Difference between Falmouth and Ocho Rios (Jamaica)

[fstuff1]

never been to Jamaica.

saw cruises for either Falmouth or Ocho Rios.

 

What are the differences?

thx

[big al]

Falmouth is a Royal Caribbean built port made for Celebrity & Royal Caribbean cruise lines...Ocho Rios is for all cruise lines...does that help?

 

Big Al

[jtdlmc]

We docked at Falmouth last year. There is nothing there other than the regular fenced cruise port facilities. All excursions were at least a 45 minute drive. I have never been to Ocho Rios but I know it is a resort area and the same excursions offered out of Falmouth were closer to Ochos Rios. Not sure if there is more around the dock area or not.

 

 

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[pusywillow]

You should pick Ochos Rios.

[AllAboardatSea]

While everyone is correct that there is nothing in Falmouth other than the port, it all depends on what you want to do. If you are doing an excursion (highly recommended, even for Ocho Rios) like river tubing or kayaking, Falmouth will be closer to good spots. If you are looking at doing a falls hike, Ocho Rios might be the better option. When we went to Ocho Rios we were less than pleased with the locals and regretted not doing an excursion.

[deliver42]

Falmouth is a lot safer around the dock area. There are quite a few shops and bars there, and a lot of excursions. It's also very clean in the dock area. Ocho Rios isn't clean anywhere. By the way, Princess also goes to Falmouth. My December cruise goes there.

[A_lime_among_coconuts]

My Epic cruise for November 2018 was changed a week or so ago from Ocho Rios to Falmouth due to "scheduling issues". So just because you pick a cruise originally scheduled to dock Ocho Rios doesnt mean you will.

[Cuizer2]

Falmouth is a Royal Caribbean built port made for Celebrity & Royal Caribbean cruise lines...Ocho Rios is for all cruise lines...does that help?

 

Big Al

 

Royal Caribbean built it, however, Falmouth is open to all cruise lines.

[morrisretired]

Falmouth was a much nicer port to dock at than Ocho Rios. Felt safer there. It was also closer to the floating down the river tour, on the log raft we booked.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

We docked at Falmouth last year. There is nothing there other than the regular fenced cruise port facilities. All excursions were at least a 45 minute drive. I have never been to Ocho Rios but I know it is a resort area and the same excursions offered out of Falmouth were closer to Ochos Rios. Not sure if there is more around the dock area or not.

 

 

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We loved Falmouth. We went to the Royalton White Sands hotel and bought a day pass. It was only about 15 minutes from the pier.

 

It was awesome. We have talked about going back there for a weeks vacation in the future.

 

Bill

[deliver42]

We actually booked our Princess cruise because it stopped at Fallmouth. Wanted the Allure, but the Regal had a much better itinerary.

[abisha]

I've been to Ocho Rios a number of times (docked there). I didn't care for the beaches there. I discovered Mystic Mountain just about 5 minutes from that port...Heaven! It is a gorgeous ski lift type ride that takes you up to the mountain top with lovely views of the port and Ocho Rios. Once at top..lots to do...infinity pool with slide, restaurant (pub style..great pina coladas!), Jamaican bobsled ride down the mountain (it's on a metal track..lots of fun), zip lining through the rain forest, and there's a hummingbird garden (relaxing), gift shop, small museum and a small buffet type eatery with BBQ food. Spend as much time there as you want. Tickets are through website (some lines do sell excursions there, but I haven't seen one that offers everything there..only bits and pieces).

 

Now..fast forward to our Allure cruise...which docked in Falmouth. Falmouth is closer to better beaches but nothing else more. So we still ended up booking a private tour where the driver took us to Mystic Mountain (about an hour drive...very scenic and informative). It was crowded when we arrived (never had that happen to me), and we were also very rushed. Driver was excellent about watching the time for us (arranged for staff to look after us at top of mountain so we could get back to the bottom to our driver) so we could get back to port on time.

 

So in summary...if you want beach..then choose Falmouth. If you want other things like Mystic Mountain (or Dunns River, or Blue Hole), then choose Ocho Rios. If you still want Falmouth but no beach, you can still book an excursion to take you to Ocho Rios area., but keep in mind of travel time.