Disney Treasure cruise passengers immersed themselves in local culture

Cruise passengers from around the world got an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture when the Disney Treasure cruise vessel made its  inaugural call at the historic town of Falmouth on Thursday (December 5).

Nan Dikesh from Mauritius, who told JIS News that he had fulfilled a lifelong dream of sailing with Disney, said it was his first time in Jamaica and he was excited about experiencing reggae and other aspects of the local culture.

“I feel the same vibe as my country Mauritius, the reggae vibe. It's very nice,” he said.

Brazilian passenger Cathy Rangel had similar sentiments, describing her experience as feeling “like home” with “good vibes”.

She said she explored the Falmouth Pier and sampled local beer, as well as engaged with citizens.

“The people here were nice,” Rangel, said, adding that cultural immersion makes travel meaningful.

Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett (second right) and Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations (JamVac), Joy Roberts (right), interact with locals and visitors during a tour of Falmouth Pier in Trelawny on Thursday when Disney Treasure made its maiden voyage to Jamaica.

Couple Johnathan Betlinski and Jennifer Brooks from Portland, Oregon ventured beyond the pier to discover the “treasures” of Falmouth.

Betlinski indicated that they enjoyed rafting on the Martha Brae River and even got to relax at a beach resort, where they indulged in Jamaican cuisine and explored the shoreline.

Brooks praised the welcoming nature of locals, stating that “everybody has been lovely and friendly”.

Meanwhile, local artisans were hopeful about the economic benefits to be derived from the vessel’s arrival.

For Denworth Smith, a painter whose work is prominently displayed at the Falmouth Pier, the cruise industry has enabled him to make a good living.

“A new cruise ship like Disney Treasure and other cruise ships impact my life in every way. In fact, both my friends and family are now better off financially. It is like paradise,” said Smith.

Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett (right), interacts with artisan Nylon Williams during a tour of Falmouth Pier in Trelawny on Thursday when Disney Treasure made its maiden voyage to Jamaica.

The arrival of Disney Treasure, which is to call at Falmouth every two weeks, marked another milestone in Jamaica’s cruise tourism sector.

The occasion was celebrated with an official Plaque Exchange Ceremony that was attended by Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett; President of the Port Authority of Jamaica, Professor Gordon Shirley, Disney representatives, local dignitaries and other stakeholders.

The collaboration between Disney and Jamaica underscores the island's growing appeal as a cruise destination.