Rose Hall Great House and Montego Bay

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 the jerk center for lunch or at the beach. ($7USD beach entrance fee not included. Please inform tour guide at the beginning of the tour if you would like a beach stop)