Things to do in Falmouth port

[American Bear]

myself and the wife to be were planning on doing a dolphin/dunns rivrer falls excursion on the falmouth leg of our cruise in october, but the excurions we had looked at have been removed from the cruise planner online - nothing else is taking our fancy. Is there much do around the port itself - shopping etc - to make a day of it, or do we need to bite the bullet and just pick an excursion?

 

We are already doing a beach day in Labadee, and will likely do a dolphin experience on the Mexico leg.

 

 

The area outside the fenced in port area is a little scary, but inside the port is all new, very safe, a lot of stores, an ATM, a few places to get a drink, lunch, etc..

All the excursions we saw pick you up inside the port fenced in area.

The excursions in Jamaica have never really interested us much, a lot of people like the Dunns River Falls, or Rose Mansion excursion, (long bus rides) also there is usually a bus that'll take you to a couple beaches about an hour away.

Falmouth just isn't a pretty area, we found many just do a walk around the port, and get back on the ship to enjoy the pool/spas. The guys who cut up the coconuts are fun to talk to, interesting stories.

[George C]

We love Jamaica and been there many times on A/I vacations, but for this stop we will have a couple of drinks at Margaritaville, then back to the ship, wish they still docked at Ocho Rios like they used to where you had very short drives to many interesting places such as Dunn's river falls

[American Bear]

We love Jamaica and been there many times on A/I vacations, but for this stop we will have a couple of drinks at Margaritaville, then back to the ship, wish they still docked at Ocho Rios like they used to where you had very short drives to many interesting places such as Dunn's river falls

 

Agreed, Ocho Rios was a better location, can't figure why RCL built this in the middle of such a depressed area, since the locals don't benefit much from the cruise ships.

[Nemomof3]

We also did the Falmouth food tour and really enjoyed it. They picked us up inside the port. I think they have to be "approved" to be inside the port so that helped make me feel a little better. While walking with the guide we were not approached by anyone outside. We were however asked if others could join us because they were scared our guide had to decline since we were a paid group. We saw many others being asked if they wanted this or that. I would not be comfortable with that (past experiences is Jamaica as a teen) but all they had to do was say no and keep walking. I did not see anyone follow once someone said no. I would definitely recommend the walking food tour if you like that kids of thing they only take 12 people and it was very fun and good food.

[mek]

I'm looking forward to this port. We traveled all over Jamaica when we were younger and now that DH uses a transport chair we enjoy ports where we can just get off and find things to do right by the ship.

 

Neither one of us is very intimidated by a police presence or locals and some of the historical buildings sound interesting. Are the sidewalks outside of the secure area accessible for wheelchairs?

.

[TomAceEsq]

Agreed, Ocho Rios was a better location, can't figure why RCL built this in the middle of such a depressed area, since the locals don't benefit much from the cruise ships.

 

 

They (the locals) will continue to not benefit much when most of the information about Falmouth is basically leading people to contain themselves to a Royal Caribbean owned port shut off from the overwhelming majority of the local population, as well as booking ship sponsored excursions that take them away from the town proper. I'd be interested to know factually how many dollars spent at, say, Margaritaville, or even a shop perceived to be owned by a local, actually makes it back into the town of Falmouth.

 

I really hope to see the perception about Falmouth change because, while there were some "aggressive" vendors, the only thing different from being in a regular city in the United States is the way the locals look and sound and the architecture. There are good parts and bad parts, just like anywhere.

[setsail]

RCI does not own the port, Jamaica does and its run by the JPO, or Jamaican port authority'

 

There is nothing wrong with walking outside into town. Sure, there are vendors, just say no thank you. If you go guess what you will see, tons of cruise ship passengers walking around having a good time.

 

If you have not been to MO BAY you could grab a cab outside the gate, barter for your rate, and go to the strip. Fun place to walk around, a beach there, and several places to eat. Maybe on the way stop at the white witch for views and picture taking. Set up a time to connect back up with your driver.

 

There are walking tours of the town offered if you are scared and also there used to be walking food tours. Its just so unsafe there I don't see how they could do these things:rolleyes:

 

The cabs/drivers outside of the gates are allowed in a few at a time if they are registered. It will cost you more if you get one inside

[Cinders411]

We though we would be brave & try it.

VERY poor area. We did not get far when a lady asked me if I wanted my hair braided.

Mind now that I am OLD & not a lot of hair. I politely said no.

She started to follow us...screaming at me and others joined in. I felt we barely made it back to the gate....very scary.

 

Yikes! That would scare me! We have only been once and just went to Margaritaville at the port.

[TomAceEsq]

RCI does not own the port, Jamaica does and its run by the JPO, or Jamaican port authority'

 

 

I didn't know that. Thanks for the info.

[TeeRick]

Last time we were there we booked the Falmouth Food Tour, a private walking tour in which you get to see a lot of Falmouth and taste some local foods from street side vendors, a local "Juicy Patty" bakery, an outdoor bar/grill and at a historic private home. You also get to see some of the historic sites in the city. Being with a group led by some locals, we encountered no problems and found the people friendly.

 

http://www.jamaicaculinarytours.com

 

PS: Don't bite into a raw Scotch Bonnet Pepper.....

 

 

Pete

 

Totally agree with you! We did the Jamaica Culinary Tour in Falmouth as well. We very much enjoyed it! The group is escorted walking through the town. We felt very safe and it was extremely interesting to get a sense of the local culture and of course the food. You will also stop at an old plantation in town. Everybody was very friendly.

[Beachcampin]

myself and the wife to be were planning on doing a dolphin/dunns rivrer falls excursion on the falmouth leg of our cruise in october, but the excurions we had looked at have been removed from the cruise planner online - nothing else is taking our fancy. Is there much do around the port itself - shopping etc - to make a day of it, or do we need to bite the bullet and just pick an excursion?

 

We are already doing a beach day in Labadee, and will likely do a dolphin experience on the Mexico leg.

 

We went walking around town and ate at some of the local restaurants. Had a blast and some amazing food. I've found nice vendors and aggressive vendors in every port so that aspect didn't faze me. but I agree, if you are fragile, don't go outside the gate, in any port. Took some pictures around town, including some of the churches we stopped and visited about town in my review. Don't know if this link will take you straight there, but it's at about page 6.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2182750&page=6

[isismommy]

We took a non-ship excursion to the Blue Hole for the 2nd time. Must do while in Jamaica!

[Laney219]

We took a non-ship excursion to the Blue Hole for the 2nd time. Must do while in Jamaica!

 

Please share details!!!!

[isismommy]

We used Marvyn Gayle tours and requested Courtney as our tour guide for both trips. He is very informative and friendly and fun! He'll pick u up at port and drive u to the Blue Hole (50 min or so) all the way telling and showing u many details about Jamaica. The Blue Hole is privately owned and is soo beautiful! A few different waterfalls u will be able to jump from while u have your own personal guide. ( not Courtney he will be by the van staying with your belongings everything is safe with him) your guide will use your camera to take countless pics for free! After the BluehHole we eat at Scotchies for some authentic jerk chicken... Delicious!!!! Make sure to wear water shoes and bathing suit, bring towel and sunscreen too. Just email Marvyn and let him know what u want to do or see and he'll make it possible.:) you'll find many great reviews and pics on TripAdvisor. Hope u have fun! Any questions let me know?:D

[cruiseJMO]

We booked a resort for a day. It was an all inclusive resort on the beach. They picked us up and took us on a 30-45 minute ride to the resort to hang out for the day. We went in the water, and hung out at the swim up bar overlooking the ocean. They had delicious jerk chicken for lunch as well as a drink or two or three or eleventy-seven or something. They then took us back and dropped us inside the fence and we made our way slowly back to the ship, stopping along the way to shop a little and try a beef patty, etc...

 

Good times.

Which resort? Looks like something I may be interested in.

[cruiseJMO]

We'll be there in November on a HAL ship. They are offering an excursion that we think looks like might make a great day.

Just letting you know about it in case it's something you also find interesting and may be able to find (don't know which line you're cruising with).

 

Good Hope Thrill Seekers Pass

5 hours

 

 

Edited August 24, 2015 by cruiseJMO

[rjmols]

Which resort? Looks like something I may be interested in.

 

Us too - please share :-)

[Elaine515]

Can anyone tell me about the Trolley Tour that I read a little bit about... Where can we catch it, how much is it, how long is the tour etc..

 

Thanks

[divergirl63]

We booked a resort for a day. It was an all inclusive resort on the beach. They picked us up and took us on a 30-45 minute ride to the resort to hang out for the day. We went in the water, and hung out at the swim up bar overlooking the ocean. They had delicious jerk chicken for lunch as well as a drink or two or three or eleventy-seven or something. They then took us back and dropped us inside the fence and we made our way slowly back to the ship, stopping along the way to shop a little and try a beef patty, etc...

 

Good times.

Which resort did you go to and did you use an excursion/tour company?

[jjkmaccrory03]

Hello, Has anyone used Liberty tours in ochois rios Jamaica? Were scheduled to go to the blue ire hole with them but I'm starting to get a little nervous. Any feed back would be awesome thanks!!!

[Laney219]

Hello, Has anyone used Liberty tours in ochois rios Jamaica? Were scheduled to go to the blue ire hole with them but I'm starting to get a little nervous. Any feed back would be awesome thanks!!!

 

Someone posted a review/ video of blue hole a few months back. I believe who he used (and highly recommended) is included. On my phone so can't search well. Try searching "big guy does blue hole".

 

Not a straightforward answer but may help anyway

[cruiseJMO]

We booked a resort for a day. It was an all inclusive resort on the beach. They picked us up and took us on a 30-45 minute ride to the resort to hang out for the day. We went in the water, and hung out at the swim up bar overlooking the ocean. They had delicious jerk chicken for lunch as well as a drink or two or three or eleventy-seven or something. They then took us back and dropped us inside the fence and we made our way slowly back to the ship, stopping along the way to shop a little and try a beef patty, etc...

 

Good times.

Our cruise is only a few weeks away, so I'm trying to ask again, in hopes you see. Which resort was this?

I couldn't find the answer on your website.

[Bankergrl]

I saw the video another ccer posted about blue hole! Looks amazing!

 

We did the Cool Blue Hole last year through Peat Taylor Tours. They were absolutely wonderful and the Cool Blue Hole is absolutely amazing. You won't regret doing this excursion!

[cruiseJMO]

We did the Cool Blue Hole last year through Peat Taylor Tours. They were absolutely wonderful and the Cool Blue Hole is absolutely amazing. You won't regret doing this excursion!

I've been occupied checking them out online and didn't notice your post.

How long is the drive from Falmouth port?

[dawnbt]

We have been in Falmouth several times and have taken excursions and also once, just stayed in port. We enjoyed both type of days, although they were very different. Here are a few photos of the port area including Margaritaville, which has some beautiful grounds, entertainers and a swimming pool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THANK YOU!! This is very helpful!