OVERVIEW

Browse two 18th-century Great Houses, both having survived a slave rebellion unscathed. Perched on a hilltop, the Greenwood Great House is considered the most original of Jamaica’s opulent colonial estates because it appears much as it did when constructed. It is handsomely furnished with period pieces and holds the largest private collection of plantation library books on the island. The Georgian-style Rose Hall was built even earlier and was left intact during the slave rebellion of 1831 because it was supposedly haunted by the ghost of former owner Annie Palmer. You will hear stories of her – the notorious White Witch – and how she murdered three husbands and numerous slave lovers when she grew tired of them. Now restored to its former glory as a sugar plantation, Rose Hall is an architectural treasure. A jerk-seasoned lunch at Scotchies restaurant in the shopping mall Main Street Rose Hall will follow. You may also have time to shop.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse two grand Great Houses, which look much like they did in the 18th century.
• Admire the plantations’ period furnishings and hear tales of their owners.
• Enjoy a Jamaican jerk lunch at Scotchies, a restaurant in St. Bran’s Burg that locals favor.
• Spend a bit of free time shopping at Main Street Rose Hall mall.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Relax however you please, at an exclusive beach club where everything imaginable is included, which will make the experience all the more carefree. Once you reach the Blue Waters Beach Club, the day will be yours to enjoy in whatever way you wish. You might stretch out on a lounge chair and bask in the sun, take a refreshing swim in the sea and enjoy the lively reggae music playing in the background. A buffet lunch of authentic Jamaican dishes will be served in the restaurant that overlooks the sea, ensuring that the dining will be as memorable as the views. Unlimited drinks – including signature tropical cocktails such as the rum-based Ocean Blue – will make the experience all the more pleasurable. Afterwards, you can browse the duty-free stores in nearby Main Street Rose Hall, a shopping mall that carries everything from luxury brand merchandise to local artwork.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours relaxing at the Blue Waters Beach Club, where everything is included.
• Bask in the sun, swim in the sea and enjoy a generous buffet and unlimited drinks.
• Spend a bit of free time shopping at Main Street Rose Hall mall.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Set off from Montego Bay, one of Jamaica’s oldest towns, for a scenic drive as your hostess shares the city’s fascinating history. Your first stop is Dolphin Cove, home to a vibrant family of bottlenose dolphins along with other friendly residents such as lovebirds, stingrays, and even an ostrich named Matilda. Here, you will have the chance to observe dolphins frolicking in their natural Caribbean habitat from designated viewing areas and enjoy free time to shop or stroll through the park’s lush setting. Afterward, change into your swimwear and head to the world-famous Doctor’s Cave Beach, celebrated for its five miles of soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. A welcome briefing will introduce you to the Beach Club before you enjoy free time to swim, relax, or simply soak up the sun. Whether capturing photos of dolphins at play or unwinding along Montego Bay’s most iconic shoreline, this excursion offers a perfect mix of discovery and relaxation.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe dolphins and other wildlife in their natural Caribbean Sea environment.
• Enjoy free time to shop or explore Dolphin Cove Park.
• Relax and swim at the renowned Doctor’s Cave Beach.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear your swimsuit under comfortable clothing and bring a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• Lockers are available for rent at Dolphin Cove.
• Expect crowds at Doctor’s Cave Beach, as it is a very popular attraction.

OVERVIEW

Explore the geological wonders in the Green Grotto Caves, an experience that will give you much to reflect upon over a traditional Jamaican lunch at the casual eatery Scotchies. The mostly coastal drive to the caves will present the north shore’s natural beauty in all its glory. The scenery beneath the earth’s surface is just as inspiring as you will discover in the Green Grotto Caves, which was named for the green algae that covers its walls. Over the centuries, the voluminous caves have been home to Arawak Indians, colonial-era Spaniards, runaway slaves and smugglers. The caves have even been a nightclub. The most dramatic geological formations are eerily illuminated and named for their resemblance to figures such as Abraham Lincoln. A jerk-seasoned lunch awaits you at Scotchies, a wonderfully rustic, thatched-roof restaurant within the shopping mall Main Street Rose Hall. You should have time to browse the duty-free stores after dining.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View the extraordinary, eerily illuminated geological formations in the Green Grotto Caves.
• Hear how the caves were used historically to shelter runaway slaves, smugglers and others.
• Enjoy a Jamaican jerk lunch at Scotchies, a restaurant in St. Bran’s Burg that locals favor.
• Spend a bit of free time shopping at Main Street Rose Hall mall.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Savor a lunch that features classic Jamaican dishes whose recipes have been slightly altered to suit local tastes. As an introduction to Montego Bay, you will first stop at a square named for Jamaican national hero Sam Sharpe, whose image is on the $50 Jamaican bank note. Nearby, you will find the Old Fort Craft Market, a collection of colorful shops with cannons and other remnants from a centuries-old fortification scattered about. The ultimate look at Montego Bay awaits atop a viewpoint where you can also gaze out over the naturally beautiful northwestern coast of Jamaica. The atmosphere will be entirely different once you descend to Gloucester Avenue, better known as the Hip Strip for all its trendy restaurants and shops. You will dine at the Pelican Grill, a culinary institution since 1964. The options for the entrée alone include pork chops, chicken or tofu marinated in a fiery jerk seasoning.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Feast on a traditional lunch with several dishes dry-rubbed or marinated in jerk seasoning.
• Opt for vegetarian dishes such as tofu that is jerked, curried or sweet-and-sour.
• Walk from a historical square to a craft market that holds old weaponry from a local fort.
• Admire the surrounding natural beauty from a hilltop viewpoint.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a day of epic adventures and nonstop fun at Chukka Ocean Outpost at Sandy Bay, where everything imaginable is at your fingertips and included with your all-access pass. Following a brief orientation to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will be free to do as you please. You can be as adventurous or chill as you want. Ride horseback through the countryside and on into the surf. Take it up a notch by racing over the ocean on a zipline at hair-raising speeds. Explore the backroads on a safari truck. Zoom off-road in an open-air ATV or dune buggy, an adventure made even more exhilarating if the trails are muddy. When you are ready to wind down, you might cool off in the infinity pool, ease onto a stool in the swim-up bar and gaze out over the sea from the overwater gazebo. Whatever your mood, there is an activity to match.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend the day as you please with an all-access pass to Chukka Ocean Outpost at Sandy Bay.
• Get adventurous by ziplining, riding horseback and racing off-road in an ATV.
• Chill out at the infinity pool and in the inviting overwater gazebo.
• Create your own perfect day by choosing the activities that suit your mood.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, hat, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
• Credit card/cash accepted for use on the location.

Rafting is one of those rare pleasures to experience in Jamaica. The Martha Brae River is blessed with lush banks, sweet air and nature's soothing symphony. Your mode of transportation is a 30 foot bamboo raft with seating for two. A raft captain navigates the meandering river while telling you the tale of Martha Brae, an Amerindian maiden who was tortured by Spanish soldiers to reveal the location of a secret gold mine. While leading her captors to the mystery mine, she summoned magical powers drowning herself and the soldiers. Ponder the legend as your friendly captain poles you downstream for an approximate 90 minute ride. Once at the termination point, you'll board your bus for a sightseeing journey through the town of Falmouth before making a brief stop at the Shoppes at Rose Hall. Your tour concludes with a return sightseeing drive through the port city of Montego Bay to the cruise ship terminal.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a scenic ride along the coast to Chukka’s Ocean Outpost location in Sandy bay, an experience that will culminate with a cooking demonstration and an extraordinary lunch. Upon arrival to the Ocean Outpost location, board a safari truck that will take you on a historic journey to the landmarks across the property.. See windmill and sugar factory that offer a glimpse into the past. Although parts of the Blue Hole Great House have been purposefully left in ruins to enhance the ambiance, most of this 18th-century sugar plantation has been beautifully restored for culinary events. While touring the property with a refreshing lemongrass iced tea in hand, you will learn about its fascinating history. The chef will then show you how to make a favorite Jamaican meal while describing the versatility of the locally sourced produce, in particular the banana. After dining on the exquisitely prepared four-course lunch, your guide will seamlessly transport you back to our beachside starting point. If time permits, bask in relaxation by the gorgeous infinity pool or at any of our seaside lounge areas and browse the gift shop for any keepsakes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride through Chukka Ocean Outpost at Sandy Bay adventure park in a safari-style vehicle.
• See a historical windmill and sugar factory before touring an 18th-century sugar plantation.
• Watch a chef prepare your four-course lunch while describing each step of the process.
• Dine on the lunch that the chef has prepared using local produce.
• Enjoy a bit of free time to browse the gift shop or relax in the infinity pool.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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.

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.

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.

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.