What is a Jamaica-bound cruise passenger to do when the ship’s scheduled shore excursions hold no appeal? They can decide to spend the day relaxing on board the ship, venture out on their own to shop at the port’s cruise-centric stores or they can act independently and pre-book an enticing shore excursion from an independent operator.
Glendale, Wyo.,-based ShoreTrips has a number of options perfect for adventurous Jamaica-bound cruise passengers. If your client’s itinerary has them docking at Ocho Rios, an excursion with ShoreTrips could be a refreshing alternative. Clients can choose from some of Jamaica’s iconic experiences, such as climbing Dunn’s River Falls or visiting reggae legend Bob Marley’s childhood home at the village of Nine Mile. Other activities including horseback riding, zip lining and helicopter tours are also popular choices.
The company’s new excursions for 2009 include the 4 x 4 Adventure with a Visit to Dunn’s River, a 5 ½ hour tour priced at $89 per person ($66 for children ages 6-12 years old) and Kayak Jamaica’s White River, priced at $76 per person ($56 for children 12 years old and younger). ShoreTrips can also arrange private group trips. For example, the four-hour Private Catamaran to Dunn’s River Falls is available for a group of 10 passengers or less and costs a $1,046 in total.
ShoreTrips reports that most of its excursions are booked 7-21 days prior to the ship’s sailing. The company’s dolphin swim excursions sell out quickly, and it’s advisable to book this excursion at least a month in advance. ShoreTrips will take bookings up to 48 hours notice, although additional fees may apply, and will refund all excursions if the ship doesn't make port in time or doesn't make port at all.
JamaicaForaDay.com has a slightly different take on the shore excursion concept. The company offers cruisers visiting Ocho Rios and Montego Bay the opportunity to spend a day experiencing the amenities of an all-inclusive beach resort, either Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay or Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios. Both resorts are located close to the ports of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay allowing for a quick trip from the ship to the beach. During their visit, JamaicaForaDay.com guests enjoy all meals and drinks, white sand beaches, pools, waterslides, dining and the use of non-motorized watersports.
Not included in your clients’ Jamaica shore excursion is use of guest rooms, breakfast, fitness center, motorized sports, Club Mongoose kid’s camp and dining at Cafe Jamalicious at Sunset Jamaica Grande. Transfers to the resort and back to the ship are also not included, although they can be purchased separately.
Adult and child resort day passes can be purchased, with or without ground transfers, starting at an introductory rate of $60 for an adult pass and $40 for a child pass. Groups of 16 or more receive a 5 percent discount.
JamaicaForaDay.com
www.jamaicaforaday.com
ShoreTrips
www.shoretrips.com
