Hurricane Melissa Forces Rerouting of Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise, Jamaica Braces for Impact

The Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise, a highly anticipated five-night event, was scheduled to take place from October 27 to November 1, with stops in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. However, due to the threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, the cruise has been rerouted to Cozumel, Mexico. The decision was made after the Fleet Captain’s review, which determined that Cozumel was the safest course for the cruise. According to event organizers, many scheduled artists and DJs were unable to leave Jamaica due to the closure of international airports, prompting the organizers to make last-minute efforts to bring in new artists to keep the music and vibes alive.

Hurricane Melissa’s Impact on Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm, is expected to make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday morning, bringing with it winds of 175 mph and the potential for devastating flooding, landslides, and widespread damage to infrastructure. The Associated Press reports that forecasters have warned of catastrophic consequences, and the country is bracing for the storm’s impact. Three international airports in Jamaica, including Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport, Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, have been closed, and several cruises in the Caribbean have changed their itineraries to avoid the storm.

Artists and Lineup

The Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise features a lineup of renowned artists, including Damian and Stephen Marley, as well as the third generation of Marleys, including Yohan, Skip, YG, and Mystic. Other notable artists set to perform include Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Tarrus Riley, Spice Baby Cham, and more. The celebration will also mark the 20th anniversary of Damian’s Grammy-winning record Welcome to Jamrock, which shares the same name as the cruise series. Key highlights of the lineup include:
* Damian Marley
* Stephen Marley
* Yohan Marley
* Skip Marley
* YG Marley
* Mystic Marley
* Shabba Ranks
* Super Cat
* Tarrus Riley
* Spice Baby Cham

Response to the Rerouting

Event organizers announced the rerouting of the cruise on Instagram, stating that the decision was made to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. While some fans may be disappointed by the change in itinerary, the organizers are working to maintain the spirit of the cruise, with a new lineup of artists and activities planned for the revised route. According to organizers, “many of the scheduled artists and DJs were unable to get out of Jamaica due to the airports closing,” and they made “best efforts to bring on new artists so that we can keep the music and vibes alive.”

Impact on Travel and Tourism

The rerouting of the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is just one example of the impact that Hurricane Melissa is having on travel and tourism in the Caribbean. Several cruises, including Carnival ships and the Disney Treasure and Disney Wish, have changed their itineraries to avoid the storm. The closure of international airports in Jamaica has also disrupted travel plans for many, with flights and cruises canceled or delayed.

Conclusion:
The rerouting of the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise due to Hurricane Melissa is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of prioritizing safety. While the change in itinerary may be disappointing for some, the organizers are working to maintain the spirit of the cruise, and the revised lineup promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for passengers. As Jamaica braces for the impact of the hurricane, the world watches with concern, hoping for the best for the people and communities affected.

Keywords:
* Hurricane Melissa
* Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise
* Jamaica
* Category 5 storm
* Caribbean
* Travel and tourism
* Damian Marley
* Stephen Marley
* Reggae music

Hashtags:
* #HurricaneMelissa
* #WelcomeToJamrockReggaeCruise
* #Jamaica
* #Category5Storm
* #Caribbean
* #TravelAndTourism
* #ReggaeMusic
* #DamianMarley
* #StephenMarley



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