Falmouth businesses not prepared for first cruise ship

Mayor of Falmouth, Collin Gager, says he’s disappointment about the level of readiness of businesses in the town to cater to tourists who will arrive on the first cruise ship to the town next week.

On January 7, cruise liner Navigator of the Seas, is expected to dock at the just-built Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier.

The ship will take with it 3,400 passengers and 1,200 crew members.

However, Gager says local businesses have not been doing enough to capitalise on the opportunity.

The mayor says the Government is doing its part, but businesses have to get out and maximise their earnings.

Member of Parliament for North Trelawny, Dr. Patrick Harriswhile also laments the level of preparation by businesses.

However, he says he is still happy about the level of development the cruise shipping industry could bring to the parish.

He notes that ships will be calling every Wednesday and Thursday and that 600,000 visitors are expected to arrive annually.

These visitors are expected to spend a projected US$100 each, earning the parish approximately $5 billion annually.