Jamaica has long been a tourist destination for people from all around the world. Cruise ships are one of the most popular ways for travelers to visit the Caribbean island. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cruises have been suspended in Jamaica since March of 2020.
The Jamaican government has begun to slowly ease restrictions that were put in place due to the pandemic which has enabled cruise companies to start planning for their return. Cruise ships will be able to resume operations when Jamaica reaches a certain level of coronavirus control and safety.
Jamaica is reportedly in talks with several cruise lines about restarting operations as soon as possible. The government is also working with these companies to ensure that adequate health protocols and safety measures are in place before any cruises depart from Jamaica’s ports.
The country’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has developed comprehensive guidelines and protocols that must be followed by all operators prior to any cruises departing from Jamaica’s ports. These protocols include testing of passengers and crew members before boarding, reduced capacity on board, physical distancing requirements, and enhanced cleaning and sanitization measures throughout the ship.
In addition, it is expected that operators will require passengers to wear face masks while on board and adhere to other health precautions such as frequent handwashing and social distancing while disembarking at any port during their journey.
Cruise lines have also started implementing their own health protocols alongside those established by the Jamaican government in order to ensure passenger safety during their travels. These include temperature checks before boarding, mandatory hand sanitizing, contactless check-in procedures, enhanced air filtration systems on board the ships, and additional medical staff on board for emergency situations.
Despite all these efforts, there is still no definitive date as to when cruise ships will resume operations in Jamaica again due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. It is likely that it won’t be until late 2021 or early 2022 when cruise ships can begin sailing from Jamaican ports again but this is yet to be confirmed by officials.
Ultimately, it is up to both governments and industry leaders alike to ensure that suitable health protocols are implemented prior to the resumption of cruising in Jamaica so travelers can feel safe embarking upon journeys around this beautiful Caribbean island nation once again.
Conclusion: Even though cruise lines have begun planning for their return in Jamaica amidst easing restrictions due comprehensive guidelines set out by the Jamaican government alongside additional safety measures implemented by operators themselves – there is no definite date yet as when cruises will resume operations here due ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.