Your sightseeing cruise excursion day of exploration of Montego Bay's great houses begins right outside the cruise terminal where your friendly English-speaking shore excursion guide and transportation are waiting for you. As you leave the cruise ship pier area, you will travel the High Road for the incredible lookout views of the city, port, and open ocean of Jamaica!
Back in the days of plantations, the great house was the central command and main residence. The architecture of each great house reflected where the owners were from.
The first stop on your Montego Bay cruise excursion will be at Jamaica's most famous Great House, Rose Hall. This amazing mid-18th-century house was also the home of Annie Palmer who was known as the White Witch. Your certified guide will show you around the grounds, gardens, and through the house. It boasts some outstanding ocean views from the gardens as well as from the house.
You will hear the history, background, and folklore surrounding this great example of Georgian architecture. Mrs. Palmer not only openly practiced voodoo but also murdered all 3 of her husbands here and several gentlemen callers. Coincidentally, she too was found murdered in the house. You will be given a complimentary glass of "witches brew".
Leaving the mystery of Rose Hall behind, it is then time to head to Greenwood Great House which is tucked away in a lush garden setting just 15 miles outside of Montego Bay. The great house was built in 1690 by the Barrett family which included Richard Barrett, highly ranked in the judicial system, and the famous Victorian-era poet, Elizabeth Barrett-Browning.
The family was very prosperous and owned over 2,000 slaves. Unlike other plantation owners, the Barrett's were kind to their slaves and even taught them to read which was considered a criminal offense. Interestingly, Greenwood was one of the few great houses that were not burned or damaged in the slave uprising in 1831.
The great house is filled with a fine collection of original antique furnishings and rare musical instruments. It also has one of the largest antique book collections in the country (over 300), many dating back to the 1600s. Your guide will fill you in on all the interesting history and stories about Greenwood. You will also receive a complimentary beverage before you leave.
Whether you are just browsing or out for some serious shopping, there is plenty to see along Hip Strip including the Casa Blanca Hotel (the first in Montego Bay), Doctor's Cave Beach, and the Crafts Market (a stop can be provided if the group wants) on this great sightseeing shore excursion in Jamaica. The transportation will take you back to the Montego Bay cruise pier terminal at the end of this cruise excursion.
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