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OCHO RIOS, JAMAICAThursday, May 27, 19998:00 AM - 5:00 PM9 Hours - The Ship Will Dock(All aboard 4:30 PM)
DINING OPTIONS
Dress suggestion for this evening: CASUAL - Dresses or pant suits for women; Jackets for men - Caribbean attire, costumes, and togas are welcome. Caribbean is the dinner theme.
ROOM SERVICE IS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY BAR SERVICE HOURS
TODAY'S ON BOARD ACTIVITIES
A Brief History of Ocho RiosJamaica's recorded history began before the birth of Christ when Arawak Indians began arriving in tree-trunk canoes from South America. A gentle people who farmed and fished, the Arawaks were ill-prepared to absorb the impact of the Spanish under Christopher Columbus on May 4, 1494. The first Spanish settlement was established at Seville Nueva near St. Ann's Bay, but the settlers soon moved the capital across the island to present day Spanish Town. Finding no precious metals, the Spanish paid scant attention to their Jamaican colony. When an English force of 5,000 men invaded the island in 1655, they offered little resistance and within a few years abandoned it as a colony. Early English settlers planted crops like tobacco, cotton and cocoa and logged indigo. However, privateering and piracy helped Port Royal become one of the richest towns in the Americas and certainly the most notorious. Its title as the wickedest city on earth went down with it when most of it sank during the earthquake of 1692. The eighteenth century saw the reign of King Sugar. Vast acreage of cane fields dominated the plains while hillside slopes palatial residences, like Rose Hall near Montego Bay, were built. Success of the great plantations depended upon a vast and cheap labor force. As a result, slavery was introduced into the New World. Soon, large, organized slave markets were established, consisting primarily of Africans torn forcibly from their homelands and sold as slaves to the planters. Jamaica itself not only absorbed nearly one million slaves but became a huge trans-shipment center for slaves for other colonies in the Americas. In the vast mountains lived communities of fierce runaway slaves called Maroons, who constantly harassed planters with lightning raids on settlements and plantations. In a sense, modern Jamaican society began in 1838. The newly freed slaves rapidly deserted the plantations and established themselves as free settlers in the hills, forming hard-working, independent peasantry which is still regarded as the backbone of Jamaica. Since the turn of the century, sugar, banana, citrus, and coffee have become the main crops for export and the source of livelihood for thousands. Beginning in the 1950's the mining of alumna and bauxite - the raw ore of aluminum - have become major contributors to the economy, along with tourism. For 300 years as a British colony, Jamaica had a stormy political life, with House of Assembly and vocal press providing the outlets for the vigorous Creole politicians. But all real decisions affecting the country were made in England, and a vast majority of the people had neither say or representation in national life. Under successful nationalist leaders in the 20th century, the country began moving toward increasing autonomy in the running of national affairs, culminating in full independence in 1962. As an independent country, Jamaica remains a member of the British commonwealth of nations, with the Queen of England as titular Head of State, or represented locally by the governor-general. The island has its own Constitution, based on inherited British legal, religious, educational and political traditions. Jamaica is a parliamentary democracy with an elected House of Representatives and nominated Upper House or Senate. There is a well-established two-party system and vigorously contested elections are normally held every five years. All Jamaican's over the age of 18 years are eligible to vote.
Excursions Available In Ocho Rios
Dunn’s River Falls And Scenic Drive*4 ½ hours, $29 Adult / $22 Child Time: 9:00 AM
Then enjoy a drive along Jamaica’s coast towards St. Anne’s Bay, where you will see the townspeople selling their wares on the streets. You will see a statue of the late Marcus Mosiah Garvey, on of Jamaica’s national heroes, quaint country-style homes, and a very modern banks. The order of the tour may change. Shopping stops at Soni’s Plaza or Taj Mahal will be made on this tour. * NOTE: As you will encounter water on this tour, bring your camera at your own risk. Keep in mind that your shoes will get wet. The climbing of Dunn’s River Falls is not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Prospect Plantation Tour And Dunn’s River Falls*4 ½ hours, $38 Adult / $33 Child Time: Wasn't available on my cruise.
* NOTE: As you will encounter water on this tour, bring your camera at your own risk. Keep in mind that your shoes will get wet. The climbing of Dunn’s River Falls is not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Brimmer Hall Plantation And Dunn’s River Falls*5 hours, $53 Adult / $40 Child Time: Wasn't available on my cruise. Depart on a scenic 45-minute ride through the town of Ocho Rios, along the Resort Row, through the country, until you arrive at the Brimmer Hall Estate for a cool welcome drink. Then you’ll see the working plantation on a tractor-drawn jitney. Tour the 18th-century greathouse and working estate. Sample fresh coconut and sugar cane, and unlimited rum punches. The tour continues through villages that house the rich and famous. The last stop is Dunn’s River Falls where you can swim and climb the gentle cascades before returning to the ship. A shopping stop will be made during the tour. * NOTE: As you will encounter water on this tour, bring your camera at your own risk. Keep in mind that your shoes will get wet. The climbing of Dunn’s River Falls is not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Sundancer Cruise To Dunn’s River Falls*2 ½ hours, $38 Adult / $19 Child Times: 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM Board the 75-foot yacht Sundancer for a look at Jamaica’s coast. Enjoy the rum or fruit punch as this party boat makes its way to Dunn’s River Falls. At the falls, an experienced guide will escort you up through the cascading water. Then it’s back aboard the Sundancer for the party cruise back to the ship. * NOTE: As you will encounter water on this tour, bring your camera at your own risk. Keep in mind that your shoes will get wet. The climbing of Dunn’s River Falls is not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Martha Brae River Rafting*4 ½ hours, $46 Adult / $41 Child Time: 8:30 AM This guided tour takes you west through St. Ann’s Bay, Runaway Bay, and Sevilla la Nueva before arriving at the banks of the Martha Brae River. At Rafter’s Village, you will be greeted with a complimentary rum or fruit punch before you board a 30-foot, two-seater bamboo raft. Your captain will guide the raft down the two-mile winding tropical river. As you enjoy the tranquil, 11/2-hour journey, you will see lush Jamaican flora. At the conclusion of your rafting trip the buses will meet you down river and return to Ocho Rios. * NOTE: As you will encounter water on this tour, bring your camera at your own risk. Keep in mind that your shoes will get wet. Jamaica Wonders - Past and Present4 ½ hours, $39 Adult / $24 Child Time: 8:30 AM Hidden away in the hills are Coyaba River Garden and Museum and Firefly. Firefly was once the lookout of pirate Henry Morgan, the wickedest man in the world. He frolicked at this fort high above sea level, where he had the advantage of spying on would-be attackers long before they could land on the island. This view is probably why the noted playwright Noel Coward and Ian Flemming (of James Bond fame) fell in love with this enchanted property. You'll have an exhilarating tour of the Pirates Look Out and the Museum, which is the fascinating restored home of Noel Coward. The home has hosted many of the rich and famous, such as Liz Taylor, Racquel Welch, The Queen of England, U2, grace Jones, and many more. At Coyaba (the Arawak Indian word for Paradise or Heaven), you'll enter the jungles of Jamaica at a beautiful river garden setting with crystal clear pools and tropical fish in their natural environment. See the brilliance of the exotic flora with the Jamaican Doctor birds (a large indigenous hummingbird) hovering over head in majestic Cedar Trees. Tour the Coyaba Museum where the history of Jamaica is well displayed with artifacts dating back to 1200 AD. San San Luxury Yacht Cruise3 ½ hours, $63 Adult / $32 Child Time: 12:30 PM Board the 90-ft. luxury yacht San San for a special experience in Ocho Rios. Upon boarding, you will be welcomed with Blue Mountain coffee and juices. The San San then sets sail to Dunn’s River Falls, where you’ll have the opportunity to climb the famous site. Then it’s on to Laughing Waters, your snorkeling destination. Once anchored, you’ll receive equipment and instruction from the crew before enjoying the beautiful marine gardens of Jamaica. After approximately an hour snorkeling, you’ll re-board the yacht for a cruise along the coast. The hostess will point out beautiful hotels, beaches and the houses of the famous. Enjoy champagne, fresh fruit and an open bar (local brands) including blended drinks as you return to the ship. * NOTE: As you will encounter water on this tour, bring your camera at your own risk. Keep in mind that your shoes will get wet. Shopping Bonanza Tour2 ½ hours, $14 Adult / $11 Child Time: 9:00 AM This tour is a shopper’s delight with stops at two shopping locations that feature over 100 duty-free souvenir stores. You will be given a shopping map and directed to tour buses that will provide round-trip transportation to Soni’s Plaza and Taj Mahal. Beach Horseback Riding*4 hours, $79 Adult / $74 Child (Minimum Age: 7 years old) Time: 11:30 AM his tour is an exhilarating way to experience Jamaica. After a short bus ride, you will arrive at Chukka Cove Polo Club where you will be assigned a horse with an English saddle and introduced to your guide. You’ll ride through a bamboo trail passing two of the oldest sugar estates on the island. The ride continues along the beach before stopping for refreshments while guides unsaddle your mount to prepare for the swim. Riders remount their bareback horses, and enter the sea for the riding experience of a lifetime. Afterwards, horses will be geared up again for the return ride to Chukka Cove. * NOTE: As you will encounter water on this tour, bring your camera at your own risk. Keep in mind that your shoes will get wet. It is recommended to wear swimwear under your riding clothes. Dunn’s River Falls Bicycle Tour*4 hours, $62 Adult Time: 8:45 AM (Minimum Age: 12 years old) Escape from the hustle and bustle of Ocho Rios with a leisurely bike ride to Dunn’s River Falls. After a windy ride up to Murphy Hill located at 1,500 feet above Ocho Rios, you’ll be set up with an 18-gear mountain bike and helmet. After a little peddling practice, you’ll begin this mostly downhill ride through the valleys of limestone and nature with at least eight different species of ferns. You’ll learn from your guide all about the healing plants of Jamaica. After a while you’ll stop at the eight springs that form Dunn’s River Falls. The tour continues through woodcarvers land leading to the bottom of the falls. Enjoy an exhilarating climb to the top where transportation will be waiting to take you back to the ship. Bikers should be in good physical condition and be comfortable riding a bicycle downhill along bumpy, uneven terrain. * NOTE: As you will encounter water on this tour, bring your camera at your own risk. Keep in mind that your shoes will get wet. The climbing of Dunn’s River Falls is not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Jamaica Snorkeling Tour*
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This tour begins at spectacular Dunn’s River Falls, a 600-foot waterfall.
At the falls, water cascades along a rocky, elevated course down to sea level,
emptying into the Caribbean Sea. With the help of an experienced guide, you will
enjoy the exhilarating climb to the top. Don’t forget your bathing suit! 
The tour stops briefly at Dunn’s River Falls for pictures, but spends most
of the time at the Plantation. One of the cadets from the Prospect Estate
Training Center will be your guide. You’ll see how they grow coconuts, sugar
cane and other tropical fruit. You’ll view the gorge of the White River and
Jamaica’s first hydroelectric plant. From a distance you’ll see the
greathouse that was turned into an armed fortress for protection from
18th-century buccaneers. You will have an opportunity to shop at Soni’s Plaza
or Taj Mahal.