Ocho Rios pier reopens, offering relief for businesses
Published:Wednesday | November 12, 2025 | 12:36 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
Under heavy clouds on Tuesday, the Zuiderdam cruise ship became the first vessel in more than a year to dock at the Ocho Rios pier after extensive repairs.
The facility had been closed since suffering major damage in February 2024. The Government allocated US$20 million for restoration works last year, and its reopening is expected to revive the local economy. The closure had severely reduced cruise arrivals, hurting scores of small businesses that depend on tourism.
Not long after the Zuiderdam arrived, the MSC Divina docked at the nearby Reynolds Pier, delivering an even greater boost to the resort town still recovering from Hurricane Melissa two weeks earlier.
The Zuiderdam carries about 2,200 passengers, compared with 4,200 on the MSC Divina.
RENEWED OPTIMISM
Although dark clouds lingered overhead – echoing memories of the storm – Ocho Rios pressed forward with renewed optimism. Hundreds of visitors ventured into the town and surrounding attractions despite intermittent showers.
Several other ships are expected in the coming days, including the Carnival Sunrise, Norwegian Prime, and Virgin Voyages’ newest vessel, Brilliant Lady, launched in September 2025. Like other Virgin ships, Brilliant Lady caters exclusively to adults and carries 2,800 passengers.
The pier’s reopening has been welcomed by the business community and tourism transport operators who endured months of hardship during the closure.
For JUTA driver Gordon Grant, however, the day brought mixed emotions. After waiting hours at the pier, he left without a fare.
“We appreciate the [cruise shipping] season open with two ships,” Grant said.
“It’s like two ships are here. They assign me to the ‘Dam. You can’t go over there (on the pier), and if you don’t get any work, you have to leave. Right now I’m the last person (driver) here, so I’m gonna leave,” he added.
Within minutes, he drove out of the designated area. Other drivers assigned to both ships were more fortunate, transporting guests to destinations across the island.
On the pier’s reopening, Grant said: “Everybody is proud of that. It’s quite a while since the pier was damaged and we haven’t got any good business, just sketchy. So now, two ships can dock one time. Everybody is so happy about it.”