Rose Hall Great House and Highlights

Rose Hall Great House and Highlights
Excursion Highlights:
  • Dive deep into history in Montego Bay, exploring the enchanting Rose Hall Great House, infamous for its legendary owner Annie Palmer, known as the White Witch
  • Marvel at the rich history encapsulated in the Montego Bay Cultural Center, stroll the cobblestones of Sam Sharpe Square, and sample the sweet taste of sugarcane
  • Experience the Georgian-style buildings in the city center, including the Cage, a historical jail, and be treated to a local favorite, the Jamaican beef patty
  • Witness the awe-inspiring views from Richmond Hill, standing 500 feet above sea level, and the stunning stained-glass window of the 200-year-old St. James Parish Church
Price: $89.00
Children ages 2 and younger may attend free of charge but must be accounted for.
Choose Options My Cruise Itinerary
Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Standard
Shore Excursion Type Cultural, Scenic
Shore Excursion Duration 6 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Pier
Food/Beverage Provided Jamaican patty, sugar cane, bottle of water
Recommended Dress Comfortable, seasonal clothing and good walking shoes, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
Restrictions Guests must be able to get in and out of vehicle. Must be able to walk to tour sites. Not wheelchair accessible. Children ages 2 and younger may attend free of charge but must be accounted for.

Rose Hall Great House and Highlights

The fun starts as you leave the cruise ship port in an air-conditioned vehicle to spend the day in Montego Bay, the tourism capital of Jamaica and the second-largest city on the island. Discover the city through the lens of history beginning with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1494. Hear stories about Montego Bay's early days as a sugarcane port as well as its darker days of slavery.

Head to the heart of the city, where you will head to your first stop of the tour--the beautiful Montego Bay Cultural Center, which is a museum and art gallery. This cultural center traces the history of the city from the Arawak era to the present. You'll learn about Montego Bay's early days as a sugarcane port. You may even have the opportunity to sample some sugar cane. You'll get the chance to stand on the cobblestone streets of Sam Sharpe Square, named after a national hero who was hanged for leading the revolt against slavery in 1832. While in the main square you will see other notable spots such as the civic center and the National Heroes Monument. Amid the colorful Georgian-style buildings you will find the Cage, a small stone structure that was once used as an overnight jail for drunks and vagrants. After visiting the museum, you'll be treated to a Jamaican beef patty--a local snack, which is a flaky pastry shell filled with seasoned meat.

Stop at St. James Parish church and gaze up at the elaborate stained glass window installed in 1911. This 200-year-old church is laid out in the shape of the classic Greek cross and is surrounded by centuries-old tombstones.

Continue to Rose Hall Great House and tour the house and gardens as you learn about the slaves and its infamous owner, Annie Palmer. Legend has it she lived here in the early 19th century and killed three husbands as well as several male slaves she took as lovers before she was murdered by one of her slaves. Locals dubbed her the White Witch of Rose Hall as it is said her ghost can be seen in the upstairs portion of the house. Her legend lives on in the Johnny Cash recording "The Ballad of Annie Palmer."

Please Note: Your 6-hour tour includes the entrance fee to Rose Hall Great House and there will be time for some brief shopping at duty-free and craft areas. Cameras are not allowed in the Rose Hall Great House. You have the option to stop at Margaritaville Restaurant or the beach on your way back to port ($6USD beach entrance fee).