Support services and homeporting

Why waste time sailing to the Caribbean when you can start your vacation in the very heart of one of the world’s most exciting and sophisticated cruise destinations?

The key to Jamaica’s success in the homeporting sector is its central Caribbean position, while its world-class cruise terminal at the Port of Montego Bay is only a few minutes’ drive from the ultra-modern Sangster International Airport.

As might be expected in one of the Caribbean’s leading cruise destinations, Jamaica offers a complete range of support services in its principal cruise ports.

Various shipping agents offer husbandry services for cruise vessels and several cruise lines have their own representatives among local agents.

Facilities and services

The three main cruise ports of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Falmouth are all located on the north coast and are equipped to handle even the largest cruise ships as well as offering a full range of passenger facilities and services. Port Antonio offers an idyllic port of call for ‘boutique’ cruise ships and mega yachts.

Montego Bay: Managed by the stevedoring company Port Handlers Ltd on behalf of the Port Authority. It has three berths for cruise ships including two dedicated berths. The cruise terminal has gift shops, snack bars, a telecom centre and other facilities for passengers. The Port Authority plans to expand both marine and shoreside facilities at Montego Bay to handle the next generation of mega cruise ships.

Ocho Rios: Three cruise ship berths. Lannaman & Morris (Shipping) Ltd operates the dedicated Cruise Ship Pier, which has two berths.

Falmouth: Managed by the Port Authority. The port has a recently built cruise terminal designed in Georgian style to reflect the period architecture of the town. There are two berths of equal length able to receive vessels up to Oasis-class size. Facilities for passengers include extensive duty free and retail shopping along with a wide choice of food and beverages.

Port Antonio: Two berths and other facilities for smaller vessels.

Security

Passengers using the airports and cruise ports of Jamaica can be sure their safety and security is given top priority by the authorities, who have won international recognition for the high standard of their facilities and procedures.

In fact, the Jamaican authorities were praised by the United States Government for taking a lead role in combating terrorism and international crime through their efforts in the field of safety and security. The two nations have worked closely together in national and regional efforts to enhance port security. Jamaica’s port facilities are regularly inspected by US compliance personnel, who have undertaken vulnerability assessments and offered advice on security methods and procedures.

In the wake of 9/11, the Jamaican authorities were quick to comply fully with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code, introduced by the International Maritime Organization in July 2004. Cruise ships and passengers visiting the island can rest assured that its ports meet internationally recognised standards for security and safety.

The main airports of Jamaica – including Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport and Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport – have also introduced all the required screening and security procedures to meet the exacting standards now required for international aviation.

Natural base…

for homeporting