Multiple cruise ships made humanitarian stops in Jamaica this week, delivering critical supplies to the hurricane-ravaged island even as ports remain closed to tourism following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact.
Royal Caribbean delivers 120 pallets to Falmouth
Rhapsody of the Seas arrived in Falmouth on Tuesday, November 4, delivering more than 120 pallets of bottled water, bedding, medical supplies, and non-perishable food items.
The stop was initially scheduled as a port visit, but guests were not allowed to disembark.
“This morning the Rhapsody of the Seas will call into Falmouth, Jamaica on a relief call for a couple of hours to off load over 120 pallets of supplies of water, bedding, medical supplies, food items, said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
He went on to say, “The pallets will be offloaded and then items packaged as relief packages for immediate distribution with the help of GEM our relief partner. A huge thank you to the Falmouth Port Authority and community for opening the port.”
Carnival Horizon makes Ocho Rios supply stop
On the same day, Carnival Horizon delivered relief supplies to Ocho Rios. Captain Rocco Lubrano explained in a November 2 letter to guests that local infrastructure and shore excursion partners would not be ready for normal operations.
Carnival issued full refunds for purchased shore excursions and reimbursed taxes and fees for the canceled Jamaica call. The cruise line has also pledged $1 million in relief to Jamaica through Direct Relief, partnering with the Miami HEAT and the Arison Family Foundation.
Industry-wide relief effort
Disney Cruise Line pledged $1 million in aid to Jamaica. Norwegian Cruise Line committed up to $100,000, including guest donation matches, though the company noted it visits Jamaica less frequently than other major lines.
Jamaica’s three main cruise ports, Falmouth, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios, remain closed as infrastructure repairs continue. The Jamaican government expects cruise operations to resume by December 15, 2025.
Rhapsody of the Seas is repositioning to Tampa and will offer 4-8 night Western Caribbean itineraries starting November 8.
