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Cruise To Jamaica
Cruise Ship Activities In Jamaica
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by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer
You’ve decided to come to Jamaica on a cruise. Usually, this means you won’t be here for very long - maybe just 1-3 days. What can you really do in that little time? Will you be able to really see Jamaica?
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Well, depending on how long your cruise ship will dock in Jamaica, you might not be able to venture very far away from your port. But there are many activities in and around the port that are exciting nevertheless.
What part of Jamaica do cruises go to?
Jamaica has 6 active cruise ports spread across the island. They are:
- Falmouth Cruise Port
- Montego Bay Cruise Port
- Ocho Rios Cruise Port
- Kingston Cruise Port
- Port Royal Cruise Port
- Port Antonio Cruise Port
The most active ports are Ocho Rios, Falmouth and Montego Bay. Port Antonio is the smallest and can only accommodate boutique cruise ships and mega yachts. Port Royal is the newest port and only welcomed its first ship in 2020.
What Days Do Cruise Ships Dock In Jamaica?
Each port has different days where ships are allowed to dock.
- Ocho Rios - Every day except Saturdays ( with certain exceptions)
- Montego Bay - Every day except Fridays
- Falmouth - Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
- Port Royal - Sundays-Fridays
- Kingston - Sundays-Fridays
- Port Antonio - Mondays-Fridays
Do You Need A Passport for a Jamaican Cruise?
A passport may not be a requirement if the cruise begins and ends at the same port. However, to disembark in Jamaica (or other countries for that matter), a passport is definitely a requirement.
Cruise Activities In Jamaica
These are the best activities based on the cruise ports that are nearby:
Montego Bay
Montego Bay’s hip strip has alot to offer. Margaritaville is always a good spot for good food, drinks, music and a good dip in the Caribbean Sea. Children are allowed to visit during the day and zip down the big yellow slide into the water below. There are also other inflatable water gadgets to enhance your Margaritaville experience.
The strip is also swimming with restaurants, whether you are looking for fine dining, a cafe or a burger spot. The best spots are:
- Usain Bolt Tracks and Records
- Marguerites
- Pelican Grill
- Pork Pit
- Brewery Sunset Restaurant & Grill
- Mobay Proper
- Bubble and Spice (At Coral Cliff Restaurant, Arcade and Casino)
Coral Cliff has an arcade filled with fun games and activities open to all ages. Upstairs you’ll find their restaurant, also open to all ages and their Casino. The Casino though is adults-only and ID is required.
Party Scene
- Blue Beat Ultra Lounge
- Pier 1
- The Brewery
- Margaritaville
Montego Bay is also home to many beaches, the most popular is Doctor’s Cave, a Bowling Alley and a go-kart track. You could also fit the Rose Hall Great House into your trip as well.
Companies like Chukka also have excursions that you might be able to do as well that will allow you to see more of the island.
Montego Bay is a shopper’s paradise as there are many spots (the hip strip, shoppes at Rose Hall, Half Moon Shopping Centre, craft markets) where you can get all your souvenirs, shirts and trinkets to commemorate your trip.
Ocho Rios
Well, I guess as soon as you hear Ocho Rios, you can immediately tell what the first recommendation is, but it can’t be helped. A trip to Dunn’s River Falls is a must-do, whether you want to climb the falls or relax on the sand where the river meets the sea.
Chukka tours have many exhilarating activities for you to enjoy as well. From ziplining over the Dunn’s River to cliff jumping and horseback riding in the sea, you can do it all.
Restaurants and Bars are galore as well, from authentic Jamaican meals to fine dining options. And if you have the time, check out Margaritaville and the many other nightclubs and casinos in the area.
Falmouth
Many persons might just be learning of Falmouth, but, those who take cruise ships quite often have known of Falmouth for a very long time. Now, not only is there a thriving port in the seaside town, but there are also many activities in and around the area.
The pier has many shops, restaurants, bars and a craft market, so, you virtually won’t need to leave the pier for any reason at all (Tortuga is perfect for a sweet treat). But, the beautiful town deserves to be explored and one of the best ways to do so is by doing the Falmouth Food and History tour. Chukka Park at Good Hope is great for a full day of eco-adventures along the Martha Brae River.
You can have fun in the eco-park, zipline above the trees, raft down the Martha Brae or relax in a cabana by the river. The luminous lagoon with glistening waters is perfect, especially in the late evening and nighttime when you’ll get to see the water light up around you.
If you can’t make it to the Appleton Rum Tour in St. Elizabeth, then the Hampden Rum Tour can be done instead. You’ll learn the history of rum-making in Jamaica.
Watch Video! The Hampden Rum Factory Tour
Port Antonio
Now, if you know anything about Portland, you’ll know you are in for an experience unlike any other. For starters, the parish is an untouched gem, filled with beautiful natural eco-adventures that in pictures seem to be taken out of a magical world.
Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular but, there are many other attractions, beaches and historical sites you should visit. Visit the restaurants as well, especially the Boston Jerk Centre the mecca of Jerk.
Port Royal And Kingston
Port Royal, now a sleepy fishing village was once a lively town. This is returning a little with the reopening of the cruise port. With most of the town underground due to the earthquake and tsunami of 1692, the very few buildings left are of great historical significance. You’ll also see some artefacts retrieved from the waters below.
Venture out into Kingston as well to visit the museums, cultural tours and eateries in and around the area.
Some of the best spots are:
- Bob Marley Museum
- Devon House
- The Murals In Downtown Kingston
There are many other attractions I might have missed. This is just a brief idea of what Jamaica has to offer. Your cruise might have a jam-packed trip planned for you that will include some of these activities and many others as well.
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Return to Jamaican Cruise Tips from Cruise to Jamaica
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References & Sources For Cruise to Jamaica
- A Tour of Falmouth Pier | InsideJourneys, https://insidejourneys.com/a-tour-of-falmouth-pier/
- Top 6 Nightlife Hotspots on Montego Bay's Hip Strip - TheStayCay, https://thestaycayjamaica.com/top-6-nightlife-hotspots-on-montego-bays-hip-strip/
- 24 Things to Do in Falmouth, Jamaica on a Cruise, https://cruisefever.net/24-things-to-do-in-falmouth-jamaica-on-a-cruise/
- Best Things to Do in Jamaica on a Cruise (2021), https://eatsleepcruise.com/best-things-to-do-in-jamaica-on-a-cruise/
- Activities - Cruise Jamaica, https://cruisejamaica.com/activities/#ocho-rios
- A Jamaican Cruise Makes Your Trip Unforgettable, https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaican_cruise.html
- What days do Cruise ships dock in Jamaica?, https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/what-days-do-cruise-ships-dock-in-jamaica.html
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