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Ocho Rios, Jamaica

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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. Enjoy the best of Jamaica on your Carnival cruise to Ocho Rios, whether you’re riding through lush sugarcane fields or touring the waterfront home where a legendary English novelist penned his early secret agent thrillers. From the reggae rhythm to the action-packed activities at Dunn’s River Falls, an Ocho Rios, Jamaica, cruise has all the elements of a blockbuster film — one where you’re the star. Start planning your Caribbean cruise with a call at Ocho Rios today and get ready for your close-up.

• Climb a 600-ft. waterfall at Dunn’s River Falls.
• Get behind the wheel of a dune buggy and ride through the tropical Jamaican woodlands.
• Chill out on a half-moon stretch of sugary sand.
• Venture in search of the birthplace of reggae and the spirit of Bob Marley.

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7 Cruises to Jamaica and the Surrounding Caribbean

Enjoy the island spirit on a cruise to the land of reggae and rum.

Jamaica is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations, and if you've ever lounged on one of the island's gorgeous beaches with a fruit-filled rum punch in hand, it's easy to understand why. It helps that Jamaica is extremely accessible. You can fly there (direct from New York City in four hours, at that), but many prefer the experience of island hopping via a Caribbean cruise.

The major cruise ports of Jamaica are Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth, and Kingston. On the northeastern coast, there's also Port Antonio, which isn't suitable for most large ships but attracts boutique cruise lines and private yachts.

Whether you're interested in discovering pirate history, hiking through the rain forest to see waterfalls, or searching for the best jerk chicken on the island, you're bound to find a cruise itinerary that suits you. Here are some of the best Jamaica-inclusive Caribbean cruises .

Viking Ocean Cruises, Panama Canal and Central America; 15 Days

A round trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this cruise stops in seven countries. The ship sails the Caribbean for two days before making its first stop in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where cruise-goers can plan to hike the rain forest, visit Dunn's River Falls, or ride a bamboo raft down the Great River, among other excursions. The cruise offers activities for foodies, thrill seekers, history buffs, and beach bums.

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. The following stops — Puerto Limón, Costa Rica ; Roatán, off the coast of Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel , Mexico — showcase the Caribbean's lushest landscapes, ancient Mayan ruins, pristine beaches, and lively towns.

Between ports, a historian teaches about pirates and treasure hunters, pre-Columbian civilizations, and the Age of Discovery aboard the 930-guest Viking Mars . When you aren't attending a lecture, you can indulge in a treatment at the Nordic spa, catch a live performance in the theater, order a martini at the 1940s-inspired bar, or partake in Waffle Hour in the Explorers' Lounge.

Carnival Cruise Line, Western Caribbean; 5 Days

This cruise aboard the Carnival Sunrise departs from Miami for a day at sea before arriving in Grand Cayman. On the island, you can visit a rum cake factory or go snorkeling. After leaving the Cayman Islands , the ship moves on to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where excursions include swimming with dolphins, river tubing, zip lining, and horseback riding along the shore. The ship then spends another day at sea before arriving back in Miami.

Onboard dining options include a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, Guy's (as in Guy Fieri's) Burger Joint, a barbecue spot, a cantina, and a sushi joint. Adults can find a quiet spot in the 21-and-up Serenity Retreat, or they can get together in a pub, lounge, or piano bar.

For kids, Seuss at Sea provides a character parade, interactive story time, themed breakfasts, and crafting sessions. Meanwhile, Camp Ocean offers supervised activities like games, songs, dancing, movies, video games, and kids-only meals.

Oceania Cruises, Classic Panama Canal; 11 Days

Travel from Panama City to Miami on Oceania Cruises' Sirena , stopping along the South American coast along the way. The first stop after a day of sailing through the Panama Canal is Cartagena, Colombia , where cruise-goers can hop off the ship to see mansions and a historic fort. The following day is dedicated to Santa Marta, Colombia's oldest city.

The ship then visits Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; and Kralendijk, Bonaire, before turning its bow to the north, toward Florida. After a day of sailing the Caribbean, Sirena drops anchor at Port Antonio, Jamaica, the gateway to Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. Guests get a chance to hike, swim, and explore the town square for a day before embarking on another long sail — this time on the Atlantic. A day trip in Nassau, Bahamas , is the perfect penultimate stop before you reach your final destination, Miami.

During days at sea, Sirena keeps up to 648 guests entertained with a pool, theater, casino, and spa, as well as a wide variety of restaurants and an afternoon tea tradition.

Royal Caribbean International, Western Caribbean and Perfect Day; 6 Nights

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.

After it departs Jamaica, the ship again spends the day at sea. Between ports, travelers can enjoy the spa, fitness center, live performances, kids' activities, and a variety of restaurants aboard the Mariner of the Seas . Following the cruising day is a stop at Royal Caribbean's private CocoCay in the Bahamas. Fill your "Perfect Day" chasing adventure at Thrill Waterpark, where you can ride down North America's tallest waterslide, or relaxing in an overwater cabana at Coco Beach Club. The cay is also home to Chill Island, a beach "neighborhood" where you'll find quiet relaxation, cabana rentals, and restaurants. The next morning, the ship arrives back in Orlando.

Disney Cruise Line, Western Caribbean Cruise; 7 Nights

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.

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.

On this private island reserved for Disney Cruise Line guests, there is a water play area, white-sand beach, walking trails, snorkeling lagoon, boat rentals, teen hideout, and adults-only Serenity Bay. After departing Castaway Cay, the ship cruises overnight to arrive back at Port Canaveral the following day.

Celebrity Cruises, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Mexico; 6 Nights

Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Reflection spends the first day at sea, giving guests the opportunity to relax in the spa, pool, and solarium. Cozumel is the first stop; the island's coral reef is ideal for snorkeling and diving, while deep-sea fishing is also an option. 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.

The next port is George Town on Grand Cayman, where guests can shop, go on a catamaran cruise, snorkel, or sample the island's cuisine, including conch. From there, the ship heads to Falmouth, Jamaica. Aside from touring the historic town, there's a wide range of activities: take a trip to the Green Grotto Caves and Dunn's River Falls, ride a horse along the beach, swim with dolphins, or go tubing or zip lining. The next day is spent at sea, with time to enjoy the ship's restaurants, casino, cocktail lounges, and entertainment, before arriving back at Fort Lauderdale the following morning.

MSC Cruises, Western Caribbean; 14 Nights

MSC Divina 's 14-night Western Caribbean itinerary varies slightly from sailing to sailing, but one sample schedule goes as follows: After departing from Miami, the first stop is Nassau, Bahamas, where guests might like to kick off their two-week vacation with a VIP cabana experience on Blue Lagoon Island. The following day, Divina sails to the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a private destination with beachside spa treatments, snorkeling and diving opportunities, and an outdoor food court. The ship then returns to Miami for a day before continuing to Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

In Ocho Rios, you can swim in the sparkling Iris Blue Hole or climb to the top of Konoko Falls. Another day at sea follows, during which guests can enjoy this modern, elegant ship with a casino, a spa, kids' and teens' clubs, restaurants, and bars. The next stop is Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site with cobblestone streets and pastel-colored buildings, followed by Colón, Panama. At the next port of call, Puerto Limón, Costa Rica, guests get the day to explore and take a boat adventure through the jungle, looking for crocodiles, monkeys, and manatees.

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. Following one more day of MSC guests-only fun, the ship returns to Miami the next morning for disembarkation.

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Cruise to Ocho Rios, Jamaica

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Fall Into This

Dunn's River Waterfalls, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

The Dunn’s River Falls once inspired the local saying “where heaven spills into the sea.” Wading through the falls is a truly unique Ocho Rios experience.

Green Grotto Cave Pathway, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Follow in the footsteps of pirates and smugglers at the Green Grotto Caves, a maze of underground limestone chambers.

Dolphin Date

Swim with bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Cove Jamaica, an all-inclusive theme park in Ocho Rios. You’ll also get to hang with exotic birds, snakes and iguanas too.

Local Cuisine

Jamaica’s jerk cooking is second to none. So are its Jamaican patties, which are usually stuffed with meat and loaded with spices. Be sure to pair them with the island’s locally brewed Red Stripe lager, or a bit of rum.

If you’re looking for local crafts, woodcarvings and artisanal items, check out the stalls at Ocho Rios Craft Park. For authentic Jamaican art, a visit to Island Plaza in the heart of Ocho Rios is a must. And if it’s duty-free deals you’re after, stop by Soni’s Plaza on Main Street.

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CRUISE TO FALMOUTH, JAMAICA

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Falmouth, Jamaica Port Guide

Encounter Georgian architecture, reggae culture, cool waterfalls, and blissful beaches on cruises to Jamaica, an island forged by flames, rebellions, and pirates. Learn all about Bob Marley, the island’s most iconic and beloved musician. Climb up natural rock formations at Dunns River Falls, and take a dip in one of the natural pools you’ll encounter along the way. Savor jerk chicken and sip on some famous Blue Mountain coffee. Or simply lay back and relax at one of the beautiful beaches of Montego Bay, where turquoise waters and swaying palm trees await on your luxury Caribbean cruise . 

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Top sights and attractions on a jamaica cruise, doctor's cave beach.

Located in Montego Bay, Doctor’s Cave Beach earned its name after a British osteopath stopped by the beach in the 1920s and boasted about its curative powers and many health benefits. Take a dip or go on a snorkeling excursion in the warm, crystal-clear waters, or enjoy a relaxing day on the white, pristine sand under the shadow of a palm tree.

Bob Marley’s Home

Step inside the former home of Bob Marley, the musical legend who turned reggae into a global phenomenon. Located in Kingston, this wooden house has been turned into a museum that provides a beautiful look into Marley’s early life and musical legacy. Peek inside Marley’s bedroom, which has been kept exactly as when the music star lived in it. Watch a life-sized 3D hologram of Bob Marley performing at his One Love Peace Concert in 1978. See one of the largest collections of Bob Marley memorabilia, which include his favorite clothes, his collection of gold and platinum records, and his original star guitar.

Rose Hall Great House

Visit the majestic 6,600-acre Rose Hall Great House, one of the most famous homes in Jamaica and the setting for a number of Gothic novels and tales. Built in the 18th century, this plantation is said to be haunted by the spirit Annie Palmer, a murderous widow and plantation owner also known as the White Witch. Whether you believe in the macabre legend or not, a trip to this colonial manse turned museum is well worth the visit for architecture lovers or those who just like a good spooky story.

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Top things to do in jamaica, explore the green grotto caves.

On a Jamaica cruise, descend into the fascinating Green Grotto Caves, a network of underground passageways that are reportedly over five million years old. Located near the area where Christopher Columbus first stepped foot on the Caribbean island, the Green Grotto Caves are a stunning natural attraction full of breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites, light holes, and a crystal-clear grotto lake. Learn about the caves’ rich history and how the Arawaks used it as a refuge from the Spanish colonizers. Before you leave, make sure to stop by the mythical wishing well, where you’re encouraged to toss in a coin for good luck.

Hike Up Dunns River Falls

Hike up Dunns River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most popular natural attractions and one of the only travertine waterfalls in the world to fall directly into the sea. As you make your way up this 180-foot-high trail of spectacular waterfalls and springs, you’ll pass by captivating natural pools that make for the perfect spot for a refreshing dip in the water. At the end of the falls, you’ll arrive at Little Dunn’s River Beach, another Jamaican oasis where you can rest and relax under the sun.

Swim with Dolphins at Dolphin Cove

Embark on an experience of a lifetime by swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Cove. You can also snorkel with stingrays, learn more about the exotic birds, snakes, and iguanas that live in the neighboring jungle, or simply enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Dolphin Cove’s white sandy beach.

Top Food and Drink in Jamaica

Jamaican cuisine ranges from mild to wild, a result of its British, Spanish, and African influences. One of the staples for breakfast or lunch is saltfish with ackee, a fruit with the taste and texture of scrambled eggs. During your cruise to Jamaica, you must try the legendary flavor of jerk, a signature seasoning invented by runaway slaves which adds a distinctly Jamaican kick to chicken, lamb, pork, fish, and even veggies.

Culture and History of Jamaica

The original name of the island was Xaymaca, which means “land of wood and water.” After Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica in 1494, the native Arawak people were displaced and the island was colonized and used by the Spanish mainly as a supply base for food and weapons. In 1655, the British attacked Jamaica, and Spain eventually surrendered the island to England.

Under English settlement, pirating was rampant. Buccaneers eventually took control of Port Royal, a town that was known at the time as the “wealthiest and wickedest city in the world.” Sugar exports grew exponentially, and in order to keep up with the demand, enslaved Africans were taken to the island against their will to work in the plantations. There were many slave rebellions and confrontations until 1808, when the Abolition Bill was passed and slavery was finally outlawed.

On August 6, 1962, Jamaica gained independence from England. Even though it is a small island in the Caribbean, Jamaican culture has a strong global influence, specifically in music. Local genres such as reggae, ska, dub, and dancehall are famous around the world.

Jamaica Port Facilities & Location

Cruises to Jamaica dock in the Falmouth cruise port, nestled in between the towns of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. You’ll hear reggae music as soon as you step foot in port, a traditional welcome gesture by local musicians. Nearby, there are several historic attractions in the town of Falmouth, including the Armory at Fort Balcarres, the Glistening Waters Lagoon, and the Albert George Market.

Transportation in Jamaica

At the Falmouth cruise port, there are buses, minibuses, and route taxis ready to take visitors to the many natural attractions and beaches nearby. Keep an eye out for taxis with a JTB decal, which have been authorized by the Jamaica Tourist Board. When you book a shore excursion, transportation is included.

Shopping Near the Jamaica Cruise Port

As soon as you disembark from a cruise to Jamaica, you’ll be able to shop at the Falmouth cruise port and its selection of duty-free shops. There’s also a craft market in the center of the port where you’ll find handmade souvenirs, artifacts, and jewelry.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

The official currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar, but United States Dollars are accepted in many tourist destinations. Credit cards and debit cards are also accepted in most tourist areas, but it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand. As for tipping, consider tipping anywhere from 15% to 20% for good service. Some places accept tips in both Jamaican and US dollars.

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8 Best Cruises to Jamaica for Every Type of Traveler

By Meena Thiruvengadam

There’s no other voyage quite like a cruise to Jamaica , the Caribbean island that’s the birthplace of both reggae music and the legendary musician Bob Marley. When your ship arrives in port, you’ll find reef-lined sandy beaches, soaring mountains, tropical rainforests, and rum cocktails you’ll be daydreaming about for months. 

Jamaica is home to five cruise ports equipped to handle everything from intimate yachts to mega-ships. Ocho Rios is Jamaica’s largest port and a gateway to attractions like Dunn’s River Falls. Montego Bay is a golfer’s dream while Kingston, the Jamaican capital, offers an opportunity to visit the Bob Marley Museum and dine at a restaurant owned by Olympian Usain Bolt. Here's everything to know about booking a cruise to Jamaica .

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

What cruise lines sail to Jamaica?

Several cruise lines sail to Jamaica with most itineraries departing from the United States. Royal Caribbean sails to Jamaica from Tampa, Florida. Celebrity cruises to both Ocho Rios and another Jamaican port, Falmouth. Carnival has several itineraries that stop in Jamaica, including a few that sail the Panama Canal. Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises sail to both Montego Bay, located on the northern side of the island, and Ocho Rios. MSC, Norwegian , and Holland America also include Jamaica on their cruise itineraries. 

MSC alone offers more than 50 cruises that stop in Jamaica.

Jamaica cruise itineraries often depart from Texas or Florida and include other Caribbean islands. Some include more adventures, sailing to Central America or through the Panama Canal. 

What cruise ships sail to Jamaica?

Cruises to Jamaica tend to be longer, with many itineraries falling into the five- to seven-night range, so you’ll need more than a long weekend for this vacation. Ships sailing here tend to be larger and stacked with onboard entertainment and activities. Most ships sailing to Jamaica, like Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas , the Norwegian Escape , and the MSC Meraviglia , carry thousands of passengers, but Viking Cruises and Oceania Cruises sail to Jamaica on ships that carry 1,200 passengers or less.

Whatever kind of cruise experience you’re looking for, you can find it on a ship headed toward the sandy beaches and reggae beats of Jamaica. These are some of the best Jamaica cruises for every kind of traveler. 

Which Jamaica cruise port is better?

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. In Ocho Rios, you can ride horses on the beach, take a tour to learn about Bob Marley and the roots of reggae music, or relax on sandy beaches. The port is a quick walk from town, making it easy to explore on your own if you choose not to take an excursion.  

What is the best month to cruise to Jamaica?

There’s no place like Jamaica to escape winter. Jamaica’s dry season stretches from mid-December through April and brings sunny days with pleasant temperatures. Cruise to Jamaica between mid-December and April for perfect beach days and good weather for exploring rainforests and local markets. Avoid cruising the Caribbean in August and September, which is peak hurricane season. 

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Best Jamaica cruises for solo travelers 

Holland America, one of the best cruise lines for solo travelers , offers a seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary that includes a full day in port in Ocho Rios. Check out Dunn’s River Falls and go for a swim at the Blue Hole. Relax on a bamboo raft, ride horses, listen to reggae or try zip-lining. Back on board the Nieuw Statendam , enjoy having one of the ship’s 12 oceanview solo staterooms all to yourself. These solo staterooms are small —between 127 and 172 square feet— but with so much to do onboard that might not matter. The Nieuw Statendam is a Pinnacle Class ship with several live entertainment venues, an expansive fitness center, shopping, and a spa. There are multiple dining options on board, and the cruise line hosts several events for solo travelers each sailing. The Nieuw Statendam ’s Western Caribbean itinerary departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and also stops in Cozumel, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas. 

Best Jamaica cruises for thrill-seekers 

Royal Caribbean cruises to Falmouth, Jamaica, on the Independence of the Seas , a modern cruise ship made for unforgettable adventures at sea. Spend your Jamaica port day zip-lining, bobsledding, or snorkeling. Try white-water rafting or go tubing through the Jamaican jungle. Climb to the top of Dunn’s River Falls or opt for a lazy day on a gorgeous beach eating beef patties. Back on board the Independence of the Seas , try out the 40-foot-long FlowRider surf simulator or scale an outdoor rock climbing wall with epic ocean views. Play glow-in-the-dark laser tag or race down dueling waterslides. You might just find yourself wishing for more sea days. The ship sails from and returns to Miami . Five-night itineraries also stop in Labadee, Haiti. 

Best cruise to Jamaica for families 

If you’re looking for a cruise line that’s got something for everyone , MSC has you covered. The MSC Meraviglia starts its Caribbean journey in Port Canaveral, Florida, giving families a chance to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, or the Kennedy Space Center before heading out on an unforgettable Caribbean vacation. The  11-night itinerary visits the Bahamas, Aruba, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. In Ocho Rios, guests can choose from several excursions including a traditional bamboo rafting tour. Adults may prefer the island tour and rum-tasting excursion. That excursion dives into the history of the island, taking travelers to historical sights as well as scenic spots. Guests learn about rum production on the island while sampling locally made rums. Juice tastings are available for any kids who may want to join this experience. 

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By CNT Editors

But there’s so much to do on the Meraviglia , it may be tough to get your kids off the ship. The ship is home to a full-size bowling alley, F1 simulators, an epic waterpark with twisty slides and a sports field. There’s also a kid’s club, several shows to choose from, and an expansive pool. 

For a relaxing Jamaican cruise, jump on board the brand new Celebrity Beyond , which sails a nine-night Caribbean itinerary round trip from Fort Lauderdale. The Celebrity Beyond is the cruise line’s newest ship. It boasts 32 restaurants, bars, and lounges and has a spa that offers a selection of more than 120 treatments. The cruise makes its first stop in Grand Cayman before stopping in Aruba and Curacao. Its last stop is Falmouth, Jamaica, a town with cobblestone streets lined with Georgian architecture that sits between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. From Falmouth, cruise passengers can opt to ride a bamboo raft along the Martha Brae River, climb to the top of Dunn’s River Falls, or lounge on the beach. This is an area of Jamaica known for its long emerald rivers, caves, waterfalls, and beaches, there may be no better place to relax in Jamaica. 

For a longer cruise, consider the  Celebrity Beyond ’s 11-night Southern Caribbean itinerary which adds a stop in Cartagena, Colombia. 

Best cruise to Jamaica for partying 

If you’re looking to party on your Jamaican cruise , look no further than Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival is the cruise line for travelers looking to let loose on vacation and is known for its fun onboard atmosphere. Carnival sails to Ocho Rios and Montego Bay from Florida. 

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. The ship stops in Grand Cayman before making its way back to Miami. 

Onboard, spend your sea days sipping cocktails by the pool. Spend your evenings at the Red Frog Pub, the onboard piano bar, or laughing your heart out at the ship’s comedy club. 

Best megaship cruise to Jamaica 

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. This is a ship with dining options to suit even the pickiest palates. There’s even an American Diner on board should you get a little homesick. 

The Escape cruises to Jamaica on a  seven-day itinerary that includes stops in Cozumel, Mexico, George Town, Grand Cayman, and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, in addition to Ocho Rios, where it spends a full day in port. Excursion options in Ocho Rios include a 4x4 safari to Dunn’s River Falls, island sightseeing and beach breaks.

The itinerary includes two sea days, offering plenty of time for lounging by the pool or relaxing by the spa. Or try your hand at the ship’s ropes course and catch a show at the onboard comedy club. 

Best smaller ship Jamaica cruise 

If you’re looking for a luxury cruise experience and a trip of a lifetime that stops in Jamaica, Viking has you covered with its  15-day Panama Canal and Central America itinerary on board the Viking Star. The Viking Star is smaller than most of the cruise ships that call on Jamaica. It accommodates just 930 guests, ensuring top-notch service for everyone on board. 

​​Being a smaller ship, you won't find the same breadth of dining and entertainment offerings on board the Viking Star as you may on other cruise lines calling on Jamaica, but you're guaranteed not to get hungry or get bored on this luxury vessel. The Viking Star has two pools, a spa, and a fitness center. It also has a sports deck, piano lounge, and a handful of dining venues. This is a cruise line that focuses on enrichment, so expect lots of opportunities to learn about your destinations along the way. 

Viking’s Panama Canal and Central America journey begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale. It takes passengers on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Roatan, Honduras; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, before sailing through a portion of the Panama Canal. Its last stop before returning to Fort Lauderdale is Montego Bay. 

Best long cruise to Jamaica 

Oceania's  27-day Rome to Miami Grand Caribbean Crossing may be the most exciting way to make your way to Jamaica. This epic journey begins in Rome and spends a day sailing the Mediterranean Sea before sailing to Valencia and Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain. From Spain, the Oceania Vista crosses the Atlantic Ocean for just over two weeks of hopping around some of the Caribbean's top destinations. The cruise stops in Antigua, Puerto Rico, and Cozumel, before eventually making its way to Montego Bay. 

This itinerary does include several sea days, but with cabins that feel more like a home than a room on a ship, lots of great food, and a selection of cocktail experiences, you may not mind. The luxurious ship also offers cooking classes, shows, a spa, and lots of gorgeous photo spots.