7 Best Cruises to Jamaica

Table Of Content

• Carnival Cruise Line Returns to Jamaica as Island Reopens to Cruise Industry
• Carnival cruise ship hits pier in Jamaica amid strong winds
• Construction Begins on New Royal Beach Club in the Bahamas
• Explore Mystic Mountain and Do the Jamaican Bobsled
• Current Local Time
• Sail to James Bond Beach for a Firsthand Look at Laughing Waters Beach
• Go Zip Lining in the Jungle, One of the Most Thrilling Things to Do in Montego Bay

Cruise to Jamaica between mid-December and April for perfect beach days and good weather for exploring rainforests and local markets. Avoid cruising the Caribbean in August and September, which is peak hurricane season. Cruises to Jamaica tend to be longer, with many itineraries falling into the five- to seven-night range, so you’ll need more than a long weekend for this vacation. Ships sailing here tend to be larger and stacked with onboard entertainment and activities. St. Kitts Island and its port - Port Zante (as it is officially named) - has become in the last years one of the most popular and loved cruise port destinations in the Caribbean Eastern Itineraries. Unlike what you may read in many reports, blogs and reviews, the Cruise Port in Falmouth is the safest, nicest, easier to tour on your own in all Jamaica and with the best location to explore the island.

Carnival Cruise Line Returns to Jamaica as Island Reopens to Cruise Industry

Several cruise lines sail to Jamaica with most itineraries departing from the United States. Celebrity cruises to both Ocho Rios and another Jamaican port, Falmouth. Carnival has several itineraries that stop in Jamaica, including a few that sail the Panama Canal. Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises sail to both Montego Bay, located on the northern side of the island, and Ocho Rios. MSC, Norwegian, and Holland America also include Jamaica on their cruise itineraries. There’s no other voyage quite like a cruise to Jamaica, the Caribbean island that’s the birthplace of both reggae music and the legendary musician Bob Marley.

Carnival cruise ship hits pier in Jamaica amid strong winds

Falmouth has been busy with ships from Disney Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, and Port Royal recently received Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam vessel. Jamaica's major cruise ports offer a variety of excursions, like Falmouth's rafting and tubing, sightseeing from Montego Bay and climbing Dunn's River Falls near Ocho Rios. One of the nicest aspects of calling on a cruise to this island is that St. Thomas is both safe and very easy to explore. Taxis are fairly priced and can literally take the cruise traveler to all highlights, beaches, main sites and attractions. Cruise lines stopping at this quiet port in Jamaica include Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania. When your cruise ship docks in this picturesque port, make the most of your time with these unforgettable activities.

Construction Begins on New Royal Beach Club in the Bahamas

At the Rasta Village, visitors can learn about the ways of Rastafari, participate in organic farming and learn to make traditional crafts. Until further updated reports, exploring Montego Bay on your own may not be the best option. Department of State and the Tourist Office in the Port Terminal. Jamaica's best cruise season is mid-December to April, during months that have the best weather and driest skies for beach lounging and shore excursions. Jamaica’s dry season stretches from mid-December through April and brings sunny days with pleasant temperatures.

Explore Mystic Mountain and Do the Jamaican Bobsled

“Vincymas,” St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Carnival, packs a whole lot of punch on the small islands. Running from June 30 - July 11 this year, Vincymas promises to be a deliciously musical good time. For a rundown of the bands you can march with, visit vincymas.vc. We’re big fans of the relatively secluded hotels on the country’s smaller islands, but for Vincymas, you’ll want to stay on the mainland. The Blue Lagoon Hotel & Marina is a great, affordable option — but book fast, as it’s likely to sell out soon.And also in July, St. Lucia Carnival runs all the way from the beginning of the month through the 19th.

Unwind on the pristine sands of Burwood Beach, which is an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming or enjoying a leisurely beach day. For a more active day at the beach, there are beach clubs with watersports equipment rentals nearby. For scuba-diving cruisers, Jamaica often feels like a let down after visiting exciting Western Caribbean ports like Belize, Roatan, Grand Cayman or Cozumel.

Sail to James Bond Beach for a Firsthand Look at Laughing Waters Beach

The days when haggling was mandatory to avoid a serious rip-off are long gone. Almost all destinations have standard fares and these only depend on how many passengers will be in the cab - check caribya.com or juta.com for Taxi Fares. However, be aware that to return to the ship, taxi drivers in town (or wherever you heading) may try to increase the return fare.

The next port is George Town on Grand Cayman, where you can explore botanic gardens, swim at Seven Mile Beach, or visit the town's shops and restaurants. In Falmouth, Jamaica, the next day, optional activities include a zip-line adventure, waterfall hike, catamaran cruise, horseback ride, or dolphin encounter. The next day at sea is a time to enjoy the ship's amenities while cruising to Disney Castaway Cay.

Go Zip Lining in the Jungle, One of the Most Thrilling Things to Do in Montego Bay

Carnival Magic Dented and Scraped Hitting Jamaica Pier in Strong Winds - The Maritime Executive

Carnival Magic Dented and Scraped Hitting Jamaica Pier in Strong Winds.

Posted: Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Antigua’s one of my favorite islands, and its Carnival history is rich. But even if you’re not looking to partake officially, it’s absolutely worth being in town to hear Antigua and Barbuda’s legendary steel bands. Hodges Bay Resort & Spa on Antigua’s north coast is one of the island’s newest and most impressive hotels.In August, kick things up a notch in Grenada, where “Spicemas” runs from the start of the month through the 15th.

PHOTOS: Carnival cruise ship damaged after slamming into pier amid strong winds - MSN

PHOTOS: Carnival cruise ship damaged after slamming into pier amid strong winds.

Posted: Sun, 21 Apr 2024 15:25:59 GMT [source]

When your ship arrives in port, you’ll find reef-lined sandy beaches, soaring mountains, tropical rainforests, and rum cocktails you’ll be daydreaming about for months. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Once you step out of the gangway, you will realize that there isn't much at the Reynold's Pier where tour buses, taxis, and a tourist information kiosk share a small area. However, once outside the exit gates the cruise traveler will encounter vendors with all sorts of souvenirs, taxis in abundance and independent local tour guides and operators.

Whatever kind of cruise experience you’re looking for, you can find it on a ship headed toward the sandy beaches and reggae beats of Jamaica. These are some of the best Jamaica cruises for every kind of traveler. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. As much as these taxi drivers sound like a pain in the back to get rid off, all you need to do is keep walking, acknowledge the offer with a 'thank-you-but-no-thanks' and that is that.

It also has a sports deck, piano lounge, and a handful of dining venues. This is a cruise line that focuses on enrichment, so expect lots of opportunities to learn about your destinations along the way. The itinerary includes two sea days, offering plenty of time for lounging by the pool or relaxing by the spa. Or try your hand at the ship’s ropes course and catch a show at the onboard comedy club.