OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA

Departing from the quayside, we will have a scenic journey along the coast to the quaint town of St Ann’s Bay, which was originally the Spanish Capital of the island. We will be able see the mid 1800’s church and the statues of two historical figures linked to St. Ann’s Bay, including the Statue of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, which commemorates the Jamaican national hero who championed a back-to-Africa movement. A statue of Christopher Columbus is also on the square.

Leaving St Ann’s behind, our drive continues to Seville Heritage Park. The major attraction of the park is the collection of artefacts on display in the Great House, which depicts various aspects of the life of the Taino Indians, Africans and Europeans. In the park, which overlooks the beautiful Caribbean Sea, is the relic of a water wheel, which was used to operate the old sugar mill, there is also the Overseer’s House and Barbecue.

We will be able to enjoy a refreshing drink at the ruins before continuing onto the Famous Fern Gully Gorge, which boasts over 100 species of ferns and shrubs and the Wassi Arts Pottery – an unexpected treasure chest of unusual pottery that delights both collectors and visitors. The name Wassi is an old Jamaican dialect word, probably derived from the word from the Wasp. During our stop, we will be able to meet the artisans whilst they work and observe the process of making the beautiful art ware from start to finish.

Our final stop will be to Island Village, where the picturesque open-air setting, boardwalks, natural spring lagoons and beautiful flowering trees all add to the village’s tranquillity.

TOUR NOTES: Please note that this tour does involve a moderate amount of walking, including approximately 45 minutes at the Seville Heritage Park, 20 minutes at the ruins and 30 minutes at the Island Village. The walking will be over varying terrain’s including stepping stones, pebbled walkway and boardwalks – there will also be steps to negotiate. There is the opportunity to remain longer at the Island Village, however passengers wishing to do this will be responsible in making their own way back to our ship before sailing.

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