Cruise Lines Unite to Support Jamaica’s Recovery After Hurricane Melissa as Island Aims to Reopen by Mid-December

Just days after Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, government officials have set an ambitious goal to welcome tourists – including cruise visitors – back by December 15, 2025.

The announcement, made by Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, comes as the country begins to assess the widespread devastation caused by the strongest hurricane to ever hit the island.

With tourism contributing billions annually to the economy – including more than $197 million from the cruise sector alone – the pressure to rebuild is immense.

“Recovery cannot be left to chance. We are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure repairs, aid, logistics, and every enabling support behind a single objective: full industry operation by December 15,”

Minister Bartlett.

A recovery task force has been established to coordinate efforts between government agencies, the private sector, and international partners. Work is already underway to restore key areas, including airports, ports, and hotel corridors across Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Falmouth.

Despite the optimism, the road ahead remains challenging. Hurricane Melissa brought sustained winds of 185 miles per hour, destroying homes, cutting power across the island, and leaving at least 19 people dead. More than 25,000 Jamaicans are still displaced.

Major Cruise Lines Step In With Millions in Aid

The global cruise industry – which relies heavily on Jamaica as a marquee Caribbean destination – has mobilized to provide immediate relief.

Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Disney Cruise Line have each pledged $1 million in financial aid, while Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has committed up to $100,000 through the American Red Cross, including matched contributions from employees and passengers.

Carnival’s On-the-Ground Support

Carnival Cruise Line was one of the first to act.

The Carnival Horizon made a humanitarian stop in Ocho Rios on 4th November, offloading pallets of bottled water and essential supplies.

Guests onboard were invited to contribute additional donations, which the cruise line matched through its “Groove for St. Jude” fundraising event.

“The local infrastructure isn’t quite ready for visitors, but the ship will make a short visit to offload the goods,” said John Heald, Carnival’s brand ambassador.

Carnival Corporation has also partnered with the Miami Heat and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation to bolster long-term recovery assistance.

Royal Caribbean Delivers Relief to Falmouth

Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas also diverted to Jamaica on 4th November – not to disembark guests, but to deliver over 120 pallets of bottled water, medical supplies, and non-perishable food.

The shipment was coordinated with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), which is based in Kingston.

“The pallets will be offloaded and then items packaged as relief packages for immediate distribution,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

The gesture drew praise from both guests and crew.

“Giving back to an island that has delivered to us for many years – RESPECT!” wrote one guest, while another recalled similar efforts after Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

Disney’s $1 Million Pledge

The Walt Disney Company has likewise pledged $1 million to aid relief efforts through non-profits such as UNICEF, World Central Kitchen, and Good360, as well as to support Jamaican Disney cast and crew members.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica who have experienced such terrible devastation from Hurricane Melissa,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger. “We hope this contribution and the ongoing support from our team will serve as a source of relief and comfort for those in need.”

Disney Cruise Line, which has visited Jamaica since 2013, has cancelled Disney Treasure’s 5th November call to Falmouth to avoid adding strain on the island’s recovery.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Joins In

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross and pledged to match a further $50,000 in public and employee donations.

“The Caribbean region holds a special place in our hearts, and it’s important that we stand with our communities in times of need,” said Harry Sommer, NCLH president and CEO.

Jamaica’s Cruise Future and Tourism Outlook

Before the storm, Jamaica’s three primary cruise ports – Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Falmouth – were expecting more than 60 ship calls through November and early December from major brands including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Princess, Virgin Voyages, and MSC Cruises.

Most of those visits have now been cancelled or rerouted. Cruise lines say they will not resume operations until Jamaica confirms it is safe to do so and essential infrastructure can support passengers and crew.

The U.S. State Department has also raised its travel advisory for Jamaica to Level 3: Reconsider Travel, citing the hurricane’s aftermath and disruptions to healthcare and utilities.

Still, Minister Bartlett remains optimistic that the island’s famous resilience – combined with global support – will see Jamaica’s tourism sector bounce back stronger.

“Progress will be tracked through the Ministry of Tourism with regular public updates, so workers, visitors, and partners can plan with confidence,” he said.

With international aid arriving and major cruise lines stepping up, Jamaica’s recovery is underway – and if efforts continue at the current pace, the island may once again be ready to welcome the world by Christmas.

TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!

Don’t miss these offers…

If you found this interesting, please share!

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.