Cruise Holidays To Jamaica - Montego Bay

Overview

A vibrant island rich in culture, situated 90 miles south of Cuba and 100 miles west of Haiti, Jamaica is mountainous and forested, with the main resorts located along the north coast.

In Montego Bay, cruise ships dock at the multimillion dollar Freeport complex, west of the Bay itself. Most ships run a shuttle service for the 20-minute journey into town and taxis are available.

Things to do here include shopping - there are masses of excellent duty free shops in town - and chilling out on the beach, listening to reggae from the many beach bars. Doctor's Beach near Montego Bay is popular and has plenty of facilities and soft, white sand. There are souvenir stalls everywhere. Painted wooden boxes; hand-embroidered linens; hand-painted silk and cotton; wood carvings; paintings; and excellent pottery/ceramics are all good buys. Also look for Reggae to Wear clothing, Jamaican fragrances and handmade soaps. Rums and liqueurs, reggae music, Blue Mountain coffee and cigars also make good souvenirs.

For a more cultural day out, take a tour to the great houses of Jamaica, including the magnificently restored 1760 Rose Hall Great House (said to be haunted by the ghost of the 'white witch' Annie Palmer). Greenwood Great House, over 200 years old, was formerly owned by the family of Elizabeth Barrett-Browning, the famous English poet.