ST JAMES, Jamaica — Jamaica is once again in the spotlight as top Caribbean Cruise Destination of the year for 2018, the Tourism Ministry is reporting.

Jamaica received the award from Caribbean Journal, the world’s largest website covering Caribbean travel and trade news, a release from the ministry said this morning.

The ministry said the award recognises destinations that record consistent growth in cruise arrivals.

Last year, Jamaica continued to attract new cruise ships such as Carnival Horizon, and popular cruise brand TUI also increased their call to Montego Bay, the ministry reported.

This it said follows Jamaica’s recent record wins at the World Travel Awards in Portugal and Travvy Awards held last month in New York, where the island was awarded Best Wedding Destination, Best Honeymoon Destination and Best Culinary Destination, among others.

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, who accepted the award said, “Jamaica is highly honoured that we continue to attract the attention of the world and receive accolades for the continued high quality experience that destination Jamaica provides.

“This award as the Caribbean’s lead cruise destination is symptomatic of that strong presence of Jamaica as a go-to place to enjoy and consume rich cultural assets. I congratulate the stakeholder and partners all and I am confident that Jamaica will continue to repeat these performances as our experiences continue to exceed expectation.”