Dunns River Falls and Falmouth - Where You Feel Alright in Jamaica

Jamaican Beach

For decades, Jamaica has been a holiday island for thousands of Europeans seeking a luxurious Caribbean break. Although its beaches are pretty special, there is a lot more to Jamaica than just white sand and blue sea.

Of course, for those of a certain generation, it's also well known for Bob Marley and reggae, who, interestingly, was big in London before he was a hit in Kingston.

Yet that's still not all there is to Jamaica.

A former British colony with a dark history in the Atlantic slave trade, away from its holiday resorts and historic settlements there is tremendous natural beauty that is often missed by passing tourists.

This is one of the most famous islands in the Caribbean. It would be a shame to leave it off your cruise itinerary.

How to get there

Dunns River Falls

Non-cruisers will likely arrive in Jamaica on a package tour through Kingston, Montego Bay or Ocho Rios and journey to their luxury resort on the coast.

Cruisers like us will arrive at the cruise port and most likely take a tour.

Falmouth Port and Celebrity Beyond

How we did it

We arrived on the absolutely stunning Celebrity Beyond. While a little pricier than some of its cheaper competitors, and less family focused, we loved our time aboard this vessel.

As we were travelling during hurricane season, we broke a long-standing rule of ours and booked a tour through the cruise company.

Our Top Tips

Green Grotto

• Most tourists either stay in resorts or take tours. This is due to security issues in some areas of Jamaica, particularly Kingston. If you are not visiting someone who knows the country well, we recommend you do not explore the country independently.

• If you plan on climbing Dunns River Falls, be aware that this is a strenuous activity and water shoes will be required. If you forget water shoes, they are on sale at a reasonable rate close to the Falls.

• Check the weather before you go, particularly during hurricane season (June to November). Jamaica may only take a direct hit every ten years or so, but high waves may affect cruise routes and threaten coastal regions.