Craft vendors in Port Antonio are benefiting from an increase in cruise ship arrivals at the Ken Wright Pier in Portland, with the latest being the MS Insignia, carrying 658 passengers.

President of the Port Antonio Craft Vendors Association Joan Shaw said the increase in cruise ship arrivals is a good start.

She expressed hope that craft vendors will see an increase in profit during the winter tourist season.

She however, highlighted that the craft vendors have been asking the Port Authority to install a gate at the marina so that tourists can easily access the craft section of the Musgrave market.

The MS Insignia is the third cruise ship to arrive in Port Antonio since the start of the winter tourist season.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett had recently announced that nine cruise ships are set to dock in Port Antonio this season.