December 1, 2025 – Ocho Rios, Jamaica – Warm and Sunny – 87F

December 1, 2025 – Ocho Rios, Jamaica – Warm and Sunny – 87F

It's a beautiful if a bit warm day in Jamaica.  Ocho Rios (we have been here a few times) was not our original port of call – a recent hurricane whipped through Jamaica and did a lot of damage to Montego Bay so we are here instead.

What I do remember about Ocho Rios is that the walk from the ship to the shore is very long and that the area near the ship is home to a few vendors.  You walk through that area to get out on the main street.  At breakfast, I could see that the vendor area, which was quite rustic in the past, has been updated.  The shops look new and organized. Thinking about the walk and the heat, we decided not to get off the ship today.  

 

My usual breakfast was great.  Today, Ellen had breakfast in the Bistro - she had a bagel with lox and cream cheese.  I had a bagel with butter (for dipping in my coffee).  

Lunch today was in the Beefbar.  We had a deconstructed Cesar Salad, a sauceless while pizza, and the Tom Yum entrée.  It was all OK – my Tom Yum dish was composed of soy beef (almost too much like beef) and veggies and rice.  

It was way too spicy and I could not finish it.  I don’t think I would get it again.  The lunch was enhaned by a bottle of Blue Moon Beer, which I think is the best brew on this cruise.

The view inspired me to take another iconic picture of Ellen on the deck.

Chris Burke was the headliner tonight – “Blue Eyed” Soul". 

A very loud show – he was a pretty good singer and he told some interesting stories but he couldn’t quite pull off the soul singer part.  He only had the one show so our room would be quiet.  

We also took in Carl Wishneusky in the Stardust Lounge.  Quite the pianist – competed in the Chopin Contest in Warsaw several times (no wins).  The Lounge was full. We stayed for almost the whole show.