If you want to travel with style to your exotic vacation, a cruise to Jamaica is the way to go. Sure, it takes a bit longer – but it will be worth it. We gathered the best cruise lines to create a list of high-quality Jamaica cruise packages you can consider when planning your vacation.
Which Cruise to Jamaica is the Right One for You?
The answer heavily depends on your expectations and standards. Let’s elaborate:
If You Want to Feel That Reggae Vibe
The Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is 5 nights long and takes place at the end of the Jamaican off-season – which decreases the risk of bad weather while keeping the prices low. If you are living in or near Florida and want to party, this is the cruise for you. The prices start at $899/person for an interior cabin and can go as high as $3,200/person for an owner suite – the most luxurious cabin you can find on this ship.
Traveling on the Independence of the Seas ship offers you the following amenities:
- 10 pools & whirlpools;
- Over 100 spa treatments;
- Most meals included;
- Live musical performances on a daily and nightly basis;
- Reggae dance parties;
- A full-size basketball court;
- Mini golf court;
- A fitness center;
- A boxing ring.
|
Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise Itinerary |
||
|
Port |
Arrival |
Departure |
|
Fort Lauderdale |
– | 4:30 PM |
|
At Sea |
– | – |
| Montego Bay | 9:00 AM |
4:30 PM |
|
Ochos Rios |
9:00 AM | 4:30 PM |
| At Sea | – |
– |
| Fort Lauderdale | 7:00 PM |
– |
If You Are Taking Your Family on a Short Cruise to Jamaica
One of the best providers you could acquire a sea vacation from is Norwegian Cruise Line. The diversity of their cruises is staggering and the quality – irreproachable.
A 4-day cruise to Jamaica is short enough to not affect your budget but long enough to enjoy the Jamaican experience. Sailing at 22.5 knots on the Norwegian Pearl, one of the most comfortable ships NCL has to offer, will provide plenty of shore or on ship excursions and activities that are bound to enchant kids and adults alike: swimming with dolphins, exploring Ochos Rios, tasting the Jamaican cuisine, or bobsledding through the rainforest are just some of the adventures your family could embark on while on this cruise.
|
4-day Western Carribean Cruise Itinerary |
||
| Port | Arrival |
Departure |
|
Miami |
– | 4:00 PM |
| At Sea | – |
– |
|
Ochos Rios |
9:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| At Sea | – |
– |
|
Miami |
7:00 PM | – |
The pricing starts at $279/person for an inside cabin and can reach up to $2,299/person for a Havern cabin – the epitome of luxury and comfort.
The Norwegian Pearl
If You Want the Best Deal
If you are looking for the best price/quality ratio, Royal Caribbean is the company for you. Purchasing a cruise straight from the cruise line and leaving out third parties that will get a cut of the price you pay and slow down communication with the provider will ensure the lowest price for high-quality services.
We could not recommend a single itinerary or type of cabin since these are up to your expectations and budget, but be sure you have plenty to choose from when entering the Royal Caribbean website and searching for cheap cruises to Jamaica. With dozens of cruise itineraries and 3 impressive, luxurious ships to choose from, you are bound to find your dream cruise to Jamaica in their offer.
Choosing a Cruise to Jamaica
Let’s see what else you should know before booking a cruise. Here are some more or less known facts about cruises and Jamaica that will make you better understand how to choose one and what costs it involves:
When is the Best Time to Visit Jamaica?
Keep in mind no travel agent or cruise line can guarantee the weather. Although isolated, there have been cases of heavy rains and storms during the high season.
The high season in Jamaica runs from mid-December through mid-April. If you decide to visit Jamaica in this time span, the prices will be higher – but so will the chances of having good weather. This obviously is the busy season since many tourists run away from the cold weather in their area, but it’s also when the famous way of life prevails. There’s music everywhere, people everywhere, and so many distractions to choose from. The high season is great for young parties which are looking for an unforgettable experience – not identical, but similar to what movies portray.
Jamaica’s off-season runs from mid-April through mid-December. Rates are up to 60% lower and there are fewer tourists around, which makes it a great choice for families or elderly couples to relax and catch some sun. Of course, there are downsides – many hotels undergo refurbishments during this less visited time span and might offer fewer services. However, the beach and ocean will always be there for you to enjoy – if you’re lucky enough to have good weather.
Why Are Quotations Always Higher than the Website Prices?
There are many costs involved in going on a cruise and not every one of them is listed in the advertised price.
Port fees and taxes are paid by the cruise line in exchange of anchoring in some ports and cost tens of thousands of U.S. dollars for every ship, which the company could not pay without giving up its profit and more.
Then, there are the drinks packages and other amenities like sauna access or deluxe dining. Many would argue at least some of these should be included since you have nowhere else to get them from in the middle of the sea. We’re not going to go into this whole debate, but we want to articulate how important it is to book them in advance since buying them on the spot will not be convenient for your vacation budget.
Shore excursions are also not included in the listed price since they are optional. However, spending all your time on the boat might not be as satisfactory as you might think. Some Jamaica cruise excursions are well worth their money – especially if you want to know the area.
Bottom Line
Just like with many other products and services, a higher price usually means a better comfort and overall quality. It’s better to postpone your dream cruise than acquiring an unbelievably cheap one since these usually imply small cabins, improper conditions, and many hidden costs that will add up. Most of the time, if a product or service seems too good to be true, it isn’t good, true, or neither.
Here are the links to the cruises and cruise lines mentioned in this article:
- Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise
- NCL’s 4-day cruise
- Royal Carribean Cruise Line
If you did not find the cruise to Jamaica that fits your needs in this article, we also recommend checking out Celebrity Cruises or Holland America as providers for your vacations.