choose more ports or jamaica?

[HoustonTodd]

I've been to Jamaica many times, and I've never once had a problem there. In fact it is one of my very favorite islands to visit. It's an amazing, beautiful island. In my experience the people have been outstanding and wonderful, and gone out of their way to show us a wonderful time and break the stereotype that it's an island of crooks and theives. In fact I've travelled all over the world, and Jamaica is one of my very favorite spots anywhere.

 

Now that said, yes you do have to act with wisdom. Trying to just head off and walk the streets alone is stupid. Stick to a tour, preferably one through the cruiseline (I'm more apt to use non-cruiseline excursions elsewhere than here). Don't go wandering off alone.

 

Dunns River Falls is amazing, the Dolphin Cove in Jamaica is the best in the entire Caribbean in my opinion - certainly better than either Grand Cayman or Cozumel.

 

I have been many times, I will be there again in January, and I will go again in the future.

[tammymacb]

Add me among the many who wouldn't go to Jamaica for free. On our last cruise that stopped there, we went to Dunn's River Falls ( which I did enjoy ) but the rest of the trip was horrid. Our driver took us to "shop" which was to a junk stand along the road, with lots of "Happy and I mean *HAPPY* men statues", we didn't get out of the car, and people were banging on the window trying to sell us junk. We had him bring us back to the pier. DH stopped for a drink in a bar/restaurant with an outside porch directly across the street from the cruise terminal. After several people solicited us at the bar, I took my daughter and left. Now, I'm 5'11 and not much of a wilting lilly. But, once we crossed the street, only feet from getting back on the ship, two women, grabbed my daughters hair and wanted to braid it. I said no, dd said no, and they weren't going to take no for an answer. At that point, I told them to let her go or someone would get hurt. ( And I didn't say it niceley ) they backed off and we got on the boat. I found out as soon as I took DD from the bar he was propositioned by several prostitues. Both female and male. :rolleyes: All I can say is. Never. Again.

[HoustonTodd]

Here's a quote from a review (not mine) of a Conquest sailing that just got back and went to Jamaica. You can read the full cruise review in the reviews section here:

 

 

 

--Jamaica - Took a bus ($5 per person) to Dr. Cave Beach. This beach was beautiful with 3 water trampolines. There was a small entrance fee to get into the beach club. After the beach we walked along the shops and stopped in for a jamaican jerk chicken pizza at the Bobsled Cafe. The people of the shops and restaurant were very friendly. We moved on to Margaritaville and tried out the waterslide and water trampoline (HUGE) there. Then, we took a mini van taxi back to the ship. The taxi driver was friendly and told us a lot about the culture there. This was my favorite stop, I think. Jamaica seems to be wrongly stereotyped as a dangerous/unfriendly place to stop and sometimes visitation is discouraged. Sure there are areas in Jamaica that are dangerous or unfriendly but just sticking to the coast is probably a good idea. This is a very friendly and safe place to visit.

[bassmk]

We just came back from the Freedom which stopped at Ocho Rios. My husband and I are pretty seasoned travelers; we thought we would just get off the boat and walk to Margaritaville. Within 45 minutes we were back on the ship (never got to Margaritaville)...the people are poor and trying to earn a living...they are aggressive.

 

We mostly encountered people trying to provide taxi service or to go to the local craft market...but met a couple of younger kids in the elevator getting back on saying that within 20 minutes of being off the ship they were offered drugs 16 times. We also made friends with a couple of older single guys who were offered both drugs and women!

 

I totally agree...we spent about an hour off the ship before we hightailed it back. One guy tried to pickpocket my friend...he didn't realize that we were all together, so I ran up there and got between him and my friend's backpack. Horrible. I'll NEVER go back to Jamaica. I'll stay on the ship if I ever have to stop there again.

[satbeachbill]

;)We were in Ocho Rios 6 weeks ago aboard the Liberty, (and by the way are suffering through severe post cruise depression). We hired a tour company, not through the cruise line, and had a ball. For $35 each, our tour guide, Phil Lafayette took us on alittle tour downtown, to Dunns Rivers Falls, through the Fern Gully, alittle sight seeing and terrific place out of the way place for jerk-pork lunch. What could be better? Actually his tour made the cruise!! We had time to freshen up at the ship and walk to the shopping mall. Sony's I think it was.

 

No harassment whatsoever. If someone came up, it was just 'no thanks' and that was that.

 

There are all-inclusive day passes available to some of the resorts on the beach there too, just for cruisers.

 

To us, it wasn't any different than going to so many other 3rd world islands in the Carribean.

 

We've been there many times, and would go back again tomorrow!!

 

Isn't that what cruising is about, seeing other places, and experiencing new adventures? Take a chance and explore. If you never go, how will you know what you missed?

[NutsAboutGolf]

This was my favorite stop, I think. Jamaica seems to be wrongly stereotyped as a dangerous/unfriendly place to stop and sometimes visitation is discouraged. Sure there are areas in Jamaica that are dangerous or unfriendly but just sticking to the coast is probably a good idea. This is a very friendly and safe place to visit.

 

I'm glad you liked it. I walked from the Taj to Margiritaville to the ship port and was approached by 20 people wanted to sell me something or begging. Ignoring them was met be unfriendly behavior. Just when I thought I was safe back in the secure area, I see a bunch of people swimming under the pier begging for money...Was I safe the entire time? No idea. Were people friendly? Sure, anyone who I was paid was very friendly, anyone I did not pay were very rude.

[Scootch]

We are planning a 7d western caribbean in February and I cannot decide if we should go for the cruise with more ports: GCayman, Belize, Cozumel, Isla Rotan, on the Glory or go for the less busy one with Jamaica on the itinerary on the Valor. The pictures of Jamaica look pretty cool.

We have a 2yr old and wonder if 4 ports are too much. We are used to being busy, so I have gone back and forth....

Also the Jamaica cruise is on the Valor, which doesn't look as nice, but has the dates I like and the other is on the Glory wich looks a little nicer but the dates aren't as nice.

Lots of ?'s I know....

 

Jamaice and Cozumel are horrible when it comes to the people haggling you. That's why I like Grand Caymen. It is a classy port!!

 

Jamaica is beautiful, but the people make it almost impossible to enjoy your time there. We have been there twice. Two years ago my husband and I did Dunns River Falls. A man asked if he could take out picture w/ his polaroid camera. He wanted me to buy the pic for $8. I never misled him to think I would buy it. I was in the middle of the falls, I had no money! He chased us till we got on the bus to go back to the ship. I was actually scared. The young woman who was escorting our escursion had to tell him to leave us alone.

There is a very nice shopping district about a 1/4 mile from the port, but you are bothered the entire walk there. I tell my husband if we go back, I am going to wear a shirt that says, "No!!!"

 

At some point you should go....but go prepared to either ignore the people or having to say "no" every minute.

[HoustonTodd]

I'm glad you liked it. I walked from the Taj to Margiritaville to the ship port and was approached by 20 people wanted to sell me something or begging. Ignoring them was met be unfriendly behavior. Just when I thought I was safe back in the secure area, I see a bunch of people swimming under the pier begging for money...Was I safe the entire time? No idea. Were people friendly? Sure, anyone who I was paid was very friendly, anyone I did not pay were very rude.

 

 

Well, like I said that wasn't my review, it was someone else's. I have however been there multiple times, loved the people and the port. The difference is you have to be wise. Notice that most of the people who "hated" it are people who talk about trying to "walk here, walk there", go it alone, do their own thing. Pay for a ship excursion, or find a good company that does excursions, or set something up direct with one of the resorts (who will arrange travel for you) and you will have an incredible time, be treated wonderfully by amazing people, and pretty much not be hassled.

 

Grand Cayman = roam around walking and shopping anywhere on your own if you like.

 

Jamaica = be smart, and pay for a guide or excursion.

[kcroxyoursox]

Just like any port, do your research when it comes to Jamaica.

 

This was the only port we did a ship-booked excursion. We gathered inside the cruise terminal, got right onto a bus (I checked for the government-approved red license plates!) did a wonderful ziplining tour, had local food right there on site and then were delivered right back to the terminal. There was no opportunity to be harrassed or solicited, and you better believe the company that we did the excursion with kept us safe because they rely on cruise business for their revenue (I tried booking directly with the company but they said no because I was a cruise ship passenger.) They definitely understand the value of the kickbacks they are getting from the cruise lines and work very hard to protect that relationship.

[MamaParrotHead]

You won't want to take a 2 YO into Jamaica. And 4 port days is going to be SUPER busy. I don't buy into the "you don't have to get off the ship" mentality, normally, but if you want less busy itinerary and that one happens to be Jamaica, then I'd definately stay onboard for this one, or just get off to wander around the "Island Village" area (assuming the one port is Ocho Rios).

 

I did book a reputable tour operator, and the tour itself was OK. But Dunns River Falls weren't anything spectacular, and you know it's bad when the tour guide is standing there, keeping an eye out for locals and herds us back on the tour bus when the locals notice us/tourists and start to approach us. And after reading and hearing all about the ship sponsored excursion in Jamaica a few years ago that was held up at machete/gun point, don't let anyone try to convince you that just because a tour is "ship sponsored" it's "safe", either.

[HoustonTodd]

I've been MUCH more hassled in Jerusalem's old city, some areas of Egypt, or Petra in Jordan (which is actually THE worst I've ever been to - amazing, amazing place, I would go back in a heartbeat, but terrible begging/over the top sales/pushiness/etc).

 

I am amazed by people who think that Dunns River Falls is "hassling". Now I've only been to DRF once, maybe I just got lucky. But when we got to the top we wandered off from our tour guide and actually wandered the shops and talked to people. I didn't find them to be all that bad at all.

[Kurbanfan]

Notice that most of the people who "hated" it are people who talk about trying to "walk here, walk there", go it alone, do their own thing..

 

You are kidding right:confused: The minute you step off the ship at the port you get hit with all the loosers selling their drugs and paraphernalia.....sticking their filthy hands thru the fence to get at you........

If the police can't keep them away from the port area......why would anyone want to go any further:rolleyes:

 

And someone compared Jamaica to Cozumel:confused: Give me a break....night and day.....the peddlers in Cozumel are just trying to make a living to support their families selling their wares.......the scumbags in Jamaica are trying to support their filthy habits........

I just don't understand why the ships stop there........

[gliner]

I've been MUCH more hassled in Jerusalem's old city, some areas of Egypt, or Petra in Jordan (which is actually THE worst I've ever been to - amazing, amazing place, I would go back in a heartbeat, but terrible begging/over the top sales/pushiness/etc).

 

 

I too have been around the world (34 countries so far) and have lived outside the US for a decade. I have seen aggressive merchants in the Middle East, Asia and eastern Europe. Yet the only place that I have been physically grabbed and pulled into a shop is Jamaica. The people of Haiti were not even so brazen as to do that.

 

As with all places, situational awareness is paramount. Know where you are and know who you are with at all times.

[tammymacb]

From someone who does several land based vacations to dive every year in the Caribbean and does cruises with my non diving 13 year old, let me express my biggest issue with Jamaica.

 

If I go to an island, I choose to immerse myself in the culture and attempt to get to know some of the people who live there. You'll never find me at a chain resort or a highrise on a tourist beach. Instead, you'll find me sitting at a beach bar on a small family or privately owned resort. I dislike Jamaica for several reasons, the first and foremost, I don't feel safe. The second, meeting locals and enjoying learning of their past in company that isn't trying to sell you something is impossible. I dislike Cozumel ( and much of "touristy Mexico" )for the same reason. I just spent 11 days on island there for a trip. One afternoon, DH and I decided to walk into town and I lasted exactly 45 minutes. No thanks.

 

Give me Grand Cayman, or Barbados any day. ( and many others )

[joeandaimeesmom]

I avoid any cruise that includes Jamaica.....Although Dunn's River Falls was great the island/people were not. Only cruise port I have ever felt uncomfortable in.....

 

I second that!! Dunns River Falls was great to see but the people there were rude and scary!!! JMHO here but I would not bring kids there as if you had to speak to your child to mind then the pickpockets would br all over you in sec..And when they tell you something was free,and once it was in your hands you "bought"it.. Handshakes are a nono there too.. Can we say drugs??:eek::eek: Once you had it in your hand the island police would nab you in a blink of and eye..I imaging someone here will get on and chastise me but it is my opinion..

[DqALEX]

You are kidding right:confused: The minute you step off the ship at the port you get hit with all the loosers selling their drugs and paraphernalia.....sticking their filthy hands thru the fence to get at you........

If the police can't keep them away from the port area......why would anyone want to go any further:rolleyes:

 

And someone compared Jamaica to Cozumel:confused: Give me a break....night and day.....the peddlers in Cozumel are just trying to make a living to support their families selling their wares.......the scumbags in Jamaica are trying to support their filthy habits........

I just don't understand why the ships stop there........

I Agree. Cozumel is NO JAMAICA.

[Traveler with a porpose]

I am another fan of Jamaica. Our family has been there twice and have enjoyed both visits. I think as long as you use a reputable tour company (we did private tours both times) you will have an enjoyable trip.

[TANZYRAGWEED]

Thank you for everyone's input. It is good to hear all different opinions and experiences. You never know which you'll be, but good to expect any one of them

[MrOCT31]

I Agree. Cozumel is NO JAMAICA.

 

Wow I was thinking the same thing when I read that! I went to Coz for the first time this past April and I loved it! Great place IMO!

 

I haven't been to Jamaica in over 20 years and at that it was at Sandals Negril but even then you could tell if you went outside the resort things were not so great, but we never had any issues other than some nasty looks from some and we were able to go out on our own. Sounds like that's not a good idea any more which is a shame it's a beautiful island but with so many other choices and things sounding worse there nowadays, why chance it?

[kasil]

My 15 yo DD and 12 yo DS were in Ocho Rios in August. It was their favorite stop. I booked through the cruiseline after reading all of the negative comments on this board. I was prepared to feel a little unsafe, but I never did. I wouldn't hesitate to go back with older kids, but I don't think I feel very comfortable with preschoolers. I'd look at the itineraries and pick two or three places that are "must sees" for you. There is so much to do on either ship, your kids probably won't care if they miss a port or two. If you haven't already, post a question on the Family Cruises boad. I'm sure someone there has more experience with little ones at specific ports. Either way, have a wonderful vacation.

[pe4all]

We were first in Ochos Rios at an AI when kids were 4/7. No problems. Went back on Freedom - kids were now 17/20 - no problems. Are going back in Feb. on Liberty. Will book a CCL excursion again, as we are chickens going off on our own in most ports anyway. Also, did the Cool Runnings cat/Dunn's River Falls excursion last time - our tour guides were great in not having people bother us. I had spoken to my kids about not giving their names, not taking anything offered to us - legal or illegal:eek:- In fact, we were offered more "smoke" walking 2 blocks in San Juan when we ported on cruises there than we ever were in Jamaica! Research all the ports, don't go off on your own, and you will be fine.

[PROCRUISE]

We are planning a 7d western caribbean in February and I cannot decide if we should go for the cruise with more ports: GCayman, Belize, Cozumel, Isla Rotan, on the Glory or go for the less busy one with Jamaica on the itinerary on the Valor. The pictures of Jamaica look pretty cool.

We have a 2yr old and wonder if 4 ports are too much. We are used to being busy, so I have gone back and forth....

Also the Jamaica cruise is on the Valor, which doesn't look as nice, but has the dates I like and the other is on the Glory wich looks a little nicer but the dates aren't as nice.

Lots of ?'s I know....

 

Avoid Jamaica!! If 4 ports of call is too much because of your 2 year old, then pick one of those stops to simply stay on board and enjoy the ship activities, with many fewer people to contend with on the ship.