RCCL cruisers...tell me about Falmouth

[funfamilyof6]

We were in Falmouth in August and made the mistake of walking outside the gate with our 4 kids (16, 14, 12, 9). We had a great time in Ocho so we are not skittish at all. We were way out of our comfort zone in Falmouth. I can't even tell you how many women were walking up to my daughters, touching their hair and trying to put braids in it even though we clearly and loudly said "NO THANK YOU" and "PLEASE DON'T TOUCH OUR DAUGHTERS HAIR". It was the most uncomfortable 10 minutes of our life trying to get back in to the "safe area". Our kids were scared then, but of course laugh about it now. What an experience! :eek:

 

Inside the gate it was very nice but a little to fake for us! We would have planned an excusion, but we had already done 3 expensives excursion in the other ports. My son did get a really nice carved lizard. :)

[KansCocoa]

I have spent extensive time in Falmouth while doing mission work; there is a medical clinic in the main part of the town, where I've returned year after year to offer free medical care to the local residents.

 

We are not allowed to walk around town without an escort....at first, I thought this was rather ridiculous, as I've been to Guatemala, Belize, and other places that would be considered perhaps a bit "scary." However, I eventually realized this was a smart rule. Falmouth is a very poor community, and sometimes desperation can lead to desperate actions. Most Falmouth residents are very law-abiding and very appreciative of tourists who come & spend money at their shops, restaurants, and bars; but there are always a few troublemakers.

 

No, there is no beach close to Falmouth. We would have to go to Montego Bay for a good beach break. Or, we would head to Ochos Rios and visit Dunn's River Falls.

 

With that said, I love Falmouth and the people there. I have had an opportunity to meet many of the local residents, visit the children at school, and develop an appreciation for Jamaican culture. And food. :)

[tehbubba]

We just came back from a 7 day on the Oasis and stopped in Falmouth. We bought a few things in the port shopping area but I could tell from when we were on deck that we wouldn't be leaving the gates. That area doesn't seem like an area I would like to walk through if it were in my own home town so I definitely wasn't going to walk through it in Jamaica. However, we did go jewelry shopping and I ended up buying my wife a name brand watch and the price was definitely lower than any price I saw online so I was happy. I agree with all of the above comments that say either stay in the gated port/shopping area, or go on a Royal Caribbean excursion. Anything else and you're risking it.

[mikechass]

We did Chukka Beach too, but the $26 excursion.

I believe there was a rafting trip that we had signed up for, but I hurt my back and I wasn't able to sit for trip. I was very sad, as the friends of ours that went said they got foot and leg massages, fresh coconuts and all sorts of spoils...

The Beach was lovely, the more expensive one involves a lunch.

We didn't need it. Got a couple Red Strips for my hubby, a diet coke for me and we sat the afternoon away!

You will love it.

And the shopping in the port area is lovely.

[micmacmissy]

We did Chukka Beach too, but the $26 excursion.

I believe there was a rafting trip that we had signed up for, but I hurt my back and I wasn't able to sit for trip. I was very sad, as the friends of ours that went said they got foot and leg massages, fresh coconuts and all sorts of spoils...

The Beach was lovely, the more expensive one involves a lunch.

We didn't need it. Got a couple Red Strips for my hubby, a diet coke for me and we sat the afternoon away!

You will love it.

And the shopping in the port area is lovely.

 

This sounds great. So, in doing the Chukka beach trip, you board the bus within the port area and you're escorted the whole way? Once on the beach, it is a safe area? I assume you're with a large group?

 

And is there a set time for returning? I like to be early back to the ship (I think I'm permanently scarred from witnessing a couple miss the ship while leaving Mexico on a Celebrity cruise years before, hearing them scream from the dock while we watched from our balcony...)

 

Thanks!

[denamo]

The port area at Falmouth seems to have been created to meet the comfort zones of travelers. It's pretty "mall like". One interesting area is toward the gates you would leave to go into town. There is the history posted on various poles and it gives a good background of the area.

 

Our first visit to Falmouth we took the trolley tour. It was $10 per person. A policeman accompanied the trolley. Never felt unsafe. Had a chance to see the town. Saw the tallest builidng which is a church. We were told it is the tallest structure in town except when the Allure or Oasis are in port. ;) This isn't a ship excursion. And from what we could tell, it was a first come first served. When we were there the first time, in the middle of the port square there was a food trailer selling jerk chicken and Stripe beer. We tried it and it was good. It wasn't there when we were there last December.

 

Those we spoke to on the ship enjoyed the excursions they took. All we visited with did ship excursions. There was an excursion that got back to the port late on our December cruise, so we had a bit of a wait.

 

Enjoy Falmouth!

[tjmaher]

Love this port of called. We never felt like we were in danger. The port itself is very clean and security is all around.

 

We booked Courtney Taylor for the day and he took us to a beautiful beach in MB. We had a blast. From the beach we could see the Carnival ships that were docked in MB. Courtney was ever mindful of the time to ensure we were back on ship on time. We would certainly visit this port again!! Never would go back to OR!

[CRUIS4ME]

We went to Hilton Rose Resort (Hilton Hotel property)...all inclusive for the day to include food, drinks, liquor drinks, beach, pool....swim up bar in pool, a couple nice water slides, moving "river" pool...was a good time for adults and/or families. Booked it thru jamaica for a day.com Would do it again.

[twoflyers]

This is the excursion we were looking at...$50/pp seems like a lot for a beach day. But we would like a beach day, and I'm hesitant to do that outside of the cruise line.

 

Is it a nice beach? Does it get very crowded? Want a good beach for the kids to swim. Are the waves big?

 

Hi,

 

My husband and I were in Falmouth in December and agree with all the offered comments. One option we looked at, but did not do because we will be back with friends in Dec., was a day pass at the Hilton Rose Hall. Go to Google and request "things to do in Falmouth, Jamaica" and the Hilton website should come up. If that does not work you can purchase the same day pass at one of the "excusion desks" on the Falmouth pier. I believe the cost was about $50-60 PP.

Have fun!!

[Hunwolf]

One word of caution...be very aware of the stores within the shopping zone there selling "official" Blue Mountain coffee.

 

Some people in our group bought from two different stores and it was both garbage. Let's just say it wasn't Blue Mountain Coffee.

[Lorey2007]

Our first visit to Falmouth we took the trolley tour. It was $10 per person. A policeman accompanied the trolley. Never felt unsafe. Had a chance to see the town. Saw the tallest builidng which is a church. We were told it is the tallest structure in town except when the Allure or Oasis are in port. ;) This isn't a ship excursion. And from what we could tell, it was a first come first served.

Enjoy Falmouth!

 

Where do you get the trolley is there a sign for it and is it open air? About how long did the tour take? When were you there? Thanks.

[bikergal78]

The trolley can be picked up in 2 spots. One right after your walk off ship and thru entryway. Other one is down the shopping center to your left as your walking. Thats the one I did. It was $15, open air, takes your around the town and to a church where you stop and take a look inside. The whole thing took like 30 mins. I walked around outside the gates for a little bit and then came back inside the secure area to shop around the stores.

 

Not my favorite port to say the least. If I ever go back I will book an excursion as the port itself is boring and it is the same stores like Diamond International etc.

 

I would suggest you take the time to check out all the wood carvings that the venders make. I bought a beautiful carved fish made out of solid Mahogany. Make sure you bargain with them.

[BBT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsbcgirl

Do the Chukka Beach Break offered through the ship

 

This is the excursion we were looking at...$50/pp seems like a lot for a beach day. But we would like a beach day, and I'm hesitant to do that outside of the cruise line.

 

Is it a nice beach? Does it get very crowded? Want a good beach for the kids to swim. Are the waves big?

 

We did Chukka Beach too, but the $26 excursion.

I believe there was a rafting trip that we had signed up for, but I hurt my back and I wasn't able to sit for trip. I was very sad, as the friends of ours that went said they got foot and leg massages, fresh coconuts and all sorts of spoils...

The Beach was lovely, the more expensive one involves a lunch.

We didn't need it. Got a couple Red Strips for my hubby, a diet coke for me and we sat the afternoon away!

You will love it.

And the shopping in the port area is lovely.

 

This sounds great. So, in doing the Chukka beach trip, you board the bus within the port area and you're escorted the whole way? Once on the beach, it is a safe area? I assume you're with a large group?

 

And is there a set time for returning? I like to be early back to the ship (I think I'm permanently scarred from witnessing a couple miss the ship while leaving Mexico on a Celebrity cruise years before, hearing them scream from the dock while we watched from our balcony...)

 

Thanks!

 

I did this excursion in January. It is the same excursion offered on the ship but I booked it at the information booth in the port square. $29. Board a bus to the beach - about a 10 minute ride. A word to the wise. Book just the beach break & buy the lunch if you want it separate at the beach and save $5 - only $15 extra. Total cost bundled is $49. The lunch is a pretty good jerk chicken, rice & peas & festival bread.

 

The Red Stripe is good and cold! :)

 

The beach is nice, although the wave action makes the water a little murky. Sandy all the way out. Still nice for swimming. It wasn't too crowded when I was there & there were 2 ships in port.

 

The beach has security. They keep the vendors they allow in the area away from the beach goers, but if you leave the beach area you are fair game. However they were pretty tame & I didn't get harassed when I went for a couple walks up & down the beach. You will see some shacks - these are shops. A couple beach front 'restaurants' as well.

 

There are return buses on the hour starting at 11am if I recall.

 

I enjoyed myself, it was just what I was looking for that day after beating myself up on a waverunner to Stingray City the day before in Grand Cayman.

 

Hope this is helpful info.

 

Have a great cruise!

[micmacmissy]

Very helpful...thank you!

 

I've seen others mention Rose Hall...I didn't see that as one of the "official" RCCL excursions...but it's still early yet.

 

Thanks!

[bajathree]

This is a stop that you want to book a ship excursion and enjoy:cool:....if you don't book an excursion you will be back on the ship in an hour.....the port is very nice but little to do and see other than some shopping...one hour and your done.

[bigfig63]

was the dock on the starboard side?

 

yes

[LESLIEKURZ]

My parents are cruising with us in May. Today I talked with my Mom about what it's like being in a really poor country so that she would not be upset or uncomfortable when we're in Jamaica, Cozumel, etc. Dad's military so he's good but Mom has never visited a truly poor place ever. I think if you are prepared and are understanding you can enjoy yourself, be respectful and support the locals anywhere you go. People are people no matter where you go right?

[johneeo]

People are people no matter where you go right?

 

 

Not really.

[mrsfuzzmo]

My parents are cruising with us in May. Today I talked with my Mom about what it's like being in a really poor country so that she would not be upset or uncomfortable when we're in Jamaica, Cozumel, etc. Dad's military so he's good but Mom has never visited a truly poor place ever. I think if you are prepared and are understanding you can enjoy yourself, be respectful and support the locals anywhere you go. People are people no matter where you go right?

 

Absolutely. We've found that if you take a minute or two to say hello and talk to the Jamaicans they are very friendly. It's when you run scared that they do taunt and harass, but if you treat them like people, they do the same back to you. We've had some wonderful fun and funny experiences talking to Jamaican's in markets and shops. Hopefully people will start to feel a bit safer and more adventurous and head out into the town a bit to spread the wealth around, in hopes that someday the town can grow a bit and become a wonderful port. I'm guessing that's what RCI and the town of Falmouth all want to happen.

[LESLIEKURZ]

Not really.

 

Ew. Not nice.

[johneeo]

Ew. Not nice.

 

There are places that are polulated by utter barbarians, so, do not think for a moment that it is safe because "people are people".:eek:

 

Think about the three college students that decided to go hiking on the Iranian border. Many others have fared worse.

[LESLIEKURZ]

There are places that are polulated by utter barbarians, so, do not think for a moment that it is safe because "people are people".:eek:

 

Think about the three college students that decided to go hiking on the Iranian border. Many others have fared worse.

 

I disagree. Utter Barbarians do exist but I wouldn't paint a whole country with that brush because of the thoughts and actions of a few.

[johneeo]

I disagree. Utter Barbarians do exist but I wouldn't paint a whole country with that brush because of the thoughts and actions of a few.

 

Geez, I painted nothing, I just mentioned that "people are people" just sometimes does not appy to some places on this planet.

 

I made no reference whatsoever to Jamaica or any specific place, just stating do not be naive and think that as an American tourist you can globe trot wherever you desire without danger.

[LESLIEKURZ]

Geez, I painted nothing, I just mentioned that "people are people" just sometimes does not appy to some places on this planet.

 

I made no reference whatsoever to Jamaica or any specific place, just stating do not be naive and think that as an American tourist you can globe trot wherever you desire without danger.

 

 

Gotcha.

[csunshine860]

We were in Falmouth in December. We walked around the port area inside the gates which is just the typical port shopping. We didn't do an excursion and so we left the gates, as did many people on our cruise, and ventured into the main part of town. Just say no and keep walking by the people trying to show you what they have to sell if you aren't interested. It can be a bit annoying, but it never felt unsafe. There isn't really much to do, but it was still a nice day. We went to a grocery store for some Red Stripe (less than $2 while they were charging over $6 inside the port) and then walked around the town. Much of the center was newly redone from some of the pictures I had seen. There are many signs describing the sites like Water Square and the Courthouse. We also had some amazing jerk chicken at a small cafe in the George Albert Market. I couldn’t find any nearby beaches that were easy and inexpensive to visit, but we still had a nice day in Falmouth.

 

THanks for the info. Can you tell me how far the grocery store was from the port and if it had bottled water etc. Thanks again