Failing in Falmouth

[TravelGal22]

Maybe I read the article to quickly but I didn't see it address the fact that people are too intimidated to wander off very far because of the pushy vendors and fear for their safety. I'm sure people would wander all around and spend money if they were not afraid. Shouldn't Jamaica take some of the responsibility for that?

[bajathree]

Thanks for the info on cab cost in Jamaica. I think we will follow your advice and go with JFAD for the transportation also and as you said, we can always get a taxi back on our own. I look forward to your review of the Hilton Rose Hall! If you can and if it is convenient, can you please let me know how much the waverunner and parasailing rentals are there. Thanks. :)

 

Will do:)

 

Also here is a pic of taxi rates:

 

[Ocean Boy]

Wow, $90.00 each way for a taxi to Dunn's River from Falmouth. The Shuttle that we used in Ocho Rios was $10.00 per person round trip and that included entrance to the Falls.

[funfamilyof6]

Will do:)

 

Also here is a pic of taxi rates:

 

 

Wow, $90.00 each way for a taxi to Dunn's River from Falmouth. The Shuttle that we used in Ocho Rios was $10.00 per person round trip and that included entrance to the Falls.

 

 

Now I really know why $15 RT per person for JFAD is a good deal...gives my question a really easy answer now!!!

[bajathree]

Now I really know why $15 RT per person for JFAD is a good deal...gives my question a really easy answer now!!!

 

Had a feeling you would find that chart "interesting" :eek:

[SnowBird Cruzer]

I was in Falmouth in March 2012 and will be back in Feb 2013.

We went on a Chukka Zipline from the cruise line and it was great.

I didn't see any pushy vendors (I think Cozumel might be the worst I've ever experienced).

No we didn't go in to Falmouth proper.

We did do some shopping from the vendors inside the fence, both the shops and the local wares.

 

Next time there we are going to Montego Bay, probably, for snorkeling and parasailing. None of that is in Falmouth. Maybe even hitting up the Margaritaville in MoBay. I hadn't heard about one in Falmouth til now.

 

Falmouth is a new port. What do you expect in a new port?

[SnowBird Cruzer]

Well. I will be in Falmouth for the first time in December, and I was wondering what to do there. My last trip to Jamaica was Ocho Rios about 15 years ago, and my husband and were followed by a cab driver for almost an hour trying to get us to go with him. He was going to show us where all the American celebrities' houses were. We would go into shops, and he would be waiting for us when we came out. We told him no repeatedly, but he kept hanging around. He finally gave up when we headed back to the ship.

 

I will be in Falmouth with a friend who has never cruised before, and now I'm concerned about being two unescorted women in this port.

 

As others have said, you'll be just fine. Both inside and outside the fence.

Take an excursion. Hire a local guide for a walking tour of Falmouth. I was gonna do it but ran out of time!

[SnowBird Cruzer]

We did the trolley tour which originates inside the gates. It was $15 pp and took about an hour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and told us quite a bit about the history of Falmouth and the local culture. We went inside a very interesting little church. There were a few vendors outside the church whom I did not find pushy at all. We enjoyed it and didn't have to spend a whole lot. :)

 

go on this tour? My FIL walks short distances, and can go up/down a couple of steps. He has use of one arm to pull himself up with.

 

What is the height to get into the trolley? I think FIL/MIL would like this.

One or two steps up and he'd be fine. 4 or 5 could be an issue.

[SnowBird Cruzer]

Here is another review I did on another Chukka Falmouth excursion.... actually did this one 2x....Chukka Zipline at Rosehall http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1612868

 

I did this one in March and it is just like he said. DW and I had a great time, and she isn't one to like Ziplines at all. (I had to go on a horseback ride in Cozumel as payback).

 

Thanks for the both reviews

[SnowBird Cruzer]

Here is another review I did on another Chukka Falmouth excursion.... actually did this one 2x....Chukka Zipline at Rosehall http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1612868

 

I did this one in March and it is just like he said. DW and I had a great time, and she isn't one to like Ziplines at all. (I had to go on a horseback ride in Cozumel as payback).

 

Thanks for the both reviews

[airbusdrvr]

I wrote off Jamaica many cruises ago. Not worth the hassle. Some people try to defend the antics and tactics of the Jamaicans by claiming they are so poor , I say BS ! I've been to most Caribbean islands on cruise ships and other means , business and pleasure and Jamaica is the worst. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and they are much friendlier and less pushy IMHO . Jamaica is a very smooth, less crowded sea day for me .

[joeyancho]

i often defend jamaica, and still will. it is a pretty country with good people. most tourism exposure to jamaica comes from cruising. and unfortunately all everyone remembers is the pushiness. do you want some ganja. do u want a taxi. do u want your hair braided. do u want your hair braided in a taxi with ganja. i always just say to say no thanks and keep moving.

 

for the record i have been to labadee, haiti and they are twice as pushy there.

 

I agree with everything you say. I love Jamaica. I am originally from NYC and all the same stuff happens there (except the hair braiding). Not to be condescending but I think the people who are put off by the Jamaicans are from middle America and just aren't used to that sort of behavior. I think it is part of the charm of the island. I think it is one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean islands. Unlike Cayman which is just a flat rock once you get away from the beach area. I love the vibrant culture. The scenery, food and music are all amazing.