Category: Caribbean

DISCOVER GREEN GROTTO CAVES

Get to know one of Jamaica’s best-preserved colonial towns during this sightseeing excursion around Falmouth, lasting approximately three and a half hours. The itinerary includes a visit to the historic Green Grotto Caves, plus an 18th-century church.

This excursion of approximately three and a half hours not only affords guests a chance to see one of Jamaica’s natural wonders, but also to learn about its colonial and indigenous past.

The outing begins with a sightseeing drive, lasting around one hour and 15 minutes. Your guide will give you information about the landmarks you see as you pass through Falmouth, one of the island’s best-preserved colonial towns, including the late 18th-century St Peter’s Anglican Church, thought to be the town’s oldest public building.

You’ll then pass through countryside until you reach the nearby Green Grotto Caves. Descend underground for a tour lasting around one hour and 15 minutes. There’s a lot to discover about this storied cave system, which is thought to have once housed the indigenous Taíno people, as well as acted as a hideout for runaway slaves in the 18th century and for smugglers throughout history.

As you explore, take time to admire the limestone rock formations, including numerous stalagmites and stalactites, and the underground lake at the system’s heart.

Once you’ve ascended from the caves, there’s an approximately one-hour-and-15-minute drive back to the pier.

Important Information: Please note: the tour is not available for guests with mobility problems.

DOLPHIN SWIM ADVENTURE

Excursion Details

Tick off a bucket list activity by swimming with dolphins on this excursion of approximately five hours, with lots of other experiences waiting for you afterwards. Depart from the port on an approximately one-hour transfer, with a tour guide pointing out places of interest along the way.

After arrival at Dolphin Cove your interaction experience of approximately one hour begins with a short briefing on dolphin behaviour and interaction. Then, make your way into the water to meet these magnificent mammals. You’ll be able to see these highly intelligent creatures up-close, and even swim “belly-to-belly ” and interact with them, making for a memorable experience.

Next, spend approximately two hours of free time enjoying all that Dolphin Cove has to offer. Some of the options include exploring Little Port Royal – a replica of Port Royal, a formerly infamous maritime trading town in the waters around the south-east of Jamaica, once frequented by pirates and then ravaged by an earthquake in 1692.

Those looking for excitement can try out the water slide for aquatic thrills, or if you’re keen to simply relax, make use of a complimentary beach chair and lounge on the sands of the beach. And there’s always an infinity pool to rejuvenate in while gazing out at the Caribbean Sea. You’ll also be able to enjoy a complimentary lunch during your time at Dolphin Cove.

A transfer drive of around one hour then returns to the port.

Important Information: Neither cameras nor video equipment will be permitted in the dolphin enclosure.

Photos of your dolphin experience will be available for sale. There are ramps and comfortable seating areas at Dolphin Cove. The tour is not available for pregnant women and guests suffering from pre-existing neck, back, heart or respiratory problems. It is recommended that jewellery and other valuables be left on board the ship. For the dolphin interaction program, guests must be at least 48 inches to participate on the dolphin swim portion of this tour. Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult or legal guardian.

As a special benefit for MSC Cruises guests, a “Dolphin Dollars” voucher offering a $10.00 USD discount on the purchase of photo packages is available at Dolphin Cove Caribbean destinations. The voucher has no monetary value if not used. Restrictions apply: valid only for single or couple (2 people) photo packages and non-cumulative. The discount applies to photo packages only (not for 1 single photo) and cannot be combined with other promotions. Guests must present their Cruise Card or bracelet that identifies them as MSC guests in order to redeem this offer

DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER

Excursion Details

Dive into a trip to Dolphin Cove, a coastal park that’s home to dolphins, sharks and stingrays. On this approximately five-hour excursion you’ll experience a direct dolphin encounter and explore Dolphin Cove’s other attractions afterwards.

Begin with a transfer drive of around one hour to Dolphin Cove. A tour guide will provide you with information on places of interest along the way. With a lagoon-like setting, Dolphin Cove provides a chance to interact with these much-loved aquatic mammals. Your encounter experience lasts for approximately one hour, including a brief orientation and fitting of a life vest. Then you’ll meet the dolphins themselves, known for their intelligent nature.

From a shallow platform in the water, you’ll be able to stroke and interact with the dolphins while learning more about them and their behaviour in the wild. Following this up-close encounter, you’ll have time to watch these playful creatures in the water.

Afterwards, you’ll have approximately two hours of free time at Dolphin Cove to explore its other attractions and experiences. Take a stroll along the Jungle Trail, keeping a lookout for birds and iguanas, or visit Little Port Royal – a themed attraction inspired by the harborside town on the southern coast of Jamaica, which was once a favorite haunt of pirates and smugglers.

If you’re keen to see more of Jamaica’s aquatic life, there’s also a chance to have your photo taken with a stingray (time permitting and at an additional cost to guests). Or perhaps you’d like to hit the water yourself by racing down a water slide. Alternatively, take a dip in the pool or relax on the beach area. Your time at Dolphin Cove also includes a complimentary lunch. Finally, a journey of approximately one hour back to the port concludes the excursion.

Important Information: Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult or legal guardian. A waiver form must be signed by a legal adult guardian for guests who are under the age of 18. Neither cameras nor video equipment will be permitted in the dolphin enclosure.

Photos of your dolphin experience will be available for sale. There are ramps and comfortable seating areas at Dolphin Cove. Guests under 5 months (20 weeks) pregnant may participate on this tour, remaining on the deep-waist platform under their own consent and responsibility, accompanied by a paying adult, and must sign the liability waiver.

It is recommended that jewelry and other valuables be left on board the ship.  As a special benefit for MSC Cruises guests, a “Dolphin Dollars” voucher offering a $10.00 USD discount on the purchase of photo packages is available at Dolphin Cove Caribbean destinations. The voucher has no monetary value if not used. Restrictions apply: valid only for single or couple (2 people) photo packages and non-cumulative.

The discount applies to photo packages only (not for 1 single photo) and cannot be combined with other promotions. Guests must present their Cruise Card or bracelet that identifies them as MSC guests in order to redeem this offer

SCENIC OCHO RIOS, KONOKO FALLS and BEACH BREAK

Spend some time getting to know Jamaica’s varied landscapes on this excursion of approximately five hours, which features visits to a botanical garden overlooking Ocho Rios and a beach on the island’s north coast. You’ll learn about local wildlife and plant life, and get to relax on the beach, with lunch included.

This outdoor-focused excursion, lasting approximately five hours, begins with a trip to Konoko Falls and Park, a sprawling area that houses a botanical garden and a waterfall. You’ll reach the site after an approximately one-hour transfer from the port, during which time a guide will give you insights on Jamaican history.

Once arrived, you’ll embark on a guided tour, lasting around 45 minutes. Your guide will lead you around the park, showing you the wide array of tropical flora (look out for colourful specimens like birds of paradise and a range of orchids) and supplying information about the various species of plants and wildlife that are endemic to Jamaica.

Before leaving Konoko, you will be driven to the lower waterfall area, where you can enjoy a front-facing view of the waterfall. Afterwards, take a sightseeing drive on the way to Puerto Seco Beach, lasting approximately 45 minutes. Once arrived at Puerto Seco Beach (a beach club set over 10 acres), enjoy approximately two hours of free time, enjoying the white sand beach and sea, and perhaps making use of the swimming pools and water park. A complimentary buffet lunch will be served during your time at Puerto Seco.

An approximately 30-minute transfer back to the ship then concludes the excursion.

Important Information: Please note: Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.  Should wear comfortable clothing, swimwear, water shoes or sneakers, bring towels, high SPF sunscreen and sunglasses. Water activities available at an additional cost. Guests do not climb any falls on this tour. Please advise of any food allergies. Menu subject to change. Guests will have to walk approximately 350 meters from the parking lot to reach the Yssasi Lookout Point. Guests may be required to walk on uneven terrain

PUERTO SECO BEACH GETAWAY

Treat yourself to some time at the beach on this approximately five-hour excursion, which offers free time at a beach club in the north of Jamaica. Swimming, sunbathing and shopping are all options, making for a relaxing and easy coastal trip.

Ease into Jamaican beach life with this excursion, lasting approximately five hours, and remind yourself that you’re well and truly on holiday. After a transfer drive from the port of around 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at Puerto Seco Beach, a beach club near Falmouth that houses everything you’ll need for a relaxing and fun day out, spread over 10 acres. Then enjoy approximately four hours of free time, spending it however you choose.

Take advantage of the setting by going for a swim in the Caribbean Sea and gazing out at the coastal views, also making the most of the white sand beach. If you prefer a different swimming experience, head straight for Puerto Seco’s 45-metre-long pool, complete with lounge chairs and umbrellas.

When you get hungry, on-site restaurants such as Santa Maria Eatery have got you covered, serving traditional Jamaican classics, while anyone in need of a cocktail can find one at Pub Picasso (food and drink are not included in the excursion cost). If you want a change of scenery from the beach, consider a spot of retail therapy by browsing Puerto Seco’s various shops for souvenirs and other items.

When the free time comes to an end, a transfer of around 30 minutes returns to the port.

Important Information: Should wear comfortable clothing, swimwear, water shoes or sneakers, bring towels, high SPF sunscreen and sunglasses. Food and beverages are not included

FAMILY ESCAPE PASS AT GOOD HOPE

Visit an 18th-century plantation on this approximately three-hour excursion to the Good Hope Estate. You’ll have access to the grounds, the swimming pool and waterfalls, and the array of Georgian buildings.

The Good Hope Estate began in 1774 as a sugar plantation and, post-emancipation, was turned into a village to support its workers. Today, it’s a tourist attraction, complete with adventure activities. This approximately three-hour excursion gives you a chance to see Good Hope’s grounds and buildings.

The journey begins with a bus ride from the port to the estate, lasting around half an hour. Upon arrival, you’ll get registered and be given a brief introduction over 15 minutes or so.

Then spend approximately one hour and 45 minutes exploring the estate at leisure. Wander its 809 hectares of land, bursting with plant life, birds and the Martha Brae River. Or cross the swinging bridge, zoom down a water slide that measures over 90 metres in height and take a dip in the swimming pools. The small on-site village, which has some of the island’s best examples of Georgian architecture, is worth seeing, too. And there’s also the possibility to taste some locally made products, such as Appleton Estate Rum (for an additional cost).

A return bus transfer of around 30 minutes then returns to the port.

Important Information: Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate. It is recommended that guests bring a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and cash or credit cards for any additional purchases

FLAVOURS OF JAMAICA

Learn to make traditional Jamaican dishes, including a jerk sauce and Jamaican festival dumplings, at a cookery class during this excursion, which lasts approximately six and a half hours. It takes place on the grounds of a historic estate, which you’ll get to see via a ‘jitney’carriage, towed by a tractor.

Get acquainted with Jamaican flavours on this excursion, lasting around six and a half hours. Depart from the port on a transfer of around 80 minutes to the Yaaman Adventure Park, a hub of activities and experiences set on the grounds of the historic Prospect Estate. Once arrived, you’ll ride through part of the grounds by jitney – an open-sided carriage drawn by tractor, providing great views of the rural scenery.

After a ride of around 25 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Great House, which dates back to the 18th century and was first constructed as a fort before being turned into a home. The house was also visited by Winston Churchill in the 1950s, and he planted a mahogany tree near the entrance that still stands to this day.

Admire the grounds and gardens of the house as you enter and then move to the veranda for your cooking class, lasting approximately two hours. A chef will teach you how to prepare various classic Jamaican and Caribbean dishes. These include a special variety of jerk sauce, callaloo (a leafy green commonly cooked with herbs and spices, including Scotch bonnet peppers) and Jamaican festivals (crispy, slightly sweet, fried dumplings).

Enjoy your newly made creations afterwards, before a drive of around 15 minutes back to the information centre at Yaaman Adventure Park, where you’ll have approximately 45 minutes of free time before the return transfer to the port, which takes around one hour and 25 minutes.

Important Information: Please note: guests must be at least 7 years of age to take part. Guests are further recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Guests are advised to leave jewellery and other valuables on board the ship. Beverages are available at additional cost not covered by the price of the tour

OFF ROAD BUGGY & SECRET BLUE HOLE

Combine thrills on both land and water in this excursion, lasting approximately six and a half hours, which features a ride in a mud buggy and a visit to a secluded pool in a forest. You’ll even be able to drive the buggy yourself around the grounds of an estate. Lunch is also included in the excursion.

Prepare for a day of adventures on this excursion, lasting approximately six and a half hours, which involves driving a mud buggy and swimming in a natural pool. Begin with a transfer of around one hour and 20 minutes from the port to the Yaaman Adventure Park, located in the grounds of historic Prospect Estate.

After arrival, there’s a short time for briefing and fitting safety equipment before you set off to drive your mud buggy for approximately 70 minutes. Roam the grounds of the estate and enjoy driving through wild and rugged Jamaican countryside.

Afterwards is a short journey to a nearby ‘blue hole’in a forest setting. You’ll arrive at a secluded river pool encased by tropical woodlands, where you’ll spend approximately 70 minutes. Take a dip in the waters, jump in or simply relax at the water’s edge. During this time, a guide will also tell you about the surrounding plant life and wildlife of the area.

Following the river experience, make the short journey back to the welcome area, where you’ll have approximately 45 minutes of free time, which includes a complimentary lunch and fruit punch. Finally, reboard your bus for the return drive back to the port, lasting around 90 minutes.

Important Information: Please note: Guests must be at least 7 years old to participate. This tour is not available for guests who are pregnant, have back or neck injuries, and heart or respiratory conditions.

It is recommended that guests wear comfortable clothing and shoes, a swimsuit, change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, and cash for any additional purchases. Guests are required to bring water shoes. Jewelry and other valuables should be left onboard the ship. Lockers are available for rent onsite for an additional charge. Guests must present a driver’s license valid at least 6 months before the expiration date to drive the buggy. Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English.

Guests under 18 years old must have an adult sign a waiver form for them. Tour may operate in reverse order. An optional shopping stop will be provided at the end of the tour, time permitting

BAMBOO BEACH BREAK – WITH SNACKS AND DRINKS

An approximately 15-minute coach ride from the pier is all that separates you from Bamboo Beach Club. On arrival, a complimentary beach chair awaits you (beach chair location is available on a first come, first served basis).

Then you’ll be free for approximately 3 hours to chill out in the shade or seek out a sunny spot by the water to work on your tan. Or take to the water for a refreshing swim. And lots of reggae music, of course. Time permitting, a quick shopping break is also included on the way back to round off the tour.
Please note: Beachside massages and snorkel gear hire are available at extra cost. Guests are recommended to bring a beach towel, high-factor sunscreen, a camera, and some cash or a credit card to cover additional purchases.

Guests are also recommended to wear swimwear under comfortable clothing. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to consume alcohol. The menu on this tour consists of ackee and saltfish with plantains or vegetables and saltfish with plantains, jerk sausage and pineapple skewers over saffron rice, traditional Jamaican jerk chicken with festival and rasin coleslaw, cinnamon banana puffs, 3 alcoholic cocktails, and 3 non-alcoholic cocktails. The food and drinks included on the tour are subject to change. In line with the venue style, the provided beach chairs are rustic, wooden, and non-reclinable with a cushion for comfort

BAMBOO BEACH CLUB WITH LUNCH

Treat yourself to a beachside escape accompanied by a three-course meal with Jamaican favorites on this approximately four-hour excursion. The fun takes place at a beach club and you’ll even have champagne cocktails to sip alongside your lunch.

This excursion of approximately four hours lets guests enjoy sun, sea, sand and Jamaican flavors galore at Bamboo Beach Club, nestled between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. A drive of around 15 minutes from the port to the beach is the starting point, followed by approximately two and a half hours of free time at the beach club, to spend however you like.

Stroll or lounge on the sandy stretch or make the most of the coastal setting by taking a dip in the Caribbean Sea. And what could make this relaxing experience by the beach even more memorable? A three-course lunch and drinks – which is exactly what the excursion includes. Sit back at your chosen spot on the beach or at a dining table and tuck in to lunch, featuring Jamaican and Caribbean classics. You’ll also be able to enjoy two champagne cocktails, four specialty cocktails and four non-alcoholic drinks.

If you want to crank up the indulgence another notch, opt for a beachside massage (at an additional cost) and ease further into seaside relaxation.

After the free time comes to an end, there’s a drive of around 15 minutes to a local shopping venue, followed by approximately 30 minutes to browse or buy (time permitting). Another drive of around 30 minutes then returns to the port, concluding the excursion.

Important Information: Please note: beachside massages and snorkel gear hire are available at extra cost. Guests are recommended to bring a beach towel, high-factor sunscreen, a camera, and some cash or a credit card to cover additional purchases.

Guests are also recommended to wear swimwear under comfortable clothing. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to consume alcohol. The menu on this tour consists of jerk chicken spring rolls with mango salsa, fish tartar served on plantain chips, surf & turf – herb crusted fish with fruit salsa, jerk chicken, festival, vegetable polenta, ripe plantains, raisin coleslaw, rum raisin bread pudding with vanilla ice cream, 2 champagne cocktails, 4 specialty cocktails, and 3 non-alcoholic beverages. The food and drinks included on the tour are subject to change