, a potential water park and expansion of the museums. Ecological tours including an adjacent bird sanctuary, and upgrades to beach experiences on islands a short boat ride from Port Royal are also in the pipeline. But as this latest addition to Jamaica’s cruise ports establishes itself, it will also pave the way for exciting new cruise experiences in Kingston and its surrounding area. “We see Port Royal as a starting point for cruise terminals in that part of the island,” says Tatham. “Once it is established, it will be natural for other ports in the area to develop – possibly in Kingston harbour or at other locations which we’ll identify in consultation with the cruise lines. Jamaica has everything from world class beach experiences to unique natural beauty, culture and history. Our ports are integral to those attractions, providing gateways to experiences visitors can’t get anywhere else.” CFR After years of work, the arrival of Marella Discovery II brought cruising back to Kingston for the first time in over 40 years COVER STORY