When it comes to Jamaica and Cruises, there are two main options: You can cruise to Jamaica and cruise while you are in Jamaica. If you are cruising to Jamaica, the majority of your vacation will be spent on the cruise ship. However, while you are in Jamaica, you can also experience local cruises to see some special sites.
If you are cruising to Jamaica, you will most likely depart from one of three Florida ports, including Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale, and arrive at one of three ports in Jamaica, including Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, and Montego. Because Jamaican cruises are so popular, with approximately half of all two million annual tourists arriving by cruise ship, it is important to book your trip as far in advance as possible.
Cruise lines that serve Jamaica include Celebrity, Costa, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. There are a couple of choices that you have when you book your trip. For instance, you can book a cruise that is designed for families, singles, seniors, and more. Choose the option that best suits you. There are four classes of cruises as well, including value cruises, premium cruises, luxury cruises, and specialty cruises.
If you want more personalized service on your cruise, make sure that you book your trip on a trip that has a smaller passenger to crew ratio. If meeting new people is your priority, book your trip on a higher capacity ship. Many first time cruisers are disappointed to find that their cabin is cramped and not ideally located.
If you are particular concerning this, make sure that you book the perfect cabin. In booking terms, this means that you book the exact cabin that you want when you book the trip, and that is the cabin that you are guaranteed to have. Do not be fooled by the term ‘run of the ship.’ This means that you may either be assigned to an inside or outside cabin, and that assignment isn’t made until right before your trip.
Also note that a cruise ship cabin is not the same as a hotel room. If you want a bathtub and a television, you have to request it when you book your trip. Furthermore, the walls are thin. If you seek quiet, or you are easily awakened, request a cabin that is not near bars, elevators, engine rooms, or other high traffic/high noise areas. If you get sea sick, request a lower level cabin.
Because Jamaica is in the Caribbean, and is usually affected by the Hurricane Season, most people avoid it during the months of July, August, September, and October. The most popular time to visit is winter, as there is no risk of a Hurricane. However, this is when you can expect the island to be the most crowded.
If spending time in Jamaica is important to you, you might want to consider a ‘one-way’ cruise, where you cruise there, and then fly home. You may find that you get a better cruise rate this way, and this gives you the opportunity to spend as much time as you want in Jamaica.
