ShipRocked Cruise hits pier in Jamaica during high winds
07-02-2024
According to Cruise Hive and posts in the Cruise Critic community, a number of guests on the ShipRocked rock cruise were temporarily left behind after the Carnival Magic ship impacted and significantly damaged the pier while docking in Ocho Rios, Jamaica earlier yesterday (Tuesday, February 6).
Carnival Magic was not originally intended to visit Ocho Rios today, but ended up in port a day earlier than initially planned due to weather-related itinerary changes.
The incident reportedly occurred when strong winds drove the vessel into the dock, causing extensive damage to the concrete structure.
Because some guests were onshore enjoying Ocho Rios at the time, it was necessary for the ship to temporarily leave them behind and move away from the damaged dock.
The ship’s master, Captain La Farina, alerted the guests to the situation, as crew members were called to muster stations to respond to the emergency.
“Earlier, due to strong winds, the ship made contact with the pier, impacting a small area of the vessel,” the notification read. “These wind conditions are making it unsafe for us to remain docked. So, for safety reasons, it was necessary for us to sail out to sea.
“We are now in contact with our local partners and our Fleet Operations Center and are working through plans to get our guests who are ashore back on board as soon as possible,” La Farina said.
Around 4:30 p.m. PST, Rock Ambassadors Media shared an update on social media indicating that “passengers have begun to board the ship at the new dock location. Passengers expected to wait hours to board as bands begin to play on the ship.”
As part of the ship’s revised itinerary, Carnival Magic was scheduled to be docked in Ocho Rios from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6. Wednesday is now scheduled to be a day in Grand Cayman, Thursday a day at sea, and Friday a visit to Bimini. The ship is due back in Miami on Saturday morning.
The sold-out ShipRocked cruise is a popular sailing organized by Ask4 Entertainment. The 2024 edition features headlining performances by I PREVAIL, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, BLACK STONE CHERRY, CROBOT, BEARTOOTH, HIGHLY SUSPECT and BADFLOWER.
The @CarnivalCruise Magic hit the Pier in Ocho Rios, Jamaica today while trying to dock in the high winds. Pier has significant damage but no reports on how badly the Ship is damaged. Should hear later today estimates of how long that Pier will be down. Pics from a… pic.twitter.com/IdW8Y5DjAO
— James Van Fleet (@JamesVanFleet) February 6, 2024
They’re back to pick everyone up. pic.twitter.com/cGd2EF6iPk
— Ryan Proly (@ryanproly) February 6, 2024