The 10 Best Souvenirs to Purchase in Montego Bay

Discovering the vibrant beauty of Jamaica as a cruise port is an enchanting adventure that captivates visitors with its stunning nature, rich culture, and the warm hospitality of its people. What better way to cherish those memories than by bringing a piece of Jamaica home to share with your loved ones? At the cruise ship port of Montego Bay, you’ll find ample opportunities to shop for a diverse array of Jamaican treasures before you set sail again. Here are 10 unique gifts you can grab along the Hip Strip at the shopping plaza before you leave.

1.   Jamaican Coffee

Renowned worldwide, Jamaica’s coffee is celebrated for its smooth, rich flavor and absence of bitterness. The most sought-after coffee is cultivated in the Blue Mountains, the tallest peaks in the Caribbean, which stretch down the heart of the island. This coffee is essential for impressing any coffee enthusiast back home. Make sure to look for the certification from the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica when you buy it as a souvenir to ensure its authenticity.

2.   Local Artwork

Strolling through the downtown area of Montego Bay, you’ll encounter a vibrant array of stunning oil paintings available for purchase in shops and along the streets. These artworks can be easily rolled up and packed into a backpack or suitcase until you return home to display them. Featuring everything from lively depictions of community life to breathtaking sunsets over the turquoise waters, a local painting from Jamaica serves as a perfect gift for someone special or a cherished memento for yourself.

3.   Spicy Sauce

Shopping in Montego Bay offers a thrilling experience for spice lovers, as you’ll find an extensive range of local hot sauces that can impress even the most dedicated chili pepper enthusiasts. Typically crafted with the Jamaican Scotch Bonnet, one of the hottest chili peppers globally, these sauces will infuse your dishes with intense heat and flavor. For those seeking milder options to bring home to more easygoing friends, look for hot sauces made with fruits like mango or banana, which usually offer a gentler kick.

4.   Coconut Wine Glasses

When you visit any craft vendor in Montego Bay, you’re bound to come across the beloved Jamaican souvenir: the coconut wine glass. These lightweight, portable, and practical handmade glasses are made from real coconut shells, making them perfect substitutes for traditional wine glasses back home. They’ll bring a delightful tropical flair to any kitchen cabinet.

5.   Jerk Spice Blends

Experiencing the variety of jerk-cooked dishes in Jamaica is one of the island’s top highlights, so it makes perfect sense to bring some of that mouthwatering flavor home for your friends. Crafted from allspice, Scotch Bonnet Peppers, and spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, jerk spice blends are used similarly to marinades for meats and in soups, infusing dishes with vibrant flavor and plenty of heat. Use them wisely!

6.   Wooden Carvings

The tradition of carving local woods such as mahogany and cedar into everything from furniture to intricate sculptures is a cherished art form in Jamaica. These locally crafted pieces make for some of the finest souvenirs you can bring home from the island, and the shops in the port area of Montego Bay boast the best selection in the country. Ideal for enhancing the decor of your home or garden, Jamaican wooden carvings are an essential keepsake from any cruise to Jamaica.

7.   Jamaican Rum

Jamaica is globally renowned as a cruise destination famous for its premium rum, a spirited beverage distilled from the island's abundant sugarcane. From the traditional white rums used in spiritual ceremonies to the tropical coconut and fruit-infused varieties that enhance cocktails, Jamaica boasts an impressive selection of rums, many of which can be found for sale near the cruise port in downtown Montego Bay. If you're seeking a memorable gift from Jamaica to impress your friends back home, consider the exquisite 30- and 50-year aged rums produced by the estate rum makers on the island.

8.   Leather Sandals

Another stylish and practical local craft item is the leather sandal, which can be found in gift shops and artisan stalls throughout Montego Bay. Crafted from natural materials, these sandals make thoughtful gifts for friends of all ages and fit conveniently in your suitcase.

9.   Straw Hats

Woven from the abundant palm leaves found across Jamaica, straw hats are a local artisanal craft that combines style with functionality. They serve as the perfect souvenir from your cruise, offering a chic way to shield your face and neck from the scorching tropical sun. Jamaican straw hats are readily available throughout Montego Bay, featuring a diverse range of styles and price points.

10.  Jamaican Dolls

Perfect as a gift for children back home, Jamaican dolls are a classic playtime favorite found in most craft stores in Montego Bay. Crafted from soft, spongy materials or sturdy plastic, these dolls typically wear traditional Jamaican attire and hairstyles, adding a touch of culture to any child's toy collection.

Note: Activities onboard, shore excursions, and dining choices may differ based on ship and destination.