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Falmouth: when your ship stops here

A bamboo raft down the Martha Brae, the Georgian town at the pier, and the climb up Dunn's River Falls.

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Falmouth is a town on Jamaica's north coast, 29 km (18 miles) east of Montego Bay, founded in 1769 and known as one of the best preserved Georgian towns in the Caribbean; it had piped water before New York City did. The cruise port, built for the biggest ships, opened in 2011. Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on 28 October 2025 as a Category 5 storm and badly damaged the town; the port reopened on 2 December 2025, and repairs around town go on.

Sources: Wikipedia: Falmouth, Jamaica; Wikipedia: Hurricane Melissa; CruiseMapper, 5 December 2025: Cruise ships return to Falmouth (Jamaica) after Hurricane Melissa

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. Rafting on the Martha Brae

    The river runs about 10 km (6 miles) south of Falmouth. Since 1970 licensed raft captains have guided visitors down a three mile stretch on 30 foot bamboo rafts, a ride of about an hour and a quarter that starts at Rafter's Village. Legend says a Taino woman changed the river's course to drown the Spanish settlers who tortured her for hidden gold.

    Tip: Ask for the raft ride by name when you book; it is a short drive from the pier.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Martha Brae River; Rafting on the Martha Brae (the raft operator, since 1970)

  2. 2. The Georgian town on foot

    Most of Falmouth's old buildings date from about 1790 to 1840. St. Peter's Anglican Church, built in 1795, is one of the oldest churches in Jamaica, with solid mahogany columns. The town is right at the pier.

    Tip: Hurricane Melissa destroyed several public buildings, including the courthouse, so expect repair work in the streets.

    Source: Wikipedia: Falmouth, Jamaica

  3. 3. Dunn's River Falls

    Near Ocho Rios, east along the coast, a waterfall about 180 feet (55 m) high and 600 feet (180 m) long comes down in natural stone steps straight into the Caribbean Sea. Visitors climb it in a line, hand in hand, led by a guide. The park sells water shoes and rents lockers.

    Tip: It is a drive from Falmouth, so it is a tour, not a stroll. Wear shoes you can get wet.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Dunn's River Falls; Dunn's River Falls and Park (official site)

What to skip

  • The Luminous Lagoon by day

    Where the Martha Brae meets the sea, tiny organisms glow when the water is stirred, one of only a few places in the world where this is seen all year round. But it glows only in the dark, and cruise ships sail before night falls.

    Source: Wikipedia: Falmouth, Jamaica

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Falmouth

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Falmouth, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 1, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

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