If you’ve ever booked a cruise and pictured yourself stepping off the ship into sun-drenched Jamaica, the events surrounding Hurricane Melissa have changed the game. Here’s what happened, how cruise travellers are affected, and what to keep in mind if Jamaica is—and was—on your itinerary.
What Went Down
On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica with unprecedented power—reportedly making landfall as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds around 185 mph. The western portions of the island experienced catastrophic damage: infrastructure, power, communications and transportation were all hit hard. Meanwhile, cruise lines operating in the region began making itinerary changes—skipping Jamaican ports, substituting alternate stops and rearranging voyage schedules.
How Cruise Plans Are Being Impacted
- Ports that were previously scheduled for calls—such as popular ones in Jamaica—are being temporarily bypassed as recovery gets underway.
- Travellers may find that a Jamaica port day is replaced by extra sea time or a different destination.
- Escorting services, shore excursions and local experiences may be modified or unavailable while the island deals with restoration.
- For those scheduled in late 2025 or early 2026, the reality is that “as-booked” may not match “as-sailed.”
What This Means for You
- If your cruise included Jamaica, check your itinerary carefully. Has the port call changed? Is there an alternate stop?
- Be ready for adjustments. Even if your port is still listed, the shape of the day (shore-excursions, times, crowding) may be different.
- Think of this not just as disruption but as opportunity: fewer crowds, maybe alternative destinations, or even more flexibility in plans.
- Use it as a planning reminder: though cruising is designed to be seamless, nature sometimes intersects. Being prepared makes a big difference.
Final Thought
At the heart of cruising is the promise of adventure—sun, sea, new places. But when places change, your experience evolves. That’s not necessarily bad—it’s just different. If Jamaica was on your list, keep an eye on updates, embrace the unexpected, and let your journey adapt.
