Jamaica's newest cruise port takes on first ship

After many years of preparation, Caribbean port Falmouth has taken it's first ship of cruise passengers.  Royal Caribbean International's Voyager of the Seas landed with a group of people ready to check out the north end of the island and the 60 tours will be available, among the widest selection of any Caribbean port.

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Located on the north coast of the island between the well-established ports of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, Falmouth is a gateway for all the classic shore excursions such as visits to Dunn's River Falls and rafting on the Martha Brae River.   Visitors will also want to check out Jamaica's visit to the 18th-century Good Hope Great House, goodhopejamaica.com, which is only 15 mins from the port.  On these beautiful grounds you can can take a horse and carriage ride, go river tubing or explore the grounds by ATV.

(Or tour Appleton's Estate while in Falmouth)

Royal Caribbean and the Jamaica Port Authority joined in efforts to open up this port at the cost of $170,000,000 (that's 17 million).   It was slated to open up late 2009 but the project hit many delays including environmental and finical.   But it's complete now and ready to roll.  I wonder how this new port will affect Jamaica and/or cruising in general in the Caribbean.