Operators of Marella Cruises, TUI UK, say non-UK residents have been restricted from its cruise-only holidays out of Jamaica.

In an emailed response to questions by OBSERVER ONLINE on Thursday morning, the company said it has cancelled some bookings due to the restrictions.

“Due to operational restrictions beyond our control, we are unable to offer cruise only holidays out of Jamaica for non-UK residents. All Marella cruise sailings are operating as planned but we have been required to cancel a small number of individual bookings due to these new restrictions. We apologise for the disappointment caused to these customers and hope to restart selling cruises in Jamaica in the future,” a statement from TUI UK read.

On Wednesday, Nationwide News reported that Marella Cruises, in an advisory sent to cruise agents last Tuesday, said it would no longer be accepting Jamaicans on the Discovery 2, following a recent incident.

The advisory noted that 17 Jamaicans, who were on the Marella Discovery 2, attempted to abscond in Belize last Monday. It said in total, seven people absconded, while some were held by the police and returned to the ship.

Joy Roberts, Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations Limited, whose engagements incorporate airlift and cruise activities, told OBSERVER ONLINE mid-afternoon Wednesday that the Ministry of Tourism is awaiting more information surrounding the reported advisory.

“We are not able to respond immediately as we are awaiting more information on the issue,” she said.