Jamaica is a must stop over on any cruise itinerary in the Caribbean. You can choose from a wide option for cruises in Jamaica. Most of the major cruise liners have this island on their cruise itinerary. This tropical paradise with its white beaches and lush mountains is one of the favorite tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
The distinctive reggae beat is the heartbeat of this island nation. The lush landscape with its untamed beauty and the misty Blue Mountains sets it apart from other Caribbean destinations.
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, and Costa Cruises operates most of the cruises to Jamaica. If you are choosing one of the cruises in Jamaica, you are most likely to depart from Florida in the US. The cruise liners depart from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, or Tampa.
The Jamaican cruises normally enter through Port Antonio, Montego Bay, or Ocho Rios in Jamaica. The cruise port at Montego Bay is called Freeport. It features a terminal building, shops, disabled facilities, and an information booth. The town is just a 20-minute walk from here.
Ocho Rios port is a five to ten minutes walk from the town. It features an information booth, internet facilities and a Caribbean-themed entertainment centre – Island Village Shopping Centre. Port Antonio features its own marina, disabled facilities, and an internet cafĂ©. It is just five-minutes walk from the town.
The most popular time to go here is between December and early April. The most popular time for cruises is during Christmas, Easter, New Year’s Eve, and Thanksgiving. You can indulge in many on shore activities while on your cruise here. Most of these are organized by the cruise lines and includes scuba diving, golfing, snorkeling, horseback riding, and tours. Booking for cruises in Jamaica can be done from two days to two weeks. These cruises can take you to various islands and ports.
While on your cruise, you can explore the north-west coast of Jamaica. It features rocky cliffs and the beaches of Negril are an ideal spot to watch spectacular sunsets. To the north is the famous Dunn’s River Falls. The beach resort of Montego Bay is the second largest city on the island. Gloucester Avenue, also known as the Hip Strip is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops.
The white sandy Doctors Cave Beach is famous for its mineral springs while Ocho Rios features numerous duty-free shops and a craft market. On the north-east coast is the romantic and historic coastal town of Port Antonio. Jamaica’s capital Kingston is on the south-east coast.