Falmouth, Jamaica Cruise Port Guide Info
Founded in the 18th century and located on the northern coast of Jamaica, Falmouth is one of the major Jamaican cruise ports beside Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. Falmouth cruise port has been redeveloped in 2011 and got a new name - Historic Falmouth Cruise Port.
The cruise port has one terminal which can accommodate two large cruise ships simultaneously. The terminal area is modernly designed to suit the needs of cruise passengers coming to Falmouth. It boasts a wide variety of retail shops such as jewelry stores, gift shops, designer boutiques, stalls with Jamaican souvenirs, several cafes and restaurants, a tourist information desk, and much more. It also features a craft market located by the exit of the terminal area, where you can find various hand-made Jamaican products and authentic Jamaican souvenirs.
The famous restaurant and bar Margaritaville is located within 500 meters from the exit of the terminal, and that’s one of the most popular tourist spots in town always packed with cruise guests. Upon exiting the terminal area, you’ll find several stations and buildings where guests joining shore excursions and independent tours usually meet their tour operators.
This is the place where you can find taxis and local public buses taking you to Montego Bay, which is located within 40 minutes driving distance from Falmouth. Cruise lines normally offer a great number of shore excursions taking you to the Dolphin Cove, Dunn’s River Falls, Montego Bay, and other resorts, but if you prefer to stay in Falmouth, there are several things you can do.
Other than great shopping and indulging in the Jamaican cuisine in one of the restaurants around the pier, you can explore Jamaican historical landmarks and important places of interest.
Once you start walking around the historic Falmouth, you’ll notice many interesting buildings in the Jamaican Georgian architectural style, such as Falmouth Courthouse, located within 10 minutes walking distance from your cruise ship. Constructed in the 19th century, the picturesque courthouse was among the first official buildings in Falmouth. It was caught by fire in 1926 and later rebuilt, but due to its age and time nowadays it looks old and poorly preserved.
One of the major historical landmarks is St. Peter’s Anglican Church that you can reach on foot within 20 minutes walking distance from the cruise port. Built in 1796, it is one of the oldest churches in Jamaica and the tallest building in town. It boasts a rich history and features mahogany columns and a beautiful stained glass window inside. Behind the church, there is a cemetery, and the whole area is relaxing and peaceful to walk around.
You can simply roam Falmouth’s old streets, squares or explore Falmouth market, located a 15-minute walk from the pier. You can taste delicious Jamaican Pattie, the rum of coffee on your way – there are plentiful choices. There are no beaches around the port, so you need to take a taxi or a local bus to go to the closest beach (around 15 minutes’ drive). If you want to read more about Jamaica, check out the article: Top 5 Vacation Spots In Jamaica