Virgin Voyages Makes Its First Call to Jamaica After Hurricane
Virgin Voyages docks in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, marking its first Ocho Rios call while supporting recovery efforts with a range of efforts.
Virgin Voyages has now made its first official call to Jamaica. Resilient Lady visited Ocho Rios today on November 24 after the island began to reopen following Hurricane Melissa. The visit took place slightly later than planned because the early November call on Brilliant Lady was cancelled due to the hurricane.
Virgin Voyages said it wanted to return when local partners felt ready so the visit would support recovery rather than place pressure on the community.
How Hurricane Melissa Changed the Original Plans
Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 storm. Virgin Voyages issued a message of support and explained that safety would guide all decisions. Brilliant Lady’s early November voyage was meant to include Virgin Voyages first ever call to Ocho Rios, but that stop was replaced with Cozumel. Guests received automatic refunds for any pre booked Shore Things. Virgin Voyages also confirmed a donation to support recovery efforts on the island.
Recovery Work Supported by Virgin Voyages
Today, Virgin Voyages has outlined several ways it is supporting the recovery in Jamaica through its partnership with Global Empowerment Mission. These efforts include:
- A month long fundraiser across the fleet with sailors donating through Tip the Ocean or directly to GEM
- Delivery of 34 pallets of aid during upcoming Ocho Rios calls
- A supply drive at Virgin Voyages headquarters
- A volunteer day planned with GEM and Virgin Voyages Impact Squad later in the year
- A crew member personally bringing donated supplies back to her community over Thanksgiving
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What Virgin Voyages Says About the Visit
Virgin Voyages Chief Operating Officer Michelle Bentubo shared the following message about the return to Jamaica:
This visit represents far more than a new destination. Thank you. You have helped us approach this moment with compassion, care, and true Virgin spirit. As we prepare for this milestone, we do so with deep respect for the people of Jamaica. Their optimism and hospitality remind us why we love what we do. We cannot wait to finally say ahoy to Ocho Rios. – Michelle Bentubo, COO in a First Mates video
What This Means for Upcoming Voyages
Both Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady are due to return to Ocho Rios in the coming months. Virgin Voyages has said it will keep reviewing local conditions and will adjust itineraries again if needed. Any changes will be shared through the Virgin Voyages App and through direct updates to booked guests. For now, the successful call suggests that Jamaica is ready for cruise visits again while long term recovery continues.
A Milestone Shaped by Community
Virgin Voyages has framed this visit as part of a wider recovery story rather than a simple port call. Sailors can now experience Ocho Rios again while the line continues to support partners on the island. As more Shore Things return and more communities reopen, future visits will build on this first step in a way that benefits both sailors and local residents.
