JAMAICA Vacations Limited (JAMVAC) is celebrating Jamaica’s recognition as the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination at the 2026 World Travel Awards.

The recognition, JAMVAC said, reaffirms the island’s position as one of the region’s premier cruise tourism destinations.

The country secured two additional accolades, with the Port of Ocho Rios named Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port 2026, and the Port of Montego Bay recognised as Caribbean’s Leading Home Port 2026.

The Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2026 award was accepted by Jamaica Vacations Cruise Manager Trudi Davidson during the World Travel Awards ceremony held on October 12 at Princess Grand hotel in Hanover.

“The awards represent a significant achievement for Jamaica’s cruise tourism industry, particularly as the island continues its recovery from the impact of Hurricane Melissa less than a year ago,” JAMVAC said in a news release.

It noted that Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett also welcomed the recognition, describing the World Travel Awards as “a significant benchmark of excellence in global tourism”.

He congratulated the winners and highlighted the strength, innovation and resilience of the tourism industry.

Executive Director of JAMVAC Joy Roberts welcomed the recognition, noting that the achievement reflects the collective contribution of the people and organisations that support Jamaica’s cruise tourism industry.

“These awards really belong to the people who make cruise tourism possible in Jamaica.

They belong to our port operators, the men and women who welcome visitors at our ports, our transportation providers, tour operators, attraction operators, entertainers, craft vendors and the communities who help to create the Jamaican experience.

Every one of them plays a role in making Jamaica a leading cruise destination,” Roberts said. She noted that the awards are especially meaningful, given the challenges faced by the industry following Hurricane Melissa.

“Less than a year ago we were confronted with the devastation of a major hurricane. The recovery required tremendous effort and collaboration with various partners and stakeholders across the industry. To be recognised once again on the international stage is something of which we can all be proud. It speaks to the resilience of our people and the strength of our tourism product,” she added.

Jamaica Vacations Limited, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, works closely with the Port Authority of Jamaica, cruise lines, and other industry stakeholders to support the development and promotion of Jamaica’s cruise tourism sector.

The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, recognise excellence across the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.