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Cruises to Ocho Rios

1,091 Reviews
Ocho Rios (Photo:Atomazul/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, affectionately referred to as "Ochi" by the locals, is situated on the northern coast of the island of Jamaica, midway between the capital, Kingston, and the popular tourist resort of Montego Bay. If you are planning to take a cruise to Jamaica, you'll be able to browse a number of itineraries that include a stop in Ocho Rios. The Spanish translation of Ocho Rios is "eight rivers," but the area is best known for its abundance of waterfalls. The shoreline is dotted with one hotel resort after another, with the Caribbean's trademark warm sands and turquoise waters in their backyards. Beyond the shoreline, rainforest-like greenery blankets the mountainous landscape. The strikingly lush tropical foliage makes it easy to see why Saint Anne Parish, of which Ocho Rios is a part, is known as the "garden parish."

Set just slightly past the cruise port, the town of Ocho Rios offers plenty of craft vendors, duty-free shopping bargains, open-air eateries and happening bars on its two main drags: Main Street and DaCosta Drive (which run parallel to each other). Although the town is worth checking out, spending an entire day there would be overdoing it. For cruise ship tourists, primary points of interest and attractions -- like Dunn's River Falls, Mystic Mountain and James Bond Beach -- lie beyond the actual town and are short five- to 20-minute taxi rides away. 

Ocho Rios gets its fair share of precipitation with the most rain falling in October, and average temperatures in the 80s and 90s. (July and August are the hottest months, while February is the coolest.) Watch out for hurricane season from June into November.

  • More about Ocho Rios

  • Why Cruise to Ocho Rios?

  • Ocho Rios Cruise Port Facilities?

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More about Ocho Rios

Why Cruise to Ocho Rios?

Pros:

Beaches are near the pier but Ocho Rios' best sites are its rainforests and waterfalls.

Cons:

Must-see attractions are a bit far out and best reached via organized shore excursions.

Bottom Line:

The town isn't much but surrounding nature and adventure attractions are worth a visit.

Ocho Rios Cruise Port Facilities?

The port has two piers for cruise ships. The Turtle Bay Pier is located next to the town's restaurants and shops and the James Bond Pier, which is industrial in nature but serves cruise ships, is located farther west.

The piers are right beside the downtown area where shops, restaurants and bars can be found just minutes away on foot.

Good to Know?

As with many other ports, and when traveling to foreign places in general, it's always best to proceed with caution. While in port, be aware of your surroundings, leave valuables and nonessentials on the ship, and take measures to keep yourself and your personal belongings safe. While you're shopping, merchants might come off as pushy but responding with a respectful "no thanks" should do the trick.

Getting Around?

On Foot: You can walk into downtown. If you are docked at the James Bond Pier, take Main Street to the west to get to town -- it takes about 10 minutes.

By Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the dock; just make sure you hire a licensed JUTA taxi. Negotiate a price before you go and the time to be picked up; round trip fares are $50 to Dunn's River Falls from outside the port area.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Most shops, restaurants and attractions accept credit cards. ATMs are located at the cruise terminal and in town at Island Village, Soni's Plaza and Gem Palace. Be prepared to pay a higher service fee than you normally would from home, and make sure the machine is marked dual currency if it's U.S. dollars you want.

Language?

Standard English is spoken in Jamaica but the locals speak an English-based patois with a thick accent.


Ocho Rios Cruise Reviews

Beautiful ship and worth it for some

Ocho rios was a very cool place to visit. We did the Dunn river falls which was amazing Read More
rcvda10

Norwegian cruise line worse than Carnival

Fabulous day at the beach. Lifeguards were wonderful and attentive Read More
TLYNN909

Shame on you Princess!

Tons & tons of vendors! If it's your first time here, book an excursion to Dunn's Falls & enjoy!Read More
Snorkel Pup

Fantastic shore excursions..... too many people!!!

We climbed a waterfall!! Konoko Falls Park in Ocho Rios, Jamaica! I will remember this waterfall because we were able to not only see it and move along, but we climbed piece by piece, with the help of our guide, to tRead More
ItsJustMe1

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