Delano Seiveright, senior strategist and adviser in the Ministry of Tourism, anticipates that the world’s largest cruise ship, the Royal Caribbean’s new ‘Icon of the Seas’, will be making future stops in Jamaica, particularly at the Port of Falmouth.

The vessel is the latest in the company’s line of Oasis-class ships, which includes the ‘Allure of the Seas’, ‘Oasis of the Seas’, ‘Symphony of the Seas’, ‘Harmony of the Seas’ and ‘Wonder of the Seas’.

Seiveright, speaking on the state of the cruise-shipping industry and its prospects for 2024 and beyond, noted that the sector has been rebounding encouragingly from fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He argued that the island’s appeal, rich culture, and vibrant energy continue to attract cruise lines and passengers, adding that the “inevitable” arrival of the Icon of the Seas will further consolidate the growing confidence and interest in Jamaica as a premier cruise destination.

The imposing 20-deck 250,800-gross tonne vessel, which measures 1,198 feet and has a passenger capacity of 9,950, is outfitted with 2,805 cabins, a waterpark and an impressive 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges.

“Icon of the Seas is all the rave right now… the talk of the cruise-shipping sector. When it gets to Jamaica, as all its sister ships have, it will be a strong indication of the resurgence of the cruise industry,” Seiveright told JIS News.

The senior tourism adviser noted that “as cruise lines gradually resume operations and passengers regain confidence in travelling, the industry is seeing growth and renewed optimism”.

“With the prospect of the world’s largest cruise ship and other Oasis-class vessels making stops at the Falmouth Jamaica Port, excitement is building among local businesses, tourism operators and residents. The potential economic impact and the opportunities for cultural exchange and tourism development are expected to be substantial,” the tourism official added.

Seiveright said that as the cruise industry charts a course towards recovery, Jamaica remains poised and ready to welcome visitors from around the world.

He added that his unwavering optimism reflects Jamaica’s ongoing commitment to providing unforgettable experiences for cruise passengers and solidifying its position as a top-tier destination in the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, Seiveright said based on dialogue between Jamaica with its cruise industry partners, the consensus is that the sector’s out-turns are returning to pre-COVID-19 levels.

“We are starting to see signs of the big comeback. [On January 31] alone, there were two of those Oasis-class vessels in Falmouth. We expect this trend to continue in our port of calls as we go along,” he added.

Until recently, the 235,600-gross tonne Wonder of the Seas was the world’s largest cruise ship, spanning 1,188 feet in length and 18 decks tall.

The vessel, which has a passenger capacity of 9,288, made its maiden voyage in March 2022 with 2,687 guests.

It was subsequently dislodged from its lofty perch by the Icon of the Seas.