SqueakyDust

Hi Tottt, you were correct with the ports we'll visit. The ship, The Ocean Village, sails from Montego Bay, a week later it comes back to Montego Bay to take a different route down the West Caribbean and on it's way back stops in Ocho Rios (before docking in Montego Bay again!).

We've always preferred to do private tours as I'd rather my money went to a local, rather than a large Company. However, this may not be the case on the islands we're not so sure about - Jamaica being one.

As much as I'd love to visit a local family, I don't think my kids (they'll be 11 and 12 when we go) would appreciate it. They are extremely shy and don't interact well, to the point they may appear rude to others.

We live in NE Scotland, and I'm afraid our northern borders are just that little bit too cold for many Jamaicans (and other Caribbeans!) so we are probably more ignorant to the cultures - which is why we love cruising as we get to see many in a short time.

One thing I know my kids will be interested in is the local craft - what is there for them to buy souvenier wise? We found on our last cruise (East Caribbean) a lot did not actually pertain to the islands and we found Rastafarian things on most islands (though very few Rastafarians!!)

Thank you again for your insight. :o)

TOTTT, I also would like to thank you for your explanations on the island culture.

We're booked on a cruise, with our two children, that will be leaving from Jamaica, and will call there 3 times within our 2 week trip. It's a new schedule for the cruiseline (British) and we are on the first sailing.

My husband has started to get cold feet. Jamaica is not the only island that worries him, but we're there 3 times. I must admit that having read recent reports about the island I too am getting worried. I don't see the point of going on a cruise and not getting off the ship, but I have to make my children's safety and welfare my first priority.

What I think may be needed is for all of us to compromise/think before we act. By that I mean us visitors AND the locals. It may be the Jamaican way to shout out to potential buyers, but surely if they know it upsets/scares other cultures they should try a different approach.

Even here at home if I am hassled by a shop assistant 'trying to help', without my asking for it, it will actually chase me away.

I hope we do go on this cruise and that I can come back on here and post positive things.

Our taxi driver wasn't that great either.

He went so slow, everyone passed us and he wouldn't vere off his circuit. He wanted to avoid the Fort, just pointed out the Carib stone, and only gave us short times to see places.

I think they want to just do a tour, get you back and get on to the next one. Sad really, as if they give a bit more then they'll receive a bit more, and also get recommended on places like here.

Our driver did mention that things were bad on the island with regard to the Sugar Cane and it was the people who were suffering.

We've taken the ferry ourselves twice.

Most recent was just about 10 days ago! We used Speedy's as he does a price including the taxi. As mentioned before, the taxi driver tells you what time back the ferries are and what time to be up at the car park.

We took the 9am over and the 2.45pm back, and had time to shop.

The trip through the rocks would not be suitable for someone with a stick as you need to crouch down very low (or crawl as I did!). You also need to pull yourself up a rock with the aid of a rope!!

The path isn't too bad, but I guess it would be a different story if it had recently rained. Also if the person with the stick cannot bend knees this could be a problem as there are steps.

Finally, the sand down at the beach is VERY soft and is hard to walk in.

There were quite a few people coming into the beach via little boats, so maybe this is something you could consider. Thos who wished to could still go through the rocks but return to the beach.

Brilliant island.

Thanks Tommy for your review(s).

I'm enjoying reading them.

I did wonder about taking the meal part of Speedy's deal, but tend not to eat off the ship. However, some fries and a cola would be right up the kids' street.

I notice you didn't mention having any trouble going through the Baths with regards to you being cuddly ;) (like myself) so I may give it a go.

We're off tomorrow so I'll add my thoughts upon my return.