SHORE EXCURSIONS

Travelling through Jamaica's beautiful countryside, you'll drive past some historic sites and districts on the way to Dunn's River Falls. Described as a living and growing phenomenon, the waterfall continuously regenerates itself from deposits of travertine rock, the result of precipitation of calcium carbonate from the river, as it flows over the falls. The small dome-shaped cataracts are usually associated with thermal spring activity found in limestone caves. Experience the thrill of climbing the waterfall, in a human chain led by experienced Falls Guides. Pause at the 'massage parlour' and experience the soothing effects of the water as it cascades over the rocks, to the sea.

For the less adventurous, view the activities of the more intrepid from the "safe" vantage point of the terrace or deck. For those who enjoy Mother Nature’s gifts, lose yourself in the lush tropical foliage of ferns, bamboos, ginger lilies, crotons, orchids, a variety of palms and breadfruit trees. After visiting the falls, you will be treated to a delicious Jamaican buffet lunch, served in the beautiful garden setting of the Ruins Restaurant before the return drive to Montego Bay. A sample of the buffet menu which is subject to change may include jerk chicken, jerk pork, curried chicken, escoveitched fish/fish in batter, sweet & sour chicken, hot & spicy wings and various side dishes.

This tour invites you to explore a combination of Montego Bay's best and most popular spots! Visit the largest existing sugar plantation mansion that is said to be haunted, the Rose Hall Great House and hear the many stories of the White Witch, Annie Palmer while you sip a witch's brew. Relax on the world famous Doctor's Cave Beach said to have curative powers in the turquoise waters. Take a walk on the 'hip strip' and shop for bargains or dine at a local restaurant. Finally, sail on your own private Catamaran and learn the secrets of making the perfect Rum punch on your return sail to the cruise ship terminal.

Enjoy a scenic drive to the historic town of Falmouth, where you’ll see St. Peter’s Anglican Church, one of the oldest and largest Anglican churches in Jamaica. The supporting columns are made of solid mahogany and the floor includes crosses inlaid with mahoe and mahogany. You'll see graves spanning over 200 years in the cemetery. Your excursion continues to the Swamp Safari Village for the safari, conducted by a trained guide in groups not exceeding 25 persons.

Observe crocodiles being called, fed and handled by the renowned crocodile handler Buddy and stroll through the walk-thru Aviary and view several very rare local birds, such as the Mountain Witch & Ring-tailed Pigeon. See the rare & endangered Jamaican Coney and view a variety of rarely seen animals from the region such as the Agouti, Tayra and Spotted Paca to name a few. Venture into Kanaga House and hear about the famous croc-jumping scene in the James Bond film Live and Let Die, shot on location there in 1972. Afterwards, cool out at the Village Bar with a refreshing tropical drink before the return drive to Montego Bay.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a scenic 75 minute ride through the outskirts of Montego Bay and along Jamaica’s beautiful coastline to the resort area of Negril. Long known for its laid back atmosphere and its seven mile stretch of shimmering pristine white sand beach, Negril invites you to discover her charm and excitement. Upon arrival at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville relax in a comfortable lounge chair along the famous beach. Explore the beach, enjoy a swim or participate in the organized activities offered. Lunch and beverages are on your own. From Margaritaville, drive to Rick’s Caffe. Enjoy watching cliff diving, restaurant and bar.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Your tour begins with a scenic journey along Jamaica’s beautiful coastline. On arrival at Dolphin Cove Negril, you’ll be greeted by a friendly hostess and receive a welcome drink. After a brief orientation, you’ll enter the world of these fascinating mammals. Get to know these gentle creatures from a platform in shallow water, experience the emotion as you caress these beautiful animals, enjoy a splash and even a kiss or two! View the stingrays in their natural lagoon. Then relax and enjoy shopping for unique souvenirs in the gift shop. After this exciting experience, you’ll be transported to the world famous Doctor’s Cave Beach located on Montego Bay’s "must see” hip strip. This beautiful white sand beach with its crystal clear waters, temperatures average 78-84 Fahrenheit /22-28 Celsius year round, is said to have curative powers, able to restore good health and cure several ailments. Food, drink and beach chair rentals are available at an extra cost. After this relaxing day you'll be returned to your awaiting ship.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy the party atmosphere while cruising a catamaran off Sandy Bay, where you can snorkel a coral reef in the crystal-clear waters. Along the way, you will be free to sunbathe on the catamaran netting that overlooks the sea, relax in the shaded areas and dance out on deck. The music will be reggae – which originated in Jamaica – and soca, an acronym for the “soul of calypso.” After assessing the water conditions, the captain will anchor at the best spot for snorkeling. There are plenty of possibilities as you will be within the Montego Bay Marine Park, the first protected marine area in Jamaica. You can expect to see an ever-changing parade of creatures in a rainbow of colors. Some of the most commonly spotted species include vibrant angelfish, iridescent parrotfish and slender goatfish. Back on shore, you can enjoy the amenities of the Chukka Ocean Outpost at Sandy Bay.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through the crystal-clear waters off Sandy Bay on a sleek catamaran.
• Pause to swim and snorkel in the protected Montego Bay Marine Park.
• See all sorts of colorful fish darting in and out of the coral reef.
• Enjoy reggae and soca music and the party atmosphere on the catamaran.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Your tour begins with a scenic journey along Jamaica’s beautiful coastline. On arrival at Dolphin Cove Negril, you will be greeted by a hostess and offered a welcome drink. After a brief orientation, you’ll enter the world of these fascinating creatures and get to know them as you interact with them in deep water. Experience the thrill of "riding” the dolphin belly to belly. Dance, sing, play and even enjoy a kiss or two! View the stingrays in their natural lagoon. Then relax and enjoy shopping for unique souvenirs in the gift shop. After this invigorating experience you’ll be transported to the world famous Doctor’s Cave Beach located on Montego Bay’s "must see ” hip strip. This beautiful white sand beach with its crystal clear waters, temperatures averaging 78-84 degrees Fahrenheit/22- 28 degrees Celsius year round, is said to have curative powers, able to restore good health and cure several ailments. Food, drink and beach chair rentals are available at an extra cost. After this relaxing day you’ll be returned to your awaiting ship. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age and weigh no more than 250 lbs. This tour may operate in reverse order.

OVERVIEW

Explore Jamaica’s rugged interior in a 4x4 vehicle before arriving at a remote waterfall where you can thoroughly relax. The safari-style truck is open-air to offer unobstructed views of the jungle-like mountainous terrain. As you travel through isolated areas that few visitors to the island ever see, you will get a genuine feel for rural life. You will also gain insight into Jamaica’s history by passing the ruins of an 18th-century sugar factory and a former slave hospital that was converted into a church in 1846. Thanks to the wild, often precipitous terrain and abundant rain, waterfalls are plentiful throughout Jamaica. You will pause to enjoy a spectacular cascade that is little-known because it is hidden away in the dense foliage. Feel free to swim in the pool at bottom of the waterfall or simply enjoy the serenity of the setting where the only sounds will be those of nature.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride through Jamaica’s wild and wonderful interior in an open-air 4x4 safari-style truck.
• Pass through mountainous jungle-like terrain and see an 18th-century sugar factory.
• Relax at a remote waterfall where your group will likely be the sole visitors.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Your journey from the second city on the north coast takes you through Jamaica’s lush countryside to the home of Jamaica’s Famous Rum, Appleton Estate. Enjoy a narrated sightseeing drive as your guide unfolds Jamaica's history in a lively and interactive discussion. Upon arrival to Appleton Estate, you’ll be welcomed with a rum punch or soda. Enjoy a snack in the lounge before being taken on a guided tour of the estate that begins with a demonstration of the extraction of cane juice as it was in the 18th century. You’ll view the distillery that showcases the different methods of distillation of Pot Stills and Column Stills.

A visit to the Ageing House and V/X House reveals large quantities of rum barrels including ‘Hogs Head’ and ‘Viper’. Also on display are historical sugar artifacts and visitors can crush sugar cane at the ‘Cane Mill’ and taste sugar cane juice and white rum. Sample wet sugar, boiled in large copper pans at the Wet Sugar House, and then, if you dare, taste all 14 different rums and liquors made by Appleton Estate. Before leaving, take some time to browse the hospitality lounge, its bar and gift shops. A souvenir miniature bottle of Appleton rum is provided before your departure.

From the pier, a scenic drive takes you to Rose Hall Great House, an outstanding relic of colonial times with a fascinating and detailed history of dark rumor and intrigue. The story of Annee Palmer, the mistress of Rose Hall Great House, is not easily forgotten! It is said that Annee Palmer had three husbands during her reign as mistress of the Rose Hall Plantation and each of them died a sudden and violent death. She gained a reputation for extreme cruelty and her nickname “White Witch of Rose Hall”. Annie was feared by the slaves who lived on and worked the plantation. She ruled with an iron fist, and defiance or even perceived insolence was answered with public whippings, torture in the dungeon, or even death.

According to local legend, Annee’s restless spirit still roams the grounds, following her untimely death at the hands of a cunning slave. Accounts of her enduring presence have been featured on the TV programs “Ghost Hunters International” and World’s Scariest Places”. Departing the Great House, pause for a while at the Shoppes at Rose Hall where you’ll have an opportunity to purchase that special souvenir to remind you of your visit to Jamaica. Crafts, exquisite gems, jewelry, watches, coffee, spices, sauces, clothing and alluring perfumes are all part of the available duty-free shopping. The tour continues to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville by the sea, in the heart of Montego Bay’s hip strip for a cool tropical drink before arriving back at the ship.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the life and times of reggae legend Bob Marley by visiting his birthplace in the mountain hamlet Nine Mile, followed by a classic Jamaican lunch. A wonderfully scenic drive inland will bring you to Nine Mile, whose main attraction is the singer’s former home, now known as the Bob Marley Mausoleum and Museum. While touring the modest two-room residence, you learn about Marley’s humble upbringing and Rastafarian beliefs and see the stone pillow that he rested his head on for inspiration. It must have worked as some of Marley’s gold records and awards are displayed in the museum. At the mausoleum behind the house, you will see Marley’s final resting place in the family cemetery. Afterwards, at the Bamboo Beach Club, which overlooks an idyllic spot on the Caribbean Sea, you will enjoy a lunch of Jamaican specialties. If time permits, you may stop to shop on the return drive.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Nine Mile, the birthplace and final resting place of reggae legend Bob Marley.
• Gain insight into Marley’s view of the world and his musical inspirations.
• Enjoy a lunch of traditional Jamaican dishes at the Bamboo Beach Club, a tropical haven.
• Stop for a bit of shopping if time permits.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours enjoying the amenities of the Bamboo Beach Club, a private setting with everything you could possibly need to thoroughly relax. You can’t help but unwind on the leisurely drive there as you will gaze out over a naturally beautiful, picture-perfect coastline. Upon arriving at the beach club, you will be free to do anything you please. You might stretch out in the sun on a beach chair, lie in the shade of a coconut palm and stroll along the water’s edge as the waves gently lap the shore. There is plenty of space to carve out your own slice of paradise. If you would like to take a refreshing swim, the sea is typically calm and crystal-clear. The dining options are just as delightful as lunch is tapas-style and features dishes such as pan-seared fish with vegetables and skewered jerk sausage and pineapple over pumpkin coconut rice.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax for hours at a private beach club on Jamaica’s northern coast.
• Enjoy the serenity of the club’s setting and the carefree ambiance.
• Swim in the sea, bask in the sun and enjoy the reggae music playing in the background.
• Shop on the return drive, if time permits.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.