Category: Caribbean

DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER

Come face-to-face with dolphins during this approximately two-hour excursion. While at Dolphin Cove, guests will be able to observe and interact with these marine mammals while on a platform submerged in the pool.

Excursion details

If you’ve always wanted to spend time with dolphins and learn more about them, this approximately two-hour excursion lets you live out those dreams. It takes place at Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios, on the north of Jamaica. Located inside a natural park and surrounded by tropical rainforest, it’s the perfect destination for fans of dolphins and other underwater animals.

Begin by boarding your bus at the port and taking a short ride to Dolphin Cove. After a brief welcome and orientation talk, it’s time to enter the pool for your dolphin encounter, lasting around 30 minutes. While standing on a submerged platform, guests are given the chance to interact with these fascinating creatures, guided by a trainer.

Once out and dry, take a quick look in the gift shop for souvenirs or to purchase photos of your dolphin interaction. A 15-minute transfer drive then returns to the ship.

Important Information: Guests will be required to wash their hands before and after the animal interaction. We recommend comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes, swim wear, change of clothes, towels, and sunscreen. Lockers are available for rent at Dolphin Cove.

Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult or legal guardian. Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. Guests under the age of 18 years must have an adult to sign the waiver form. Guests who are more than 5 months pregnant, or suffer from pre-existing neck, back, heart, or respiratory problems will not be able to participate on this tour. Jewellery and other valuables should 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.

DOLPHIN SWIM

Excursion details

This roughly two-hour excursion offers the chance to see and meet dolphins close-up, as well as learning more about these incredible mammals. The excursion begins with a short transfer drive to Dolphin Cove, where you’ll receive a brief introduction and orientation information.

Then it’s time for your dolphin swim experience, lasting approximately 30 minutes. You’ll start by standing on a shallow platform in the water, where you’ll be able to observe the dolphins and discover more about them.

Socially skilled, intelligent and playful creatures, dolphins share emotional similarities with humans, and you’ll be able to get even closer to them after you move from the submerged platform into the water for the final part of the experience, including a belly ride swim.

Afterwards, there’s a short time for photos and browsing the gift shop before your return drive to the port, lasting around 15 minutes.

Important Information: Guests will be required to wash their hands before and after the animal interaction. We recommend comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes, swim wear, change of clothes, towels, and sunscreen. Lockers are available for rent at Dolphin Cove. Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. Children under 18 years of age must have their waiver signed by a paying adult. Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to participate on the dolphin swim. Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult or legal guardian in the water.

Guests who are pregnant or suffer from pre-existing neck, back, heart, or respiratory problems will not be able to participate on this tour. Jewellery and other valuables should 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. The maximum age to participate is 70 years old

ZIPLINE CANOPY OVER DUNN’S RIVER FALLS

Excursion details

Dunn’s River Falls is a popular local landmark near Ocho Rios, and you’ll be able to see its appeal first-hand on this exciting excursion of around three and a half hours, which lets you experience the falls in several different ways.

Start with a drive of around 15 minutes from the port to the site of the falls, where you’ll be given an approximately 15-minute introductory briefing and safety information. Then the fun begins as you buckle up and prepare for an adventure of approximately one hour. On this unique experience, you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the falls – which extend for over 180 metres – as you glide through the forest canopy on your zip-line, also admiring the greenery surrounding you.

Following your aerial manoeuvres, you’ll take a different approach to exploration on the next part of the excursion: climbing the falls with a guide over approximately one hour, providing up-close views of the cascades crashing down from 55 metres high.

Following all the action is a break of around 30 minutes, when you’ll be able to change your clothes and purchase photos of your experience, if you wish. Finally, a transfer of around 15 minutes returns to the port.

Important Information: Guests are required to sign a waiver. Minimum age is 6 years old and maximum weight is 265lbs. Closed toe shoes are mandatory for the zip line. Guests will also be required to wear water shoes for climbing the falls. This tour is not recommended for guests with pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart problems, respiratory problems, asthma, back, neck and shoulder injuries. Tour is not wheelchair accessible.

In addition, women who maybe pregnant or think they might be pregnant are not allowed participate. Lockers are available onsite for an additional charge. Helmets are provided for the zipline portion of the tour and will be mandatory to be worn. Personal items may not be left on the bus.

PUERTO SECO BEACH GETAWAY

Excursion details

Spend the day finding out how to relax again during this excursion, lasting approximately six hours. Begin with a transfer drive of around 40 minutes from the port to Puerto Seco Beach, a beach club spread over 10 acres. Then, simply ease into approximately four hours and 40 minutes of free time.

Many will want to take advantage of the setting by enjoying a swim in the Caribbean Sea, and Puerto Seco’s white sands offer the perfect setting to dry off afterwards, perhaps from the comfort of a beach lounger. Alternatively, you can always try swimming in the venue’s 45-metre-long pool. There are changing room facilities and lockers available to make things as easy as possible.

You’ll also find restaurants and bars at Puerto Seco Beach to take care of dining and drinks (at guests’own expense). Santa Maria Eatery offers a jerk pit for those who want to try some traditional Jamaican flavors, while Pub Picasso serves cocktails with a sea view.

Shopping is also an option here, since Puerto Seco Beach houses a selection of stores for those who want to pick up some souvenirs or gifts. And don’t forget to kick back and enjoy the in-house entertainment from a live DJ, providing a mix of music and dance.

Once the free time comes to an end, a transfer of around 40 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.

BLUE HOLE FALLS & RIVER TUBING

Enjoy a day of floating, swimming and splashing around on this adventurous aquatic excursion of around five hours. You’ll travel down the White River on a tube before taking a swim in natural pools amongst a forest setting.

Excursion details

Jamaica is well-known for its beaches, but exploring its inland treasures is also hugely rewarding, as you’ll discover on this excursion lasting approximately five hours. It’s a chance to soak up some of the country’s tropical forests and rivers, including via a tube ride.

Your trip begins with a transfer from the port of around 45 minutes to White River Valley, where your tubing adventure takes place. There’s a 15-minute orientation and fitting of safety equipment before you head out on to the waters of the White River for an approximately one-hour guided tubing tour. As you drift peacefully on your inflatable tube, you’ll float over the limestone riverbed that gave the White River its name, as well as passing coconut trees, bamboo and other tropical scenery.

Once the tubing comes to an end, the fun doesn’t stop, as you’ll make the approximately 15-minute journey to a spot known as the Blue Hole, tucked away amongst thick greenery and housing a series of natural pools. You’ll spend around two hours exploring, climbing the waterfalls that feed the pools and swimming in the waters, making for a memorable – and refreshing – experience.

Afterwards, there’s a drive of around 45 minutes back to the port in Ocho Rios.

Important Information: Maximum weight 300lbs, maximum age 70 years, minimum age 6 years. Life vest and helmet are mandatory and included in the price of the tour. Water shoes are recommended for the Blue Hole portion of the tour and available for sale at an additional cost. No consumption of alcohol or mind-altering substances prior to or during the activity.

This tour is not available for persons with respiratory illnesses, non-swimmers, guests that had recent surgery, guests with back, neck, shoulder or spinal injury, pregnant women. Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. Lockers are available onsite for an additional charge. Tour may be done in reverse order

OFF ROAD BUGGY & SECRET BLUE HOLE

Excursion details

Experience two different sides to Jamaica’s landscapes on this exciting excursion of around five hours, which features an opportunity to drive a buggy and a trip to a secluded swimming spot.

A bus transfer of around 15 minutes takes you to the Yaaman Adventure Park, set on the grounds of a historic estate, where you’ll board a jitney (an open-sided carriage drawn by a tractor, allowing for views of the scenery as you pass) for a driving tour of around 45 minutes. Your destination is an area surrounded by vegetation and known as the Blue Hole.

When you arrive, you’ll discover a series of natural pools that are ideal for swimming. You’ll have approximately one hour and 45 minutes here to explore and enjoy the area, splashing around in the pools and the waterfall that feeds them. Your guide will also tell you more about the region’s flora and fauna.

Afterwards, there’s a change of pace as you prepare for your mud-buggy drive. After a short orientation and safety briefing, you’ll set off on a trip of around 35 minutes, riding through wild landscapes and enjoying the views of the woodland scenery.

Following the drive, there’s approximately one hour for you to enjoy lunch (including some traditional Jamaican foods) and do some shopping, time permitting. Finally, a transfer drive of around 15 minutes return to the port.

Important Information: Guests must be at least 8 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 with 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

DUNN’S RIVER PARTY CRUISE

Relax and soak up the views during a short sail along the beautiful Jamaican coastline. A catamaran will take you over the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea to Jamaica’s premier attraction – Dunn’s River Falls. From the beach at the foot of the falls, you can take a swim, soak up the tropical sunshine, or be adventurous and climb the falls with a guide. On the return voyage, it is time to party, as you dance to the rhythms of island music and enjoy some rum or fruit punch.
Please note: It is recommended that guests wear a bathing suit under comfortable clothing, and bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and sunglasses. This tour is not recommended for guests with leg, back, neck, or knee injuries, pregnant women, or persons with limited mobility.

Slip-proof or water shoes should be worn since climbing the falls’ many terraced steps is both strenuous and very slippery. Water shoes are available for purchase at guests expenses during the tour. Lockers available at additional cost, rental is at the guests own risk. Guests wishing to climb the falls must be at least 92 cm/3 ft. in height. Guests will not be permitted to jump from the falls.

The falls have two entry / exit points: one at the bottom of the falls and another midway, at the whirlpool area, prior to reaching the top. If at one point, guests don’t want to continue climbing the falls, depending on where the climbing started, they may be able to exit earlier and wait for the rest of the group. There may be a queue to climb the falls

BOB MARLEY’S REGGAE LAND AND LUNCH

Get ready for a reggae-infused adventure as you go on a journey through the life and legacy of the legendary Bob Marley. This immersive excursion will bring you closer to the heart of Jamaican music and culture.

Board your bus for the approximately 1-hour and 30-minute ride to the birthplace and childhood home of Bob Marley, where you will walk in the footsteps of the reggae icon. For approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, you can explore the rooms of where he lived, hear stories from his early days, and gain a deeper understanding of the inspirations behind his iconic songs and the cultural impact he had on Jamaica and the world. Next, after an approximately 1 hour drive, you will arrive at Bamboo Beach Club for a Jamaican lunch. If time permits, there will be a short stop for shopping on the way back to the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate. It is recommended that guests bring a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and cash/credit cards for any additional purchases. Traffic conditions may affect the driving time to and from Bob Marley.

Time-permitting, guests may be able to swim at Bamboo Beach Club. The menu on this tour consists of jerk chicken, coconut pumpkin rice, festival, ripe plantains and coleslaw. The menu is subject to change.

JUNGLE ATV & SECRET BLUE HOLE

Add some adventure to your Ocho Rios visit on this approximately five-hour excursion, by driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) through the jungle and swimming in natural pools surrounded by forest. Lunch is also included after your activities.

Excursion details

Set off on an outdoorsy extravaganza on this excursion, lasting around five hours. You’ll get to drive an ATV across off-road trails and visit a tucked-away location with natural pools, where you can go for a swim.

Your trip begins with a 15-minute bus ride to the Yaaman Adventure Park, set amongst the grounds of 18th-century Prospect Estate. Once arrived, your first transport change takes place when you board a jitney, a tractor-drawn carriage with open sides, allowing for easy viewing of the scenery on an approximately 45-minute journey. Your destination is known as the Blue Hole, featuring natural pools enclosed by thick greenery and vegetation, making for a scenic swimming spot.

You’ll have approximately one hour and 45 minutes to enjoy the setting and take a dip in the pools. Those that want to further boost the sense of adventure can even zip-line into the water. Your guide will also give you information about the area’s flora and fauna.

Following your time at the Blue Hole, you’ll have around one hour for your ATV drive, including an orientation talk and safety information beforehand. Once you’re fully prepared, set off though jungle scenery, navigating off-road tracks and rugged terrain and with plenty of varied views to take in along the way.

After your ATV session comes to an end, reward yourself with a traditional-style Jamaican lunch over approximately one hour, which also includes an opportunity for some souvenir shopping, time permitting. Finally, a transfer of around 15 minutes returns to the port.

Important Information: Guests must be at least 17 years old to participate. The ATV is a single-seater tandem unit. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license at least 6 months before the expiration date. Guests may be required to sign a waiver, which may only be available in English. Guests under the age of 18 years must have an adult to sign the waiver form. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Guests are recommended to bring water shoes for the river walk, swim wear, change of clothes, towels, sunblock, and cash or credit cards for pictures, drinks or souvenirs.

Guests are recommended to leave jewelry and other valuables onboard. Lockers are available to rent. This tour is not available for those who are pregnant, have back or neck injuries and heart or respiratory conditions

OCHO RIOS-NON-FOLDING MOBILITY EQUIPMENT USER

See the sights of Ocho Rios on Jamaica’s northern coast during this relaxed excursion, which is specially designed to be accessible for all guests. Over approximately four hours, you’ll explore the Konoko Falls botanical garden and take a tour of another coastal town, St Ann’s Bay, ending with some time for shopping.

Excursion details

Get to know the Jamaican port town of Ocho Rios on this excursion of around four hours, which visits some of the area’s key sights and attractions, as well as journeying out to nearby St Ann’s Bay. This excursion has been created to maximise accessibility for guests by avoiding steps and stairs, factoring accessible bathrooms into the route and using accessible vehicles with facilities to transport wheelchairs.

The excursion starts with a driving tour of Ocho Rios, lasting around 30 minutes, during which you can learn more about this former fishing village-turned-vibrant port town. You’ll end the tour at Konoko Falls, where you’ll set off on a guided tour of approximately 75 minutes. As you explore the site with its colourful botanical gardens and waterfalls, your guide will point out various plant and flower species and supply information on the area’s flora and fauna. Your 75 minutes here also includes some free time to browse the gift shop or perhaps purchase food and drink (at your own expense).

Following Konoko Falls, you’ll drive to nearby St Ann’s Bay for an approximately hour-long tour of this cosy coastal town, which acts as the capital of St Ann, Jamaica’s largest parish. Once the tour ends, you’ll be able to enjoy approximately one hour at the Taj Mahal shopping complex (time permitting) on the drive back to Ocho Rios, before the 15-minute transfer back to the port.

Important Information: This tour is designed to be accessible for all guests. The tour route avoids steps and stairs. Accessible bathrooms with wide doors for wheelchairs are present along the tour route. An accessible vehicle with a wheelchair lift or ramp will be used for transportation. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs. The order of the sites viewed or visited may vary. The price includes vehicle, tour guide and entrance tickets.

Lunch/snack costs are not included. In many ports the number of accessible vehicles are extremely limited; therefore, guests are encouraged to make their accessible shore excursion reservations as far in advance as possible. Vehicle capacity: Combined weight (guest seated on mobility device) : Max 500 lbs / 227kg. Combined height (guest seated on mobility device) : 55 in/140 cm. Maximum Length : 45 in / 114 cm Maximum Width : 40 in / 102 cm. Guests who are fully dependent on their non-foldable mobility equipment are required to bring their own wheelchair/scooter and are requested to use code OCHEAW when booking the tour