The Best Cruises To Jamaica
Visiting Jamrock, as Jamaicans often call their island home, is the best way to learn about this Caribbean nations unique culture, traditions and history. Reggae music, which Bob Marley called the kings music, was born in Jamaica. Reggaes main message is one of equality, justice and love. Travelers who want to feel a little of this message should accept Marley’s invitation to come to Jamaica, mon. A cruise is an easy way to get a taste of island life. Most cruise lines sailing the Caribbean include Jamaica in their itineraries, with some providing unique experiences.
Find Your Perfect Cruise
Inarguably, there is a large number of available Caribbean cruise itineraries that include Jamaican ports of call.
As stated before, not all itineraries are available year round. Check with a Travel Agent to find what is available at the time you wish to visit Jamaica.
One thing is certain, whenever you choose to include one of the many inclusive cruises to Jamaica in your family vacation, you will come away with unforgettable memories.
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Jamaica Is Going Bigger
Looking further into the future, Jamaica expects to provide a welcome home to some of the biggest cruise ships in the world, those of Carnival Corporation and the Royal Caribbean Group.
Also, only recently, Jamaica was assured by Carnival Corporation it could expect up to 110 port calls from Carnivals ships, bringing more than 200,000 tourists to the island.
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett said:
Carnival has been one of our longstanding partners and a great friend of Jamaica. As you can see, they were the first cruise line to send a ship once cruises were back on the high seas and they have seen enough to see that our COVID-19 response has not only been commendable but has been of international standard and worthy of them sending their passengers to our ports,
In November, Royal Caribbean will be looking to start operations in Jamaica and build that up to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, bringing in tens of thousands of fully vaccinated guests.
The tourism minister believes that Royal Caribbean will regularly send no less than four Oasis-class ships to Jamaica from 2022 onwards. These include Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and the largest cruise ship in the world currently, Symphony of the Seas, with the possibility that Wonder of the Seas will also be making its way to Jamaica.
And if you like, feel free to cast your vote in the 2021 Cruise Ship Awards covering a range of categories, including best cruise ship and best cruise line.
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How Long Does It Take To Cruise From Florida To Jamaica
The longest transit time to ship a container to Jamaica is the route Oakland Kingston, with an average of 37 days. I know people who have salied from Florida and New Orleans but only in their own boats one guy I know of sails down every winter and stays on his boat moored off the beach in Negril for a few months.
Visit Good Hope Estate
The Good Hope Estate located near the Falmouth cruise port also warrants a visit while in Jamaica. This estate once belonged to John Tharpe. It was a former sugar plantation but is still one of the most elegant structures in town. These estate grounds offer panoramic vistas of the Queen of Spain Valley, the Cockpit Mountains, and the Martha Brae River. Today, the estate is still a working citrus farm and a nature adventure park offering historical, cultural, and adventurous tours.
You can tour the Great House, enjoy the 2,000+ acres of nature, or partake in an Appleton rum tasting experience. Additionally, you can test your thrill for adventure with dune buggies, ATVs, ziplines, and river tubing. Or, simply relax by the Great House pool.
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Catamaran Sail And Snorkel
Everyone knows that catamaran sailboats are cool. They have wide decks, making them an ideal venue for large groups, parties, and snorkel excursions. You can have all three at once on a shared or private catamaran trip around Montego Bay.
If you prefer scuba diving, feel free to indulge yourself off the coast of MoBay in the Montego Bay Marine Park.
Carnival Cruise Line Returns To Jamaica As Island Reopens To Cruise Industry
Carnival Cruise Line becomes the first cruise line to return to Jamaica, with the Carnival Sunrise making a call at Ocho Rios.
Cruising returned to Jamaica this morning at 07:30 AM local time as Carnival Sunrise docked in the port of Ocho Rios. The Carnival cruise ship became the first to visit the island since it shut down last year for all cruise operations.
Carnival Sunrise is now the seventh ship in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet to start operating. On Saturday, the cruise ship departed from Miami, Florida, bringing back fun to the Caribbean Island of Jamaica and Bimini in the Bahamas.
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Carnival Cruise Ship To Dock On Lockdown Monday Why Some Interests Are Fuming
Carl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
The Carnival Sunrise cruise ship is set to dock in Ocho Rios, St Ann tomorrow, a designated no-movement day in Jamaica.
Approximately 1,700 cruise passengers are on board.
However, arrangements have been made to open a few attractions to accommodate the tourists.
According to a letter from the St Ann Development Company, a subsidiary of the Urban Development Commission, the government-owned Dunnâs River Falls and Green Grotto Caves will be open.
Ports And Shore Excursions
There are three main ports of call when taking a Jamaican cruise and all cruise lines make stops in at least one or two cities. All cruise lines that sail to Jamaica stop in Ocho Rios, which sits along the islandâs northern coast. Two main attractions in Ocho Rios include Dunnâs River Falls with its 600-foot high waterfalls and Dolphin Cove where visitors may have personal encounters with dolphins, sharks and manta rays. Celebrity, Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean cruise lines stop in Montego Bay, located in the northwestern corner of Jamaica. Available shore excursions in Montego Bay are the Appleton Estate Rum Tour , YS Falls tour , Rose Hall Great House and the Bob Marley Experience that includes a visit to his estate. Falmouth sits along the central, north shore of the island, between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Princess Cruises also call on this port. Falmouth shore excursions worth considering include visiting the Greenwood Great House or white-water rafting along the Martha Brae River .
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Ocho Rios Cruise Port
A combination of waterfalls and botanical gardens create Ocho Rios signature beauty. The Ocho Rios cruise port is the countrys largest and sits centrally among top Jamaica attractions. If youre a nature enthusiast, floral splendor and a steady waterfall await at Shaw Park Gardens, or drive Fern Gullys roadway to take in miles of leafy life forming a tunnel. Mix in adventure by climbing against the rushing force of Dunns River Falls or soaring through Mystic Mountains rainforest vegetation.
Paj Readies For Return Of Cruise Ships To Falmouth
The Port Authority of Jamaica says preparations are being put in place for the return of cruise ships to the Falmouth Port.
The authority says it has engaged key stakeholders as part of those plans.
It says some of the stakeholders engaged at the meeting were members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Ministry of Health, the Tourism Product Development Company Jamaica Customs and Passport Immigration & Citizenship Agency .
The Emerald Princess is scheduled to call at Falmouth on Sunday, November 14 and is the first ship to return to Falmouth since the 17-month suspension of cruise shipping operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ship is expected to call with approximately 3,500 passengers and crew.
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Top Food And Drink In Jamaica
Jamaican cuisine ranges from mild to wild, a result of its British, Spanish, and African influences. One of the staples for breakfast or lunch is saltfish with ackee, a fruit with the taste and texture of scrambled eggs. During your cruise to Jamaica, you must try the legendary flavor of jerk, a signature seasoning invented by runaway slaves which adds a distinctly Jamaican kick to chicken, lamb, pork, fish, and even veggies.
Jamaica May Be Your Dream Destination
Jamaica is truly an island paradise and a perfect destination for cruise passengers. With excursions and attractions ranging from sedentary historical tours and shopping venues to adventurous waterfall climbs and canopy tours, every guest will go home feeling theyâve become just a little more mellow with island life.
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Rafting On The Martha Brae
Located near the Falmouth cruise port is a unique rafting adventure for those who prefer something a bit more tame. This authentic Jamaican experience is perfect for families of all ages. The rafts are pretty stable, so this excursion is perfect even for those who cant swim.
Sit back and enjoy the ride on this 30 foot bamboo raft as you float down a 3 mile stretch of the Martha Brae River. You will take in the beautiful sights and learn about the legend of Martha Brae herself along the way. You can even take a quick dip in the water if you choose.
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Set Off On A City Highlights Tour
A city highlights tour is a great way to catch a glimpse of many sights in a short amount of time. This is a good shore excursion option for someone who is visiting Jamaica for the first time.
If you are a history buff, then you will love a Falmouth Heritage walking tour. Experience the history, culture, and architecture of Falmouth while visiting notable sites along the path including the Falmouth Courthouse, Baptist Manse, the Moulton Barrett House, Water Square, the William Knibb Memorial Baptist Church, St. Peters Anglican Church, and more.
Falmouth food tours are also available, as well as trolley tours for those who are not up to walking in the Caribbean heat.
On a Best of Ocho Rios tour, you can enjoy a scenic drive along the coast to the town of St. Anns Bay to view the Court House of 1866 and Statue of Christopher Columbus. You will also drive through the lush Fern Gully and possibly other sites like Shaw Park Gardens for amazing photo-ops.
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Zip Lining And Tubing At Montpelier
From Montego Bay, a short 15-minute journey, you can enjoy the village of Montpelier along with exciting zip lining and tubing. However, before that, make sure that you know how to zipline properly. Fortunately, there are knowledgeable guides that can help you fly through the canopies of Jamaicas thick jungle.
But if you prefer to go slower, you can still enjoy a jungle river float on an inner tube, which is one of the best things you can do in this area. This way, you can let the stress melt away.
Jamaica To Welcome Additional Cruise Lines In November
Destination & TourismRoyal Caribbean InternationalBrian Major October 05, 2021
Royal Caribbean International will resume cruise calls in Jamaica beginning in November after a pandemic-driven absence of more than one and one-half years, said Edmund Bartlett, Jamaicas minister of tourism.
Additionally, Carnival Cruise Lines will make more than 110 visits to Jamaica among several of its company brands between October 2021 and April 2022, Bartlett added.
The Royal Caribbean calls at Jamaicas Falmouth cruise port have the potential to bring tens of thousands of passengers to the country, said Bartlett in a statement Tuesday.
The Carnival itineraries will bring more than 200,000 visitors to Jamaica through April 2022. The most recent agreements were reached during last weeks Seatrade Cruise Global conference
Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean are critical partners for Jamaicas tourism sector and the destinations wider economic recovery, said Bartlett. We are seeing a welcome return of vessels with the recognition that Jamaicas Resilient Corridors offer a safe environment for our visitors, tourism workers and the general population.
Jamaicas land-based overnight visitor arrivals since June 2020 have achieved steady growth towards pre-COVID-19 levels, said Bartlett. Now that cruise is also back, we are looking forward to even stronger growth in our numbers.
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Jamaica Preparing For Cruise Calls By Royal Caribbean And Carnival
Jamaican authorities said that the country is eagerly preparing for the resumption of cruise calls by Royal Caribbean International beginning in November, as well as more than 110 planned cruise ship visits from October through April 2022 by Carnival Cruise Line.
Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean are critical partners for Jamaicas tourism sector and the destinations wider economic recovery, said Minister of Tourism for Jamaica, Edmund Bartlett. We are seeing a welcome return of vessels with the recognition that Jamaicas Resilient Corridors offer a safe environment for our visitors, tourism workers and the general population. The world has taken note of Jamaicas protocols being implemented safely and effectively, as these plans clearly demonstrate.
Bartlett said that with the return of stopover visitor arrivals since June 2020, we have been seeing steady growth towards pre-COVID-19 levels.
According to a press release, Royal Caribbean intends to resume cruises with limited operations as of November, following over a year and a half hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Calls to Jamaica from the line have the potential to bring tens of thousands of passengers to the destination.
Plans from Carnival include more than 110 cruise ship visits by its various brands that could carry more than 200,000 visitors to the island between October 2021 and April 2022.
These operations are subject to continued close collaboration between Jamaican authorities and the cruise lines.
Tour The Rose Hall Plantation
The greatest of Jamaican Great Houses is Rose Hall in Montego Bay, situated on a 6,600 acre plantation. Tour the house and gardens as you learn about the slaves and its infamous owner, Annee Palmer. It is said that the mistress of the plantation, Annee, did away with countless husbands and lovers with her black magic and witchcraft.
Many claim to see the White Witch of Rose Hall still roaming the property. In fact, the home was even featured on the television show Ghost Hunters International. Guided tours are available of the home during the day or night if you dare.
Also, situated nearby is the Cinnamon Hill Great House, home of Johnny Cash.
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Feel The Need For Speed At Mystic Mountain
Mystic Mountain, located in Ocho Rios, is one of the most popular shore excursions. This Rainforest Adventures location offers many thrilling adventures in the heart of the Jamaican rainforest. The main attractions include the Sky Explorer aerial lift, the famous Bobsled Jamaica attraction, the Ragga Ride, and a canopy zipline.
During your visit to Mystic Mountain, be sure to hop onboard the signature bobsled attraction to reenact a scene from Cool Runnings. Soar down the mountainside in your very own bobsled just like the famous Olympic team.
You can combine the bobsled with the various other attractions depending on your level of thrill-seeking for some amazing panoramic views of the rainforest and nearby Dunns River Falls.
Guests can make a day out of it with the Ultimate Mystic Mountain Package. Or perhaps, couple a visit to this popular location with a visit to Dunns River Falls itself.
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Choose The Cruise Line
First, make sure to choose the cruise line that you would like to sail with to Montego Bay. Good news for you, there are several cruise ships you can choose from. The cruise ships visiting the port of Montego Bay include:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
There are two famous cruising lines with cruise ships that stop over Montego Bay from the United States. They have gained popularity among tourists. You can choose to sail with the Carnival Cruise Line that has the famous ship Carnival Vista. It is well-known for its budget-friendly Fun Ships. Carnival cruise lines even offer cruises to other areas. These include Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Port Canaveral, Cayman Islands, New Orleans, Fort Lauderdale, Belize City, Key West, and Mahogany Bay in Isla Roatan. For these, youll be saving U.S. dollars.
Your other option will be a European Line that offers sailing options to the Caribbean known as MSC Cruises. Other options will be the Norwegian cruise line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean cruise. These options also offer celebrity cruiseswhich are guaranteed to make your trip memorable.
Other places also include Port of Galveston, Port Royal, George Town, Santo Domingo, Les Saintes, and other Island Nation areas.
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Cruises To Jamaica: Plan Your Dream Vacation
With its relaxed pace, lush green mountains, white sand beaches, the azure sea, surging in-land rivers, and a great music scene, it is easy to see why cruises to Jamaica are so popular. This stunning paradise island has plenty to offer visitors and travelers seeking a peaceful holiday in the heart of the Caribbean.
Being exceptionally loving and warm, Jamaicas people open their arms to visitors and welcome them into their homes. Whether you are a get-back-to-nature person or prefer sitting back and dipping your toes in the oceans crystalline waters, Jamaica has all this and more.
Yeah, welcome to Jamaica folks a tiny island with a big heart!