Jamaica – A Popular Port On Caribbean Cruise

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean with Kingston as the capital city, and is located on the south shore of the island.

Since gaining it’s independence in1962 from the UK, it has become one of the largest tourists destinations in the Caribbean. Jamaica is a common stop with cruise ships stopping at different ends of the Island. My trips included  Royal Caribbean to Ocho Rios and Carnival stopped  in Montego Bay

Both offer an abundance of natural resources to visit as well as local fare of Museums and landmarks.

When planning your offshore excursion, be sure that you don’t try to go it alone.  Recent activity with Canadian tourists getting caught in gunfire in inner city Kingston, confirm that there are some places you need a guide.

If your port of call visits Ocho Rios, you can tour Mystic Mountain for a breathtaking view of natures bounty.  There are several different options to visit the jungle.. from aerial lifts, slides, and rides.  Very family friendly and adventurous.

My trip to Dunn’s River Falls and Park was a blast, we chose the “party boat” tour.  Rum punch is served as soon as you board.  Fair warning, if you don’t like the famous  Jamaican tunes played very loud and a rough boat ride along the coast, this may not be for you.  In November, the scenic boat ride was rather rough but views were breathtaking.

On the party boat, you arrive at the bottom of the 600 foot falls. Unless you are planning on climbing the falls or getting to the top by stairs, your best bet would be a land tour.  During our visit, there wasn’t  much to do at the bottom of the falls except people watch, take photos, and soak in the sun. However, renovations were underway rebuilding damage from hurricanes.

I witnessed minor first aid administered at least three times in a couple hours from slips and falls on the rocks.  One was serious and the response and care given was impressive.

Climbing the stairs to the top, you will find many souvenir shops lined along the road.  As an alternative to climbing the falls, there are tours and taxis that provide stops to the top of Dunn’s River Falls.

With so many many beautiful and fun places to visit in Jamaica, such as dolphin encounter, white river tubing, horseback riding, beach, river, and jungle adventures, and tours to the famous Appleton Rum Factory and Blue Mountain Coffee factory, you definitely will want you to go back again.