When it comes to ports of call, we all have our favorites—and then there are the ones we’d rather skip altogether. Right at the top of my least favorite list? Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas. And today, we’re visiting another one that ranks high on that list—Jamaica.
Cruise lines typically stop at one of three places in Jamaica: Ocho Rios, Falmouth, or Montego Bay—where Carnival Venezia is docked today.
Jamaica’s Cruise Ports
Ocho Rios – In the past couple of months, I’ve been to Ocho Rios twice, docking at the James Bond Pier, which is only used when the main cruise port is full. Officially called the Reynolds Bauxite Pier, it earned its nickname from being featured in—you guessed it—a James Bond movie.
Unlike the main port, the James Bond Pier is far from downtown and has zero amenities. That’s because, as its name suggests, it was originally an industrial pier used for bauxite mining. You’ll find a handful of merchants selling trinkets near the exit, but once you step outside the security gates, you’re on your own. The area can feel sketchy, with locals aggressively pushing everything from cab rides and tours to drugs and, well, other “services.”
Falmouth – Out of the three ports, Falmouth is the most developed. The cruise terminal is modern and clean, with a shopping area just steps from the ship where you can grab souvenirs, wait for your tour, or enjoy a drink without leaving the safety of the port.
But, like Ocho Rios, stepping outside the secured area can be a different story. Many travelers report being overwhelmed by persistent street vendors, aggressive taxi drivers, and an overall feeling of unease. If you’re heading into town, it’s best to be on a guided excursion.
Montego Bay – And then there’s Montego Bay, where Carnival Venezia is docked today. The Montego Bay Cruise Port, officially known as Montego Freeport, is one of Jamaica’s busiest cruise terminals, located on the island’s northwestern coast.
Unfortunately, much like the James Bond Pier, Montego Bay’s pier lacks amenities. There are a few shops with vendors selling crafts, but that’s about it. If you want to explore, you’ll need to book a shore excursion to visit attractions like:
- Doctor’s Cave Beach – A popular beach club with crystal-clear water and soft sand.
- Rose Hall Great House – A historic plantation home with a haunted past.
- Martha Brae River – A scenic spot for bamboo rafting.
So, Why Don’t I Like Jamaica?
Good question. It’s not the scenery. Jamaica is stunning, with lush green mountains, waterfalls, and gorgeous beaches. It’s not the food. Who doesn’t love jerk chicken?
For me, it comes down to the overall experience when stepping off the ship. If you’re venturing out on your own, it’s not the safest thing to do. The locals can be extremely pushy and aggressive, often following you until you either get frustrated or give in to their high-pressure tactics. Many will attempt to lure you off the beaten path with the promise of a “special deal” on things like souvenirs, tours, or even drugs.
Safety Tips for Visiting Jamaica
- Petty theft is a concern, so keep your valuables secure.
- Avoid flashing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash.
- Don’t wander alone in unfamiliar areas. Stick to well-populated places and follow local advice.
- If you plan to take a taxi, always use official taxis and negotiate fares upfront before getting in.
While you might be tempted to save money by booking a shore excursion from a local vendor at the port, Jamaica is not the place to do it.
Do yourself a favor and book excursions directly through the cruise line. Here’s why:
- You’re guaranteed to get back to the ship on time.
- If something goes wrong, the cruise line has your back.
- You won’t get stranded if an independent tour runs late.
When it comes to Jamaica, sticking with cruise-line-approved excursions or staying within the secured port area is the best way to ensure a stress-free visit.
That said, I know plenty of cruisers who love Jamaica—it just depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you’re someone who enjoys a guided excursion, a private beach day, or staying within the cruise port area, you’ll probably have a great time.
A Smoky Start in Montego Bay
Carnival Venezia arrived in Montego Bay and began maneuvering around 8:00 a.m. We were joined by the beautiful flagship of the Holland America Line fleet, ms Rotterdam. Guests were cleared to go ashore around 8:30 a.m.
One of the first things I noticed was a distinct smoky haze and smell lingering in the air. And before you make a joke about weed—that wasn’t it. More than likely, the thick smoke was due to a forest fire, as it remained heavy throughout the morning and into the early afternoon.
There isn’t much around the immediate Montego Bay cruise port aside from Secrets Resort and some private communities, so there’s not a whole lot of sightseeing to be done. If you’re looking to explore, excursions are pretty much a must. That said, if you just want to stretch your legs, you can get some steps in by walking around the immediate area.
Since it was a port day, an express breakfast was offered in the main dining room for guests looking for a quick bite before heading ashore. For those who wanted something more substantial, breakfast was available at:
- Lido Marketplace Buffet
- Tomodoro (Venezia’s version of BlueIguana Cantina), serving breakfast burritos
At lunchtime, guests could choose from:
- Lido Buffet
- Guy’s Burger Joint
- Tomodoro for burritos, tacos, and a few Italian sandwiches
- Seafood Shack
- Pizzeria del Capitano
All aboard time was set for 4:30 p.m., but most guests were back on board well before that, allowing us to depart a few minutes early.
As we prepared to set sail, I sat outside and watched Rotterdam sail away, reminiscing about my own cruise on her. It was a perfect reminder of just how different Holland America is compared to Carnival—even though both cruise lines fall under the same corporate umbrella.
Note to self: Book another trip on Rotterdam!
Oh No, A Cold!
As I sat outside watching us sail away from Montego Bay, I suddenly began to feel awful. Earlier in the day, I had noticed my throat getting scratchy and started sneezing, but I chalked it up to spending too much time in the EXCESSIVELY smoky casino the night before. However, it quickly became clear—this wasn’t from the smoke. I was coming down with the dreaded cruise cold, and it hit me all at once.
By the time dinner rolled around, I hadn’t made any reservations and wasn’t really feeling up to eating much. I checked in with my travel companions, and—surprise, surprise—one of them was also feeling under the weather. No one was in the mood for a big meal, so they decided to just grab something from the buffet. I figured I’d tag along but opted to grab dinner from the Seafood Shack instead.
Dinner at the Seafood Shack
This outdoor seafood venue is located on Deck 10 aft, just outside the buffet by the Burano Pool, directly across from the pizzeria. It serves fresh seafood for lunch and dinner, offering everything from clams and whole lobsters to shrimp, fresh fish, lobster rolls, and more. On select days, it also features a small selection of Asian dishes under the name “Chopsticks.”
All items at the Seafood Shack are à la carte, with some priced at market rates. Ordering is simple—you walk up to the window, pay with your stateroom card, and receive a pager that buzzes when your food is ready.
What I Ordered
- Shrimp – Half a dozen jumbo shrimp ($3 each)
- Crab Cakes – Two crab cakes served with fries ($22)
- Potato Tornado – A deep-fried potato snack ($4)
The shrimp were huge and delicious—definitely a win. The crab cakes were packed with real crab, but they had way too much mayo, making them really wet. They still had good flavor, but I prefer a firmer crab cake.
The biggest disappointment? The Potato Tornado. The marketing poster showed a crispy, spiral-sliced fried potato, but what I got was a pre-formed, breaded mashed potato patty that was deep-fried. It was simply awful.
If you stick to seafood at the Seafood Shack, you’ll probably have a great meal. But be warned—your bill can add up fast. In fact, my dinner ended up costing more than a meal at the steakhouse!
A Pricey Lesson in Preparedness
Since I was feeling worse by the minute, I stopped by one of the shops to grab NyQuil and Advil, which set me back a whopping $40.
Yes, yes, yes—I should absolutely know better! I always pack a mini pharmacy with pain relievers and heartburn meds for cruises. But, after digging through my bags, I realized I forgot to pack anything this time. So, I had no choice but to pay the overpriced convenience tax onboard. Lesson learned.
With that, I grabbed a quick nightcap and called it a night.
Next Stop: Grand Cayman
Tomorrow, we’ll arrive at our final port of call—Georgetown, Grand Cayman. Since it’s a tender port, we’ll be anchored offshore and take water shuttles into town.
More on that tomorrow! Thanks for following along.
Carnival Fun Times for Day 4:
