The Marleys' Jamrock Reggae Cruise Rerouted as Hurricane Melissa Nears Jamaica

Jamaica's Reggae Cruise Rerouted as Hurricane Melissa Looms

A Category 5 hurricane is bearing down on Jamaica, prompting a significant change in plans for the Marley brothers' Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise. The five-night event, set to take place from October 27 to November 1, has been rerouted due to concerns over safety.

Originally scheduled to depart from Miami with stops in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, the cruise will now set sail for Cozumel, Mexico, as organizers deemed it a safer option. The decision was made after Hurricane Melissa's forecasted landfall, which is expected to bring devastating flooding, landslides, and widespread damage.

Many of the scheduled artists were unable to leave Jamaica due to airport closures at Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport, Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport. With limited time to respond, event organizers have brought on new talent to ensure that the music and vibes continue.

The 10th annual Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise features a star-studded lineup including Damian and Stephen Marley, as well as their younger family members Yohan, Skip, YG, and Mystic. Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Tarrus Riley, Spice Baby Cham, and more artists will perform on the cruise.

The celebration also marks the 20th anniversary of Damian's Grammy-winning record "Welcome to Jamrock," which shares the same name as the event series. However, with Hurricane Melissa threatening Jamaica, the focus has shifted from music to safety. The storm is currently a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 175 mph, and forecasters warn that it could lead to catastrophic damage.

The changes in plans come after several cruise lines have altered their itineraries due to the approaching hurricane. Other Carnival ships, Margaritaville at Sea's Islander, and Disney Treasure and the Disney Wish are among those avoiding the storm.

As of Monday, Hurricane Melissa has reached Category 5 status with winds of 175 mph. The international airports in Jamaica remain closed, and several cruises have changed their itineraries to ensure passenger safety.

Ugh, so sad for the reggae fans! I was really looking forward to this cruise and now it's been totally ruined by that hurricane... Cozumel, Mexico is a total bummer - where's the vibes? The artists are gonna have to perform in some random hotel or something... that's just not right. And can you even imagine the logistics of dealing with all those cancellations and rebookings? It's like the whole thing was turned upside down overnight.

Ugh, can't believe this is happening just before my fave reggae cruise is supposed to happen ! I've been counting down the days till the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise and now it's being rerouted to Mexico? It's not the same vibe, you know? But at least the organizers are trying to bring on new talent to save the day. Shabba Ranks is my jam ! Hope everyone stays safe in Jamaica, we don't want any bad news . This hurricane thing is crazy, 175 mph winds?!

Ugh, can you even believe this?! First, they're gonna take away our chance to party on the Marley cruise , then they gotta change the whole itinerary because of some freakin' hurricane ... like what's the point of planning a reggae cruise if we're just gonna get screwed by Mother Nature anyway?

I mean, I get it, safety first and all that , but can't they see how much we were looking forward to this?! We've been waiting for months for those concerts to go down, and now everyone's stuck in Jamaica because the airports are closed . What about all our fans who have already booked their tickets? Are they just gonna get a partial refund or what?

And can we talk about how uncool it is that so many artists got stuck in Jamaica?! Damian, Stephen, Shabba Ranks... all those legends are still in the country because of some stupid hurricane . It's like, can't they just make a quick escape or something?

I guess what I'm trying to say is that this whole thing has just been so frustrating . First, you gotta cancel the cruise, then you gotta change the itinerary... it's just too much . Can't we just have one day without any drama for once?!

Ugh, this is bad news for everyone . I mean, who wants to sail on a cruise when there's a hurricane brewing? But at the same time, safety first, right? The reggae vibes are gonna be so missed though . I hope all the artists can still rock out in Mexico and make it an epic 20th anniversary celebration for Damian . And poor Jamaica , they need some help ASAP. Hope everyone stays safe and sound on this cruise

man... just heard about the reggae cruise being rerouted think its such a shame cuz jamaica is like where reggae was born youd think the music would be the last thing on ppl's minds right now but at the same time, i get why they had to make this change safety first and all that still hoping itll pass and everyone can enjoy the vibes

man this is so crazy like what happened to reggae cruise? its supposed to be a celebration of music and vibes but now its all about survival... hurricane melissa is looking fierce i remember when my grandma used to tell me stories about hurricanes in jamaica, how they'd destroy homes and everything... it's just so sad and the marley brothers are gonna perform despite all this? that's dedication fam but seriously can't we find a safer spot for people? its not like there are no other cruise options

.. a Category 5 hurricane is headed straight for Jamaica and now the reggae cruise has been rerouted to Mexico? I get why they'd wanna prioritize safety, but it's a shame on the artists who couldn't make it because of airport closures... like Damian Marley himself! I'm sure it's still gonna be an epic event in Cozumel, but it's just not the same vibe as being in Jamaica . Still, 10th anniversary and all that, so I'm down to see what new talent they've got lined up

Man... a Category 5 hurricane is gonna be a real doozy for Jamaica . I feel bad for the artists who were supposed to perform on that cruise - can't even get in because of airport closures? And now they're having to cancel the whole thing and reroute it to Mexico? That's just not right . But you gotta prioritize safety, right? I mean, those winds are crazy - 175 mph? That's like flying around like a fool! Anyways, I hope everyone stays safe and sound... and that the new lineup is still lit .

Ugh, can't believe a hurricane is ruining the vibes . I mean, I get it, safety first and all that, but Jamaica is like, where reggae music was born . It's a shame that Hurricane Melissa has to come in and ruin the party. I hope everyone stays safe though .

So, now they're rerouting the cruise to Mexico? That's not ideal . I'm sure it'll still be lit (pun intended) with all those artists on board, but it's just not the same as sailing through the Caribbean .

20 years of "Welcome to Jamrock" is such a big deal, and now they have to celebrate in Mexico? Still gonna enjoy the music though, that's what matters right?

ugh, can't even cruise this year ... hurricane is gonna be a total bummer for jamaica . always sad when natural disasters ruin travel plans . hope the artists are okay tho and that everyone gets to enjoy some reggae vibes in mexico instead

I'm not buying this cruise thing . I mean, who needs to sail around Mexico when you've got a hurricane bearing down on your doorstep? It's all about the benjamins, right? The reggae vibes are cool and all, but at what cost? Safety over profits? I don't think so . And what's with all these new artists being brought in? Can't they just cancel the whole thing?