At the beginning of 2011, January will herald the 32-acre, two-berth Historic Falmouth Cruise Port, a $220-million project developed by Royal Caribbean Limited (RCCL) in partnership with the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), for the berthing of the cruise line’s Genesis class ship. On January 7, the Navigator of the Seas will be the first to enter the port that will feature walking tours of the 240-year-old town, as well as access to 60 attractions in the surrounding area and in Ocho Rio and Montego Bay.
Founded in 1769, the town of Falmouth is renowned as one of the Caribbean's best-preserved towns from the Georgian era. Featuring many late 18th-century and 19th-century buildings, the town has been recognized by the World Monuments Fund, making the fund's Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites four times in the last decade. Sites in the area include The Cannon at Fort Balcarres, first built in 1811 to defend the harbor, and Old Baptist Manse, created as a Masonic temple and later home to the "Great Emancipator" William Knibb. We love Albert George Market, built in 1896 and restored in 1989, and Glistening Waters, the lagoon right outside of Falmouth. Restoration of several sites is underway and will be continued in the future.
In town, visitors are welcomed into an area that features restaurants, duty-free and boutique shops, a craft market, offices, and residences within walking distance. Nearby, just West of Falmouth in the hills, the Greenwood Great House offers daily tours of the property overlooking the sea, built by the Barrett family between 1780 and 1800.
Visit www.visitjamaica.com.