Falmouth, Jamaica Cruise Port: Piers, Getting Around and More

Whether your cruise departs from Falmouth, Jamaica Cruise Port, or you are just briefly visiting it as one of several ports of call listed on your itinerary, we will explain everything you need to know about the port.

To help you get the most out of your visit, we will also highlight nearby amenities and beaches, transportation information, and even some practical safety tips. 

Falmouth Cruise Port Location and Address

Known formally as the Historic Falmouth Cruise Port, it is located on Jamaica’s northern coast and situated on the edge of the charming historic town of Falmouth in the country’s Trelawny Parish.

The port is almost exactly 18 miles east of Montego Bay Cruise Port and roughly 60 miles west of Ocho Rios, making some of Jamaica’s most iconic tourist attractions easily accessible.

Falmouth Cruise Port can be found at this address: Historic Falmouth Cruise Port, 5 Market Street, Falmouth, Trelawny, Jamaica 

About Falmouth and the Cruise Port

Falmouth was founded in 1769 and flourished as a major hub for the British Empire’s sugar and molasses industry. Today, the town is characterized by well-preserved Georgian architecture that remains from its colonial roots.

This not only gives the town and the port that takes its name a unique charm, but it also makes them some of the most historical in the Caribbean. 

While the port has been used for centuries, the Falmouth Cruise Port was only inaugurated in March of 2011, so it has all the modern amenities you would expect from a state-of-the-art cruise port.

The port can even accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class vessels, making it a pivotal port of call destination for cruise ships of all sizes. 

The port was developed as a joint venture between Royal Caribbean International and the Port Authority of Jamaica. The enormous project of creating a modern deep-water port on the edge of one of the nation’s most historic towns cost over $220 million, making it one of the most expensive development projects in the Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean’s investment explains why it is such an important port for the cruise line and why it was such a priority to ensure the world’s largest cruise ships could dock there. 

Since its unveiling, Falmouth Cruise Port has played a massive role in expanding Jamaica’s tourism industry by welcoming roughly one million cruise ship passengers per year, with these numbers growing annually. 

Number of Piers and Berths

Falmouth Cruise Port is built around a single, double-sided pier. The pier has a wedge shape that allows it to have two main berths that can accommodate the largest cruise ships in the world.

While the two berths are similar in size and sit directly across from each other, they tend to serve two separate purposes: 

• Berth 1 (Royal Caribbean Dock): Primarily used to dock Royal Caribbean International ships and Celebrity Cruises. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas cruise ships are regular visitors. 
• Berth 2 (County Wharf): Acts mostly as a multi-cruise line berth, handling ships from various cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line. When required, Berth 2 will also host Royal Caribbean vessels. 

Terminal Facilities and Services

As mentioned, Falmouth Cruise Port is equipped with modern facilities and amenities. This extends to the port’s single terminal building, Falmouth Cruise Terminal, designed to provide visiting passengers with a comfortable in-port experience.

Visitors will find two tourist information desks within the air-conditioned terminal building itself. Numerous restroom facilities within the terminal building and the rest of the port are fully wheelchair accessible. There are also indoor and outdoor seating areas, with many outdoor benches covered by shade structures.

Worth Reading: Jamaica Cruise Ports – Full List and Overview

There is space for parking, but it is a paid lot with steep fines for those parking without valid proof of payment. While it can be a little slow, you can access free Wi-Fi anywhere in the port. If you struggle to connect, Starbucks, located within the port, is a good option. 

Shopping in Port

Immediately beyond the Falmouth Terminal building, visitors will see an open courtyard lined by four retail buildings, known as the four Merchant’s Walk Buildings. The courtyard is also boxed in with two smaller retail buildings, which house two jewelry stores.

These buildings are collectively known as the Port of Falmouth Retail Centre, and they contain outlets for several international brands, designer boutiques, gift and souvenir shops, and two large Duty-Free Shops. 

Just in front of the port’s taxi and bus shelters, there are also more retail options, including the Wharf Market Pavilion, the perfect place to purchase handmade souvenirs and unique crafts local vendors offer. The stalls carry everything from homemade hot sauces and dried spices to handmade Jamaican dolls and leather goods. 

Restaurants in Port

If you have limited time and want to grab a bite to eat within the port, plenty of restaurants and cafes are just beyond the Retail Centre.

These include several well-known international chains, including Starbucks, Dairy Queen, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. Unfortunately, the port’s highly popular Margaritaville Falmouth recently closed, which is a real shame, as it featured a swim-up bar and a lively atmosphere.

Several authentic Jamaican cuisine options are available within the cruise port. Patty Port is a particular highlight if you want to enjoy a Jamaican patty and a cold drink. The Sweet Jamaican Jerk Restaurant offers a more complete menu to sample Jamaica’s most famed dishes. 

Cruise Lines that Visit Falmouth, Jamaica

Given that the Historic Falmouth Cruise Port is one of Jamaica’s most popular cruise destinations, it’s no surprise that it is frequented by many of the world’s most well-known cruise lines. These include the following and more:

• Royal Caribbean International
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises 

While this busy port sees numerous ships from various cruise lines, vessels under the Royal Caribbean banner tend to be the most regular visitors, reflecting the company’s heavy investment into the port. 

Distance from the Airport and Directions

If Falmouth is listed as your embarkation or disembarkation point, you will most likely fly into Sangster International Airport (MBJ), the closest major airport. The airport is in Montego Bay, roughly 22 miles from Falmouth.

Depending on traffic, the drive to or from the airport typically takes between 30 and 50 minutes, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time. If you have decided to rent a vehicle at the airport in Montego Bay and plan on driving to Falmouth, you can take the following directions: 

• From the airport, take the first roundabout exit and head east on the A1 Highway for 16.1 miles
• Exit the highway onto Rodney Street. After 2 miles, turn left onto Queen Street
• Keep an eye on signs for Historic Falmouth Cruise Port, and your destination will be on the left 

Other Transportation Options from the Airport

The most popular method of transportation from the airport to the cruise port is taking a taxi, with rates ranging between $30 and $40, depending on the time of year. The airport has a taxi pickup zone that is first come, first served, so you don’t need to worry about booking ahead of time.

Several private shuttle bus providers offer their services, charging about $20 per person. Royal Caribbean also offers a complimentary shuttle service for itineraries departing from Falmouth, but you will need to check ahead of time to make sure this is available.

Transportation from the Cruise Port

While the port’s location on the edge of town means you can explore Falmouth on foot, some prefer to save time and drive to their preferred destination. 

Luckily, Falmouth Cruise Port has its own sheltered taxi pickup line. Registered taxis are required to offer flat rates to the most well-known local attractions, like the Good Hope Estate and Martha Brae River, so taxis are easy to get and quite affordable. Rates range from $5 to $15 for destinations within the town and those within the immediate surrounding area, like the Luminous Lagoon.

Just ensure you are taking a registered taxi rather than an unmarked car, as this can be a safety issue. Only registered cab companies are allowed to operate out of the port pickup zone, so you will be safe if you depart from there; just be careful if you return to the port by taxi. Currently, no ride-sharing services are available in Falmouth, so you cannot take an Uber or Lyft.

You can also take a city bus, which is fairly easy given that there is a sheltered bus stop on the edge of the port. There is also a private shuttle bus provider called Jaital Falmouth Transport, which provides $20 transportation between Montego Bay, Falmouth, Rosehall, and Ocho Rios. 

The Best Time to Visit Falmouth, Jamaica

December to March is generally considered the best time to visit Falmouth, as the weather is dry and daytime temperatures are comfortable, averaging between 75° and 30°F. With that said, this is also the busy season, so cruise prices tend to be higher, and crowds are more common.

As for seasonal weather conditions, the north of Jamaica can be divided into two main seasons – the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October).

Read Also: When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?

During the dry season, you can expect warm temperatures, relatively low humidity, and limited rainfall, making it an ideal time of year for enjoying the outdoors.

On the other hand, the rainy season tends to have higher daytime temperatures, as well as uncomfortably high humidity levels. The mid-summer months are also characterized by high rainfall and an increased chance of hurricanes and tropical storms. 

Falmouth Safety Concerns and Tips

While things are slowly improving, Jamaica has an unfortunate reputation for high crime levels, even in some of its most popular tourist destinations. With that said, you can stay safe and enjoy everything Falmouth and the rest of the country if you follow a few basic safety tips: 

• Stay in Tourist Areas: This is perhaps the most useful tip. You can avoid the worst of Falmouth by sticking to well-known tourist areas. The port area is incredibly safe, but you can enjoy the city beyond the port gate if you stay on the main streets.
• Travel in Groups: Rather than wandering off on your own, stick to larger groups. This is particularly important at night.
• Avoid Carrying and Displaying Valuables: Keep your valuables, like jewelry and designer purses, on the ship, or at least be subtle about carrying them. Pickpocketing can be an issue in Falmouth, so be careful about loose valuables and cash, especially in crowded areas.
• Only Take Licensed Taxis: As mentioned, never get into an unmarked cab in Falmouth. Registered and licensed taxis have official city markings on the vehicle’s exterior.
• Book Excursions Through Your Cruise Line: Rather than risk getting scammed, book excursions and tours through your cruise line. The cruise line will have vetted these providers ahead of time. Unfortunately, many of the private providers that hang around the cruise port in Falmouth are untrustworthy, so they may overcharge and scam unsuspecting tourists, or even outright rob them.

Several police stations, scattered throughout the town and one on the edge of the port, cater to tourists. These stations were introduced to help encourage tourism by making visitors feel more comfortable in the town, so do not hesitate to ask for help. 

For more information on the situation in Falmouth and other areas of Jamaica, we recommend reading the US Government’s Jamaica Security Report. The report provides more information and context about the crime environment in the country, as well as certain areas that should be avoided.

Cultural Considerations

While English is widely spoken, most Jamaicans speak Jamaican Patois, a hybrid language that blends English with West African and Creole words and slang. 

The official currency is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD), but US currency is widely accepted throughout Falmouth and beyond. The exchange rate is roughly 1 USD = 150 JMD, but most vendors, stores, and restaurants will list prices in both JMD and USD, so you shouldn’t have to worry about conversion rates.

Tipping is also customary in Jamaica, especially for good service in restaurants and bars, especially if you are in tourist areas. 

Beaches Near Falmouth Port

Burwood Beach

Located 3.9 miles from port, this popular public beach offers crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, shady palm trees, changerooms, and restrooms. Like most beaches in Jamaica that aren’t owned by resorts, there is an entry fee of roughly $4 per person.

Silver Sands

Located in the nearby town of Duncans, Silver Sands Public Beach takes about 20 minutes to reach via taxi. Although the 9-mile journey may seem excessive, the beach itself is picturesque.

Two major resorts also bookend it, so there are plenty of beachside restaurants, including Leroy’s Beach Bar & Grill and Juliet’s Restaurant & Bar. Silver Sands is the perfect spot for a full beach day if you’re looking for a delicious lunch and a tasty beachside rum cocktail. 

Red Stripe Beach

By far the closest option, Red Stripe Beach was opened alongside the cruise port in 2011. With lifeguards, a beachside café and snack shop, gift stores, and nearby shops, it has everything you need.

The beach is relatively small but immaculate, with staff regularly sweeping the sand for trash and seaweed. The beach is roughly a 10-minute shuttle ride from the port, but the shuttle is free. 

What to Do Nearby in Falmouth

As mentioned, Falmouth is an incredibly historic town, so it is well worth visiting if you are a history buff, someone who admires 18th-century architecture, or want to take in the sights and sounds of a real Jamaican town.

Read Also: Well-Known Western Caribbean Cruise Ports You Should Visit

To get the most out of your time in the town, we recommend taking time to see the following: 

Falmouth Historic District

Not far from the port, you can find the well-preserved streets of the town’s historic area. Here, you will find some of the Caribbean’s most well-preserved Georgian-era brick buildings.

In fact, the Jamaican government declared the area a National Monument worth protection in 1996, so efforts to preserve the area’s character have been extensive, especially following the rise in tourism after the establishment of the cruise port.

While wandering the cobblestone streets, visit the Falmouth Courthouse, historic Falmouth Jail, and Albert George Market. The market is also a great place to purchase souvenirs and tasty treats. 

St. Peter’s Anglican Church

Constructed in 1795, this historic colonial church features unique architecture and stunning stained-glass windows. It’s also just a 20-minute walk from the cruise port.

The Water Square

The town’s central plaza is filled with local vendors and street performers. It’s a great way to enjoy the sunshine and get a real feel for authentic Jamaican culture.

Listen to Jamaica’s world-famous music, sample real Jamaican food, and soak in the atmosphere. It’s also less than 0.5 miles from the pier, so visiting couldn’t be easier.  

Martha Brae River Rafting

Located roughly 20 minutes from the port, this stunning jungle river is ideal for those looking to take in some tropical island scenery. Traveling down the river on a bamboo raft is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventurous types.

Tours cost roughly $65, but prices can vary depending on when you book.

Good Hope Estate

Twenty-five minutes from Falmouth, you can visit this historic sugarcane plantation. With guided tours, a zip-lining course, river tubing, and more, it’s a fun and interesting place to visit.

The entry fee is $40, but plenty of excursion operators offer packages that include transportation, entry, and a meal.

The World Famous Dunn’s River Falls

This natural wonder is one of the country’s national treasures. Unsurprisingly, the falls are one of the most visited tourist sites on the island.

Although these stunning waterfalls are 39 miles away from the cruise port, they take roughly an hour to get to by taxi or shuttle bus, but are well worth the journey. There are also plenty of reputable excursion providers that will take you to the falls directly from the cruise port.

Once you arrive, you can climb the smooth and sloping rocks that form the bed of the falls, hike the nearby trails, or relax in the natural pools, which are said to have healing properties. You can also relax and take in the natural beauty of the famous waterfall and the jungle that lines Dunns River. 

The entry fee is $25 for adults, but we recommend booking a package that provides transportation to and from the falls. 

Glistening Waters Luminous Lagoon

Just a 15-minute taxi from the port, this famous natural wonder allows visitors to view and splash through bioluminescent waters. Just keep in mind that the glowing effect is only visible at night, so it is only an option if you are spending the night in Falmouth. 

FAQs on Falmouth, Jamaica Cruise Port

Where do cruise ships dock in Falmouth?

Cruise ships dock at the Historic Falmouth Cruise Port. The port is directly adjacent to the town, so it’s easy to explore the town no matter which of the two berths your ship uses. 

Is Falmouth, Jamaica, owned by Royal Caribbean?

No, the port is not technically owned by Royal Caribbean; however, the port was developed as a joint venture between the cruise line and the Port Authority of Jamaica, so Royal Caribbean vessels have their own deep-water berth and receive priority access to the entire port. 

What is the currency in Falmouth, Jamaica?

The official currency is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted, especially in tourist areas.