PORT ANTONIO, JAMAICA

The Blue Mountain range provides a spectacular backdrop to the town, which has retained its charm as a quiet rural township and is home to one of the most beautiful harbours in the Caribbean

We depart the pier on a scenic drive of Port Antonio. The Blue Mountain range provides a spectacular backdrop to the town, which has retained its charm as a quiet rural township and is home to one of the most beautiful harbours in the Caribbean. We will see the lovely gingerbread De Montevin Lodge that was built in 1881, now a popular guesthouse on Titchfield Peninsula.We continue to Non Such Caves – a storehouse of natural beauty and a fascinating accumulation of over a million years of history. Within the caves’ nine chambers, we will hear many interesting stories – including the tale of how they were discovered by a goat! We will see evidence indicating that the caves, in fact the entire island, were once submerged beneath the sea, and admire many stalagmites and stalactites – showcasing nature’s clever creativity. We will also view the location where Arawak Indian artefacts were found. Clean concrete walkways and railed stairways lead us on our exploration amidst dramatic lighting. Departing Non Such Caves and continuing into the countryside, we drive by Errol Flynn’s Estate. We then make a brief stop at the famous Boston Jerk Centre for a taste of the jerk fare, which is prepared along the roadway. We then drive along the coast, to Long Bay Beach and Fisherman’s Park for a spectacular view. We will stop at the beach for a refreshing drink before we commence our drive back to Port Antonio. Back in the small town of Port Antonio, we will view its narrow streets lined with buildings from another era, including the neo-Romanesque Anglican stone church that was built in 1840. The Portland Parish Church (also known as Christ Church) is built on land indentured on 3rd September 1836 by John Dean and Jane Brown. The church (which we will make a short external visit of) is predominantly a brick structure with stone and masonry used for decorative purposes, which was also the style of the period. This three-storey building is rectangular in plan, with a four-storey tower, which houses the belfry and clock.After this fascinating tour, we return to our ship.This tour is not suitable for passengers with claustrophobia, or those with limited mobility, as there is a lot of strenuous walking and steps involved. There is an unmade path, and approximately 90 steep steps down to the caves’ entrance. Inside Non Such Caves there will be a tour and approximately 35 steps will be encountered. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. It may also be advisable to bring a jumper, as caves can often be rather cool. Port Antonio is a small town, and as such the sightseeing here will be limited in content. It will not be possible to swim or enter the water at the beach stop.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CARIBBEAN SEASON