OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA

We depart the pier, travelling along the main street of Ocho Rios, on to the outskirts of the town of Oracabessa, where the famous Playboy Club used to be (now known as Boscobel Beach Resort); and pass the famous “James Bond” beach.

We depart the pier, travelling along the main street of Ocho Rios, on to the outskirts of the town of Oracabessa, where the famous Playboy Club used to be (now known as Boscobel Beach Resort); and pass the famous “James Bond” beach. Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond novels, lived at his home called Goldeneye near the beach, where he wrote 14 of the James Bond novels. Some scenes from the movie “Live and Let Die” (1973) were filmed in Jamaica. Our scenic drive continues along the coastline, through several small villages to Port Maria, where Firefly is located, nestled in the hills overlooking the harbour. Firefly was the home of British playwright Noel Coward; this is where he got his inspiration and is the place where he is buried. It was originally called “Lookout” by the famous pirate Henry Morgan who used it for that purpose. We will be greeted on arrival by a guide who will take us “back in time” to the Noel Coward epoch. With more than 60 produced plays to his credit, Noel Coward was the acknowledged master of the English stage during the first half of the 20th century. At one point in the late ‘20s he had four plays running simultaneously in London’s West End. As a professional man of the theatre his first job, as he saw it, was to win over audiences, which he did by making them laugh. His plays were “well-made” – in the sense of having a beginning, middle and an end. Most critics agree that his finest achievements as a writer are five comedies – “Hay Fever”, “Private Lives”, “Design for Living”, “Blithe Spirit” and “Present Laughter”. Celebrities such as Sofia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton have been to Firefly. On departing Firefly, we will return to the town of Ocho Rios and on to the world famous Dunn’s River Falls, where the water cascades 600 feet over giant “staircase” rocks to the Caribbean Sea. The adventurous can take the climb with an experienced guide or the feint at heart can view the waterfall from the balconies along the cataract. After this we will return to our cruise ship. Please note there is approximately 45 minutes of walking including 8 steps at Firefly. If you are wanting to climb the Dunn’s Falls then you will require a towel, sun screen and suitable waterproof shoes. The falls can sometimes be slippery so great care must be taken; this climb will incorporate approximately 200 steps.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE