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But the inaugural staging of an official Jamaica Carnival was just over three decades ago, in 1990. The late Jamaican musician Byron Lee, bassist and bandleader of The Dragonaires, traveled to Trinidad for Carnival in 1974, a trip that deepened Lee’s love of the sister island’s music. The Dragonaires would go on to perform in Trinidad during Carnival season for more than a decade before Lee, along with the famed Trinidadian bandleader Stephen Derek, brought a Trini-style Carnival to Jamaica. Jamaica's major cruise ports offer a variety of excursions, like Falmouth's rafting and tubing, sightseeing from Montego Bay and climbing Dunn's River Falls near Ocho Rios. It’s especially a good idea to start planning your winter getaway in advance, as December to April offer the best weather conditions and can be popular.. To cruise to Jamaica with everything you could ever want on board, book yourself on the Norwegian Escape, a ship built in 2015 that can accommodate more than 4,200 passengers.
Best smaller ship Jamaica cruise
Embark on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, starting from Miami or Tampa, and explore some of the most beautiful destinations in the region, including Jamaica. This itinerary typically includes stops in Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, giving you the perfect blend of beach relaxation and cultural exploration. Enjoy the vibrant Jamaican culture, soak up the sun on the pristine beaches, and experience the adventure and charm of the Western Caribbean. “Vincymas,” St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Carnival, packs a whole lot of punch on the small islands. Running from June 30 - July 11 this year, Vincymas promises to be a deliciously musical good time. We’re big fans of the relatively secluded hotels on the country’s smaller islands, but for Vincymas, you’ll want to stay on the mainland.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Carnival Sunrise is now the seventh ship in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet to start operating. On Saturday, the cruise ship departed from Miami, Florida, bringing back fun to the Caribbean Island of Jamaica and Bimini in the Bahamas. To experience the full range of Carnival activities, you’ll generally need to pick a band well ahead of time. Bands provide everything from food and drink during festivities to the glorious costumes Carnival is famous for.
Carnival Ship Hits Pier During High Winds, Remains Overnight - Cruise Hive
Carnival Ship Hits Pier During High Winds, Remains Overnight.
Posted: Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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Juice tastings are available for any kids who may want to join this experience. Ocho Rios on Jamaica’s northern coast is the island's largest and best-located cruise port. It offers easy access to two of Jamaica’s top attractions—Dunn’s River Falls and Mystic Mountain, where you’ll find bobsledding and zip-lining—and several of Jamaica’s most popular activities.
Water Sports
The pre-purchase window for certain products and activities closes between one and three days prior to the sail date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us once you're on board — we'll help you find what you’re looking for. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of April 21st, 2024. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world.
MSC, Norwegian, and Holland America also include Jamaica on their cruise itineraries. When it comes to dream vacations, an Ocho Rios cruise has to be near the top of the list. Nestled in an emerald Jamaican landscape, Ocho Rios is this island nation’s prime cruise destination. Your cruise to Ocho Rios docks near some of the Caribbean’s most fabled resorts and the cascading waterfalls of Dunn’s River.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Reach Falls, where you can take a dip in the natural pools or go river tubing through the tropical jungle. The next port is George Town on Grand Cayman, where you can explore botanic gardens, swim at Seven Mile Beach, or visit the town's shops and restaurants. In Falmouth, Jamaica, the next day, optional activities include a zip-line adventure, waterfall hike, catamaran cruise, horseback ride, or dolphin encounter. The next day at sea is a time to enjoy the ship's amenities while cruising to Disney Castaway Cay. This cruise leaves Orlando and, after a day at sea, stops in Labadee, Haiti, where activities range from riding a toboggan-style roller coaster to zip lining over the ocean. From there, the ship travels to Falmouth, Jamaica, located between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, for options like horseback riding, river tubing, hiking to a waterfall, and high tea at the historical Good Hope Estate.

From exploring the lush rainforests to lounging on pristine sandy shores, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this island paradise. With a plethora of ports to choose from and a variety of thrilling activities and excursions to partake in, you’ll have the time of your life cruising to Jamaica with Carnival Cruise Line. Jamaica enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year.
The Carnival Sunrise sails roundtrip from Miami to Ocho Rios, Jamaica's most popular cruise port. This five-night itinerary starts with a day at sea—the perfect way to ease yourself into vacation mode, especially if you spent the night before sailing sampling Miami’s epic nightlife. The ship’s first port is Ocho Rios, where travelers can climb the 600-foot Dunn’s River Falls, drive a dune buggy through Jamaican woodlands, swim with dolphins, ride horses on the beach or try out river tubing.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can ferry to Playa del Carmen and Tulum, shop for local-made souvenirs, or dine on fresh seafood and Mexican specialties. Consider taking a tour of the Kennedy Space Center before boarding the Disney Fantasy in Cape Canaveral. The first full day of this cruise is spent at sea, but pools, a spa, kids' clubs, restaurants, games, and entertainment provide much to do on the way to Cozumel. Upon arrival in Mexico, guests get the chance to snorkel or dive among coral reefs, shop for handmade souvenirs, and relax on the beach. After departing Montego Bay, the ship sails the Caribbean and Panama Canal for two days before making its next stop at Colón, Panama, for an optional visit to Indigenous villages or a walk around the colorful city.
Passengers can walk along the colorful streets lined with Georgian-style buildings, visit historic sites, and learn about the town’s intriguing history. Indulge in Jamaican jerk chicken, a flavorful and spicy specialty, or sample some delicious local seafood dishes. The island’s cuisine is a fusion of African, Indian, and European influences, resulting in a tantalizing range of flavors. Carnival Sunrise was formerly named Carnival Triumph; however, the vessel received a makeover in 2019 and was renamed Carnival Sunrise. The cruise ship has space for 2,984 guests, but the ship will be sailing with around 70% occupancy due to the current safety protocols and requirements.
Each port offers unique attractions and experiences, ranging from relaxing on stunning beaches to immersing yourself in the island’s rich cultural heritage. Montego Bay is one of the most popular ports of call in Jamaica, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and exciting water sports opportunities. If you are seeking some fun in the sun, head to Doctor’s Cave Beach, where you can soak up the rays and swim in the crystal-clear waters. For a taste of Jamaican history and culture, visit the Rose Hall Great House or explore the famous Hip Strip, where you can shop for souvenirs and sample local cuisine.
For a genuine glimpse into the vibrant culture of this island paradise, join locals to celebrate Jamaica Carnival. It’s been six years since I’ve experienced Carnival in Trinidad, a flurry of activity and soca-inflected joy that remains among my most treasured memories. Planning out my Carnival trip this time, I was excited to play mas on different ground, and to hear soca blaring through the air in Jamaica. From there, the ship spends another day at sea, one day in Roatán, Honduras, and then a final day at sea en route back to Ocean Cay.
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