Jamaica’s Cruise Ports
Falmouth, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay: waterfalls, rivers and beaches.
Get Jamaica Cruise QuotesThree Ports on the North Coast
Cruise ships call at three ports along Jamaica’s north coast: Falmouth, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Each opens up a different slice of the island, from waterfalls and rivers to beaches and Georgian architecture.
| Port | What it is known for | Nearby highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Falmouth | A purpose-built pier in a historic town, opened in 2011 for the largest ships | Martha Brae river rafting, Georgian buildings |
| Ocho Rios | A compact bay ringed by green hills | Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain, rivers and gardens |
| Montego Bay | Jamaica’s tourism capital | Doctor’s Cave Beach, the Hip Strip, great houses and rafting |
Falmouth
Historic Falmouth Port opened in 2011, and it was designed to berth the biggest cruise ships afloat. The pier area has shops and restaurants, and the old town just outside has some of the Caribbean’s best-preserved Georgian buildings.
From Falmouth, popular trips include bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River, beach days near Montego Bay, and Dunn’s River Falls, which is a longer drive from here than from Ocho Rios.
Ocho Rios and Montego Bay
In Ocho Rios, the pier sits right in town, and Dunn’s River Falls — the waterfall you climb in a human chain, guide in front — is a short ride away. Other favorites are Mystic Mountain’s bobsled and zip line, river tubing and botanical gardens. In Montego Bay, the cruise pier is a taxi ride from the Hip Strip, Doctor’s Cave Beach and the restaurants along Gloucester Avenue; great-house tours and rafting trips run from here too.
For tours with live prices see Ocho Rios shore excursions and Montego Bay shore excursions.
Making the Most of Jamaica
- Book a reputable tour or a licensed taxi; independent travelers should agree prices in advance.
- Wear water shoes and swimwear for Dunn’s River Falls, and keep valuables in a dry bag or on the ship.
- Try jerk chicken and pork, patties and fresh fruit; many tours include a local food stop.
- Jamaica uses the Jamaican dollar, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Which port you get matters more than many travelers expect. Ocho Rios is best if Dunn’s River Falls is the goal; Falmouth suits river rafting and history; Montego Bay is the easiest place for an independent beach day. If you have a favorite, check the port name on the itinerary before you book, because lines switch between the three from season to season.
Jamaica usually appears on seven-night Western Caribbean cruises from Florida and Tampa, often alongside Grand Cayman and Cozumel. If this is your first cruise, First Time Cruise explains how port days work.
Cruise to Jamaica
Tell us whether you have a favorite Jamaican port and when you would like to sail. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will send free quotes for Western Caribbean weeks that call in Jamaica.
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