Jamaica’s $122 Million Falmouth Cruise Port Officially Makes Debut

Jamaica’s $122 Million Falmouth Cruise Port Officially Makes Debut

The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. officially opened the $122 million cruise port at the historic town of Falmouth on Tuesday, March 22, with the maiden call of 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Bruce Golding, Jamaica’s prime minister; and Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

“Today is a great day for Falmouth and Jamaica,” said Golding. “All entities had to operate at the same level to get to this day, and we commend all of the parties involved. This could not have been done without their support.

“Falmouth has two unique characteristics,” said Fain. “The location between the existing cruise ports of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay [means] we can offer our guests a great vacation going east or west. Also, as we learned about its history, we recognized we had a special opportunity.”

Royal Caribbean will offer more than 60 shore excursions from the port in its first year, and other cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, will call at Falmouth in 2011. Founded in 1790 as a leading sugar-producing region, Falmouth features original 18th and 19th century houses, shops and public buildings, several of which are being resorted as part of the multi-phased development project that includes a two-berth pier, retail shops, restaurants and a transportation center.

Subsequent phases will include additional on-site attractions, hotel and residential developments, and additional retail and restaurant options, many of which will extend beyond the port into the town. As part of PAJ’s partnership with Royal Caribbean, the line has guaranteed to bring 667,000 passengers to the port in its first year.