Jamaica Cruises

Jamaica is one of the lushest and most beautiful of the Caribbean islands. It is a land of white-sand beaches, emerald-blue still waters, green forests, jungle rivers, and Blue Mountains. The climate is warm and sunny throughout the year with little seasonal variation in temperature. Popular Jamaica cruises destinations are Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios. Unfortunately because the attitude and aggressive behavior of some of the citizens have turned off prospective visitors, fewer Jamaica cruises are offered than in the past.

If your Jamaica cruise docks at Montego Bay, you can take a short taxi ride to town and browse through the shops displaying the local crafts, jewelry, watches, and foreign imports. You may wish to tour Rosehall or Greenwood Great Houses, visit Croydin Plantation, take a donkey ride, or go for a swim at Doctor's Cave Beach.

Many Jamaica cruise ships dock at Ocho Rios. Within walking distance of the dock are numerous shops, a public beach, and two semi-high-rise hotels that have changed ownership numerous times over the years and are presently operated as the Grande Renaissance Resort. If you wish to spend the day at one of the better hotels or resorts such as San Souci Lido, Plantation Inn, Jamaica Inn, Ciboney, Sandals Dunn's River, Boscobel Beach, or Couples, you must make arrangements in advance because you'll have difficulty getting past the front gates.

Probably the most unusual tourist attraction is Dunn's River Falls which is about a 5 to 10 minute drive from the port. You can take photos and wander around the park that surrounds these incredible multilevel falls that descend to the sea, or you can experience climbing them with the assistance of a trained guide. Climbing the falls is a sensational experience but it is rather dangerous and not advisable for pre-teenage children.

From Ocho Rios, you could drive to Kingston via beautiful Fern Gulley and the breathtaking Blue Mountains. This is a beautiful but somehow dangerous drive that should be attempted only if you are not in a hurry. You would need at least ten hours in port at Montego Bay to have sufficient time to raft down the Martha Brae, visit Dunn's River Falls and Fern Gulley at Ocho Rios.

Should your Jamaica cruise drop anchor at Port Antonio, you will want to take the fabulous raft trip down the Rio Grande. The best hotel there is the Trident Villas and the best beach is San San.

Should you be in Jamaica during the evening, don't miss taking in a native calypso or limbo show at the local clubs or hotels. There are no outstanding restaurants around the island and you are best off dining at one of the better hotels. Best items to purchase are Tia Maria liqueur and the local rums.