MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – The Royal Caribbean cruise ship, ‘Allure of the Seas’, made its third stop at the newly constructed Falmouth cruise ship pier in Trelawny on Wednesday April 27, bringing more than 8,000 passengers and crew.
Minister of Transport and Works, Hon. Michael Henry, was on hand to greet the vessel, and participate in an exchange of gifts with Captain of the vessel, Hernan Zini.
At a reception held in the Viking Crown Lounge onboard the ship, Captain Zini also traded gifts with Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Collin Gager; and Custos of Trelawny, Hon. Paul Muschette.
In his address during the brief function, Minister Henry praised the Trelawny Parish Council for the work done to rehabilitate and beauty Falmouth. He urged the local authorities to continue to ensure that the visitors enjoy their experience in Jamaica and have lasting memories of the island.
Minister Henry further called for the integration of visitors and local residents, noting that “this is of utmost importance to the development of Jamaica’s visitor market.”
Vice President of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Michael Ronan, encouraged the residents of Trelawny to value every cruise ship visit as a contribution to the development of the parish. He lauded the work done in the town and urged that the welcoming environment be maintained.
Also present at the event were Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, Celsa Nuno; and Ambassador from Senegal to Jamaica, Dr. Nafissatou Diagne. There are approximately 500 Jamaicans employed on the Allure of the Seas.
A gift exchange ceremony, called “the passing of the keys”, is usually done to mark a ship’s inaugural visit to a destination. However, as the ‘Allure of the Seas’ first visit to Falmouth in March, was just days after the arrival of the world largest cruise ship, ‘Oasis of the Seas’, and the festivities surrounding the official opening of the pier, it was decided to hold the ceremony at a later date.
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