Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a popular cruise port in the Western Caribbean. The northwestern Jamaican town is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant culture, and exciting activities. If your cruise ship docks in Montego Bay, you have a wide variety of options. Whether you want to relax on the beach, visit historical sites, shop for local souvenirs, or try authentic Jamaican cuisine, Montego Bay has something for every cruise ship passenger.
How can you make the most of your day in Montego Bay? This guide offers insights into the top things to do during your cruise port stop. From visiting historic sites such as the Rose Hall Great House and Greenwood Great House to enjoying water activities like snorkeling and swimming with dolphins, there are numerous enjoyable ways to spend your day in Montego Bay.
In this article, I’ll share my top tips on spending your cruise vacation in Montego Bay. In addition to the top day excursions, you’ll get helpful advice on getting around, staying safe, and enjoying all Montego Bay has to offer cruise travelers.
So get ready to explore this exciting port town and make the most of your cruise day in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Where Is the Port of Montego Bay
Located on the northern coast of Jamaica, Montego Bay is a prominent cruise port in the Western Caribbean, renowned for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty. With approximately 110,000 inhabitants, it stands as a bustling hub of activity. The large cruise terminal in Montego bay can accommodate up to four cruise ships simultaneously, ranking it the third busiest cruise port in Jamaica.
Often referred to as the ‘Second City’ or ‘Mo’Bay,’ Montego Bay is dubbed the ‘Second City’ due to its status as the second-largest city in Jamaica, both in population and economic significance, following the capital, Kingston. The nickname ‘Mo’Bay’ is a shortened, informal version of its name, affectionately used by locals and visitors.
Arriving at Montego Bay Cruise Port
Cruise ships in Montego Bay dock at the town’s Freeport zone, a designated area within the main section of the harbor specifically designed for international trade and tourism. This Freeport zone is where passengers disembark from their cruise ship and are welcomed by a large terminal building. Within this terminal, visitors will find a tourist office booth, duty-free shops, and souvenir stalls, all aimed at enhancing the experience of cruise passengers and visitors to Montego Bay.
The main attractions and Montego Bay’s downtown area are located 3 miles (4.8 km) from the terminal. So, it’s best to take a licensed taxi or Hot Spot Shuttle to explore the town’s attractions. However, if you’ve already booked a cruise ship excursion, your bus will be waiting outside the terminal building.
Many of the major cruise lines that dock in Montego Bay—Carnival Cruise Lines, MSC Cruises, and Princess Cruises—sell Hot Spot Shuttle tickets onboard.
Discovering Montego Bay
Montego Bay is steeped in rich history and has a distinctive Jamaican feel when you get downtown. And there is plenty to do in the town without taking a cruise ship excursion to other parts of the island. Popular tourist spots in the downtown area include Gloucester Avenue with Margaritaville, the Hip Strip, Harmony Beach Park, and the Aqua Sol Theme Park.
Exploring Montego Bay on Cruise Day — An Overview
How can you make the most of your cruise day in Montego Bay?
Many cruise passengers enjoy visiting the historical sites and 18th-century plantation houses around the area. However, if you’re more of an adventure seeker, the Green Grotto Caves, swimming in the tranquil rivers, snorkeling, or an ATV adventure excursion may be your thing.
Of course, no Caribbean cruise would be complete without a relaxing day at the beach. And Montago Bay has plenty of beautiful beaches. The most popular nearby beaches are Harmony Beach, Doctor’s Cave Beach, and Dead End Beach.
How to Get Around Montego Bay
Downtown Montego Bay is 3 miles from the cruise ship terminal. The road is busy and unshaded, and the 30 or 40-minute walk isn’t worth it, especially if you are only spending a day in port. The best transport options are a taxi or shuttle bus.
Taxi
Upon leaving the terminal building, you’ll see many licensed taxi drivers. They have standard fares for getting to the Montego Bay town center and the most popular locations. So, it’s usually useless haggling to avoid getting ripped off. However, getting back to the cruise ship or flagging a taxi in the town center is different.
The typical taxi fare from Montego Bay Cruise Port to the center is around $5.
Many cruise ship passengers say that some taxi drivers try to take advantage of tourists and charge more for the return fare. So, agreeing on the fare before taking a taxi from the town center is always a good idea. In these cases, polite haggling can help you get the best fare.
Shuttle bus
One of the best ways to get to downtown Montego Bay is the “hop-on hop-off” bus called the Hot Spot Shuttle. It stops at the most popular attractions in Montego Bay—Margaritaville, Doctors Cave, Hip Strip, and the Aqua Sol seaside amusement park. For less than $20, you have a day pass for the bus and can get on and off as many times as you like.
You should purchase the shuttle bus pass on the cruise ship. Although buying the pass on the boat is a few dollars more expensive, you avoid standing in a long line when you disembark.
Walking
Walking from Montego Bay Freeport to downtown takes at least 30 minutes and isn’t recommended. However, walking around tourist areas is safe and allows you to explore local craft stalls, cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s just over a mile from downtown Montego Bay to the Hip Strip, so it’s ideal for strolling through the Caribbean port town.
Montego Bay Jamaica Cruise Port Map
Fun Things to Do in Montego Bay on a Cruise Day in Port
How can you make the most of your day in Montego Bay on a Caribbean cruise? Here are some of the most popular shore excursions for swimming, horseback riding, snorkeling, ATV adventures, and zip lining.
Visit Montego Bay Marine Park for unforgettable diving or snorkeling experiences
The Marine Park at Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a great place to arrange sea excursions. Located in the center of the harbor area, the park occupies 15 acres of crystal clear waters, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and tropical coral reefs. It’s the perfect destination for diving, snorkeling, bird watching, catamaran cruises, and glass-bottomed boat excursions.
Some tour operators also include lunch and a 45-minute boat trip along Jamaica’s coastline. You may even find one with parasailing add-ons.
A snorkeling or diving excursion at Montego Bay’s Marine Parks is an unforgettable experience. The clear turquoise waters allow you to observe a variety of marine life—turtles, tropical fish, and colorful coral reefs. If you are a certified scuba diver, you can arrange a deep dive 100 feet (30 m) down to the “Airport Wall” with visibility up to 50 feet.
There is enough to do to spend the entire day at Marine Park. Several cafes are nearby, and Harmony Beach Park and the start of the Hip Strip are a short walk away.
Experience the wonder of Green Grotto Caves
Green Grotto Caves are located on Jamaica’s northern shore, about 40 miles (64 km) from Montego Bay. A shore excursion to the caves allows you to explore stunning limestone features such as stalagmites, stalactites, and dripstone formations. The caves are a maze of interconnected underground chambers and translucent pools.
The passageways and chambers go 120 feet (37 m) deep. So, it is easy to see why they were popular with ancient Arawak Indians (Tainos), who used them for shelter and worship. During British rule, the caves were used as a Spanish hideout.
The entire excursion takes five hours and includes shopping. At the caves, an experienced guide explains the different features of the underground caverns. Then, on the way back, you stop off at Whitter Village—a large shopping mall selling gifts, souvenirs, traditional Jamaican rum, and coffee.
Enjoy a horseback ride, swim, and beach experience
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Montego Bay, Jamaica, is by taking a horseback ride along its picturesque beaches. Several tour operators offer guided horseback rides for cruise visitors looking to explore the area on horseback. Riding your horse in the warm Caribbean waters can be an unforgettable experience.
You will also be amazed that the horses love to dip in the sea.
However, you can arrange excursions through mountain trails if you prefer a more traditional horseback adventure. The forest horseback adventures include breathtaking panoramic ocean vistas of Montego Bay and the Caribbean as well as a trip to an 18th-century sugar plantation.
Experience the thrill of an ATV or quad bike excursion
If you’re an adventure seeker, a quad bike (ATV or UTV) excursion is the perfect way to spend a cruise day in Montego Bay. Safari and forest excursions can include traveling dirt trails through historic estates, traversing river beds, and visiting beautiful villages. And you can pick fresh fruit in season along the way.
Many ATV adventure excursions include swimming in crystal-clear spring waters, swimming pools with swim-up bars, and traditional Jamaican cuisine.
Check out the various ATV shore excursions with your cruise line. Many operators pick up passengers directly from the cruise terminal for a four or five-hour fun-filled adventure excursion.
Go zip lining and tubing at Montpelier
You can mix adventure with history by booking a shore excursion to the village of Montpelier. Located a 30-minute drive inland, the village is a haven for adventure lovers. You can book an adrenaline-pumping zipline through the jungle treetops or go tubing or kayaking down the Great River.
The exciting eco-adventure park “Jungle Outpost” also offers hiking through lush tropical jungles, stunning waterfalls, freshwater streams, and pools for swimming in one of Jamaica’s biggest rivers. The soothing sounds of flowing rivers and the natural scents of the jungle flora and fauna are a relaxing experience.
Shore excursions to Montpelier last between four and eight hours, depending on the length of your time in port. Transportation to and from the cruise terminal is included. Montpelier has superb inland water and is the go-to destination for water sports and activities on rivers.
All-inclusive catamaran sail and snorkel excursion
The clear blue waters of the Caribbean make the cruise port of Montego Bay the perfect location for an all-inclusive catamaran sail and snorkel adventure. Catamarans are the ideal type of boat for snorkeling and diving excursions. Hiring a private catamaran gives you the freedom to explore the Caribbean waters and coral reefs at your leisure.
Catamaran excursions from Montego Bay are complete with a BBQ, an assortment of drinks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and tasty snacks.
Depending on your love of the sea, other types of water sports available at Montego Bay include the following:
- Deep-sea fishing
- Scuba diving
- Diving lessons
- Jet skiing
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Kiteboarding
There are plenty of watersport centers around the harbor and beach areas of Montego Bay to choose from.
Lazy tubing or kayaking on the Great River
The Great River, a 20-minute drive from the Montego Bay cruise port, is popular for tubing or kayaking. This picturesque river flows through the lush Jamaican countryside. While meandering down the river, you will experience gentle rapids and lagoons. Listen for birds singing, stop off to swim in crystal-clear pools, or use Tarzan swings to jump into the river.
Enjoy the ultimate rafting experience on the Martha Brae River
Are you looking for the most tranquil experience in port in Montego Bay? If so, check out Martha Brae river rafting excursions. The relaxing excursion takes you down the slow-moving river on a 50-foot bamboo raft. You are surrounded by lush vegetation and tropical birds, ending with an authentic Jamaican jerk chicken experience.
One of the highlights of Martha Brae river rafting is the personal guide. The guide will tell you about local plants and animals and the area’s rich history. You also get the chance to stop and swim in the river’s shallow waters. For example, you’ll pass near where Usain Bolt grew up and went to school.
You should also be aware of vendors selling souvenirs along the way. Depending on the type of shore excursion you choose, the rafting experience lasts one to two hours and is a 40-minute drive from Montego Bay.
Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove, Montego Bay
No Caribbean cruise would be complete without an experience interacting with dolphins. The famous Dolphin Cove is a 40-minute drive west, between Montego Bay and Negril. You can enjoy swimming with dolphins, feeding ostriches, petting sharks, and viewing tropical birds. A buffet lunch is also included in the day excursion.
Various packages are available for different experiences with marine life. Here’s what’s available:
- Petting sharks
- Snorkeling with stingrays
- Interacting with tropical birds
- Various levels of dolphin interactions
At Dolphin Cove, you have the chance to swim and play with dolphins in their natural environment. The cove is also surrounded by pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and stunning waterfalls.
Enjoy a relaxing golf day on your cruise stop
Western Jamaica in the Montego Bay area is home to some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean. You can choose from the world-class golf course at the Tryall Club, luxurious golfing experiences at the Half Moon Golf Course, or the spectacular White Witch Course.
Cinnamon Hill
Located 10 miles (16 km) from the Montego Bay cruise port, Cinnamon Hill Golf Course has stunning views over the Caribbean. This popular 18-hole golf course has panoramic views from 17 of the 18 holes. It offers a unique combination of links style and inland golf courses. It has four sets of tees for all experience levels.
White Witch Golf Course
The White Witch Golf Course is a championship golf course and a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts visiting Montego Bay. This stunning 18-hole course is nestled in the lush hills of Montego Bay in the historic Rose Hall Plantation. While golfing, you can enjoy cool breezes, mountainous terrain, and panoramic ocean views.
Renowned golf architect Robert von Hagge designed the White Witch golf course. It’s known for its challenging layout and stunning natural rolling fairways.
Tryall Club Golf Course
The Tryall Club Golf Course is a renowned world-class golf course 20 miles (32 km) west of Montego Bay. The championship course offers undulating terrain, rolling fairways, and strategically placed bunkers. Located on the Jamaican coast, the course offers links-style golf thanks to the cool trade winds and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Renowned course architect Ralph Plummer designed the golf course. It features 18 challenging holes—some at sea level and some 180 feet (55 m) above sea level. It’s regarded as the finest golf course in the Caribbean.
Half Moon Golf Club
Located a 20-minute drive from Montego Bay, the Half Moon Golf Club is a highly rated, popular golf destination in Jamaica. This world-class 18-hole championship course is in a former sugarcane plantation. It features 26 shallow-faced bunkers, challenging trade winds, and beautiful tree-lined fairways. Like the other course, the Half Moon course offers stunning ocean views and lush tropical surroundings.
Renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Sr designed the Half Moon Golf Club. Although the 72-par course features challenging fairways and greens, it’s suitable for golfers of all levels.
Rocklands Bird Sanctuary
The Rocklands Bird Sanctuary is a short 22-minute drive from Montego Bay. It’s an ideal tranquil place to escape the hustle and bustle, allowing you to get up close with Jamaica’s vibrant bird life, including the island’s national bird, the doctor bird. This peaceful oasis is home to many species of birds only seen on the island.
A highlight of the sanctuary is the feeding sessions, where you can hand-feed the doctor bird, also known as the swallow-tailed hummingbird. This bird is unique to Jamaica and is noted for its magnificent plumage and impressive tail feathers. You can book an all-inclusive shore excursion that includes rafting and a traditional Jamaican lunch, or take a taxi to the sanctuary and pay the entrance fee.
Shore Excursion to Negril
If you want to experience authentic Jamaican culture, a shore excursion to Negril is the perfect way to spend your day. Day tours to Negril include transportation and a scenic 1:30-hour ride along the Jamaican coastline. You get to stop off at the centuries-old Tryall Water Wheel, the historic town of Lucea, and end at the stunning Negril beach.
You then get to experience Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, located on the seven-mile beach at Negril. You have opportunities to enjoy a wide array of water sports activities or just relax on the beach. The highlight of the shore excursion is a visit to the famous Rick’s Café, where you can enjoy a party atmosphere and Reggae music.
Seven Mile Beach at Negril
Seven Mile Beach in Negril is a stunning stretch of golden sands located on the western coast of Jamaica. The white sand beach is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, authentic Jamaican cafes and bars, and vibrant culture. A range of water activities like swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and jet skiing are available.
Spending time at the beach and nearby Rick’s Café is popular with tourists who want to escape the cruise crowds and relax in a peaceful atmosphere.
The Best Beaches in Montego Bay
Montego Bay is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Northwestern Jamaica. Several pristine beaches in the vicinity have all-inclusive resorts, cafes, and various sports activities. There are around 12 beaches close to Montego Bay, and I’ve reviewed the top five.
Doctor’s Cave Beach
Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Montego Bay. Located a short distance from the cruise port, this stunning beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands. Facilities at the beach include beach chairs, changing rooms, freshwater showers, restaurants, cafes, and Starbucks.
The beach is part of the Montego Bay Marine Park. You must pay a small admission fee to access the beach. However, this means the beach is uncrowded, peaceful, and ideal for spending your cruise day in Montego Bay.
Walter Fletcher Beach
Walter Fletcher Beach is one of the most popular beaches for cruise ship passengers visiting Montego Bay. The beach is also home to the Aqua Sol Theme Park. This pristine beach offers various water activities. Facilities at the beach include pedal boats, glass-bottomed boats, snorkeling, banana boat rides, jet skis, and water trampolines.
If you prefer to stay out of the water, then there are go-karts, tennis courts, beach volleyball, and sun loungers with umbrellas. The beach is located at the far end of the Hip Strip, so it’s a relaxing end to a walking tour of Montego Bay downtown.
You can also visit some historical remains near the beach. After all, this location was Fort Montego, where the British troops protected the island from sea invasions. You can find old cannons and stroll through the Old Fort crafts market.
Sunset Beach Park
Sunset Beach Park is an all-inclusive beach resort, perfect for relaxing on your day in port. This beautiful beach offers cruise passengers a relaxing and fun-filled day in the sun. Activities include a buffet lunch, free drinks, a freshwater swimming pool, a swim-up bar, and motorized beach activities.
The park boasts pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging on the brilliant white sands. It’s good to note that all-inclusive day-pass availability is limited for cruise passengers.
Dead End Beach
Dead End Beach is a hidden gem offering a peaceful and relaxing escape for cruise visitors to unwind in the sun and sand. The free beach in Montego Bay offers calm blue waters, soft white sand, and plenty of swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Because it’s a free beach, there are no facilities here.
The unique feature of Dead End Beach is that it’s the ideal spot for plane-watching. The beach is located at the end of Montego Bay Airport. So you can experience the thrill of planes landing there occasionally. Despite being a free beach, tourists say it’s clean. However, it can be crowded in the high season.
Cornwall Beach Jamaica
Cornwall Beach is a private all-inclusive beach resort at the Royal Decameron. This pristine stretch of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water is ideal for relaxing in the Caribbean sun. An all-inclusive day pass gives you an all-you-can-eat buffet, free drinks, and access to a stunning beach, lounges, hammocks, beds, and beach chairs.
This beach is less crowded during cruise days than Doctor’s Cave. However, it’s more expensive, and the Wi-Fi is not free.
Explore Cultural Attractions and Historical Sites at Montego Bay
Of course, you may want to spend your cruise day in port at Montego Bay soaking up Jamaican culture and history rather than sun, sea, and water sports. How can you spend your day in Montego Bay without going to the beach? Here are a few ideas.
Tour the historical Greenwood Great House
One of the most popular cultural excursions for cruise ship passengers visiting Montego Bay is an excursion to the historical Greenwood Great House. It’s one of the best preserved plantation-era houses on the island. Attractions on the grounds include lush vegetation, antique horse-drawn carriages, and several houses.
Built in the late 18th century, Greenwood Great House was once the home of the Barrett family, one of Jamaica’s wealthiest and influential families. Many of the historical items remain in the Great House, giving you a glimpse into the life of plantation owners in the 18th century.
Take in tropical delights at Croydon Plantation
The Croydon Plantation is a working estate an hour’s drive from Montego Bay Cruise Port. The shore excursion to the foothills of the Catadupa Mountains lets you immerse yourself in Jamaica’s lush vegetation. Here, you can experience plantation history and taste locally grown produce like pineapples, citrus fruits, sugarcane, and coffee.
Shore excursions to Croydon plantation give you the chance to experience Jamaican culture and history. You can tour a working plantation, taste authentic Jamaican cuisine, and view the lush countryside as you explore the plantation.
Learn about Jamaica at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre
Visiting the Montego Bay Cultural Centre is a must for history buffs on a Jamaican cruise. Located in downtown Montego Bay, the museum features works of Jamaica’s famous painters, sculptors, and photographers. The center also features a bistro serving Jamaican cuisine and an art and craft shop.
You can include the Montego Bay Cultural Centre on a walking tour of downtown Montego Bay. You can get a unique insight into Jamaica’s history with its Rastafarian culture and slave work on plantations.
Explore Rose Hall Great House
A shore excursion to Rose Hall Great House gives you a fascinating insight into Jamaica’s slave history.
The stunning Georgian mansion was once home to Annie Palmer—an owner of 2,000 enslaved people. She is also known as the “White Witch of Rose Hall,” who reportedly practiced voodoo and black magic on her slaves. She was murdered, and it’s said her spirit still haunts Rose Hall.
Shore excursions include transportation and guided tours of the Great House. You can listen to eerie tales of murder, betrayal, and witchcraft. Depending on the operator, tours include shopping at craft stalls and tasting authentic Jamaican cuisine.
Bellefield Great House
Bellefield Great House is a historic plantation house 15 minutes from the Montego Bay Cruise Port. A shore excursion gives you a glimpse into Jamaica’s rich past. Built in the 18th century, the Great House sits on over 10 acres of lush tropical gardens and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Visiting Bellefield Great House lets you see the elegantly furnished rooms. You can also learn about the sugar and rum-making process and get an insight into the estate’s history and former owners. You can also learn about Samuel Sharpe, leader of the 1832 slave rebellion. It’s one of the oldest sugar plantations on the island.
Experience authentic Jamaican culture at the Hip Strip and Margaritaville
No visit to Montego Bay Cruise Port would be complete without exploring the Hip Strip and Margaritaville. Gloucester Avenue is home to the Hip Strip—a bustling thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Here, you can shop for souvenirs such as handcrafted jewelry, trinkets, and clothing.
Margaritaville in Montego Bay is a popular hotspot for visitors looking to experience authentic Jamaican culture. The lively restaurant and bar offers delicious authentic jerk chicken dishes, ice-cold drinks, and live music. You can also enjoy shooting into the Caribbean on a 120-foot (36 m) water slide.
Sample genuine Jamaican cuisine on a food tour in Montego Bay
Montego Bay in Jamaica is renowned for its exquisite cuisine. Jamaica is home to jerk cooking. This style of Caribbean cooking uses dry rub or wet marinades to spice up food. The hot spice mixture is referred to as Jamaican jerk spice.
Before you stop in Montego Bay on your Caribbean cruise, check out the various food options on offer. Various food tours include the following:
- Jamaican street food tours to sample various local delicacies
- Jamaica Jerk Experience to enjoy the spiciest and tastiest food on the island
- Food tours that include plantation house excursions with samples of Jamaican cuisine, including steamed callaloo, jerk chicken, and coconut shrimp rundown.
- Sample the street food from the several street vendors on the Hip Strip
Rastafari Indigenous Village
To experience authentic Jamaican culture, book a shore excursion to the Rastafari Indigenous Village. Just a 20-minute drive from Montego Bay Cruise Port, the tour promises an immersive experience of Rastafarian culture and beliefs. The village is in a lush tropical setting, surrounded by beautiful gardens and fruit trees.
Arriving at the village, you are greeted with warm hospitality, including drumming, chanting, and Reggae music. Shore excursions also include vegan Rastafarian fare and opportunities to immerse yourself in Jamaican culture. Guided tours inform about the history, beliefs, and practices of Rastafari culture.
A tour of a Rastafari village allows you to learn about a unique culture that is utterly different from anything you’ve experienced.
Shopping in Montego Bay
A cruise day in Montego Bay wouldn’t be complete without shopping for traditional Jamaican souvenirs and crafts. In downtown Montego Bay, you will find several craft stalls and vendors selling trinkets. You can also book a private shopping tour that includes various sightseeing opportunities.
Here are a few ideas:
Whitter Village Shopping Mall: This vast complex is in the exclusive Ironshore Montego Bay area. It comprises an indigenous-style center with a village square and various gift shops, restaurants, boutiques, and rum stores. Unfortunately, it’s very commercialized and lacks authentic Jamaican culture.
Private shopping tours: You could also consider a private shopping tour with a local guide. While shopping for local goods, the guide will tell you about Montego Bay’s history and the Rastafari movement. Many guides include various historical sites in the bespoke excursion.
Appleton Estate Rum Distillery
Learn about the history of Jamaica’s most popular products—rum. You can book a shore excursion to the famous Appleton Estate Rum Distillery from the Montego Bay cruise port. The journey is a 1hr 50 min drive through the picturesque Nassau Valley. You get to taste the finest rum in the Caribbean.
A tour of the Appleton Estate will teach you about the rum-making process from start to finish, which has been here since 1749. Knowledgeable guides will take you through the distillery, showing you the cane fields, fermentation process, distillation, and aging process. You will also be able to sample various rums produced at the estate.
It’s good to note that shore excursions can take up to seven hours. So, you must ensure you have enough time to return to the cruise ship. Also, not all tour operators include the distillery entry fee, lunch, and refreshments in the price.
Visiting Montego Bay on a Cruise: FAQs
You probably have many questions if it’s your first time docking at Montego Bay on a Caribbean cruise. Here are answers to some of the most common questions cruise passengers ask when planning a cruise day in Montego Bay.
What is the best time to visit Montego Bay on a cruise?
The best time to visit Montego Bay on a Caribbean cruise is during the dry season—December to April. This period offers sunny weather and minimal rainfall, which is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, avoiding Jamaica from midsummer through November would be best due to the heat, high humidity, and strong winds.
Is it safe to walk around Montego Bay?
Walking around the tourist areas of Montego Bay is safe. However, it’s vital to remember the typical advice for cruise tourists in the Caribbean—remain cautious and aware of your surroundings, don’t have expensive personal belongings on show, and keep valuables secure.
What currency is used in Montego Bay?
The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD), sometimes written as J$. Most vendors at Montego Bay and tourist destinations accept US dollars. However, they may give you local currency in change. So, checking if you get dollars in change when paying in USD is worthwhile.
What should I pack for a day trip to Montego Bay?
For your cruise day in Montego Bay, pack the essentials—biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and comfortable walking shoes. If you plan on swimming in the sea, a pair of water shoes is needed to protect your feet from sharp stones and sea urchins. And don’t forget your camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Is there specific etiquette I should be aware of when interacting with locals?
When interacting with locals, it’s essential to be respectful and polite. Greeting people with a smile and using courteous language goes a long way. It’s good to note that some street vendors can be pushy. However, a polite “no thank you” is usually sufficient to curb their advances.
Is there WiFi available at the cruise port or in Montego Bay?
WiFi is available at the cruise port and in many establishments throughout Montego Bay, including hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
What languages are spoken in Montego Bay?
English is the official language of Jamaica. So, you will have no problem communicating in English. Jamaican Patois is commonly spoken among locals but is typically not a barrier to communication for English speakers. Jamaican Patois is an English-based Creole language with West African influences.
What should I do in an emergency while I’m in Montego Bay?
In an emergency in Montego Bay, dial 119 for police assistance. Your cruise line operator should also provide you with a number for emergency assistance.
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