*** Montego Bay - PHOTO journal @ Carnival's Conquest (September 2012) ***

[daliflor]

Went on the 2012 NOLA Caribbean Party cruise for NOTHING because of the CruiseMiles (free cruise winner)!!!

 

Had a fantastic time aboard Carnival's Conquest while seeing wonderful places (3 ports of call) and

meeting great people from all over the World!

 

Please note that the PHOTO JOURNAL of this fabulous 2012 Party Cruise from New Orleans is

a work in progress that started here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1720699

 

 

However, as someone suggested, we decided to also post the "Jamaica" piece of our

PHOTO journal in here, so not only Carnival cruisers can take advantage of it : - ))

 

 

Hoping that you'll enjoy this... virtual adventure!

[daliflor]

 

Wednesday morning (September 26th 2012) was a glorious day!

 

 

Carnival's CONQUEST cruise ship arrived in sunny Montego Bay, Jamaica!

 

 

 

Receiving a very warm welcome to Jamaica and the tropical shores of Montego Bay City!

 

 

[daliflor]

 

Carnival's CONQUEST arrival in Montego Bay, Jamaica on Wednesday morning (September 26th 2012)

 

Montego Bay, Jamaica - "Being the Second City in Jamaica is not easy; it is like being the second child in a family:

not always first, not really last, but you get to wear the hand-me-down's from your older brothers or sisters.

 

So not everything gets fixed in time, roads and other infrastructure need repair."

 

[daliflor]

Now once we got off the ship in Jamaica (Montego Bay), we HAD TO take a shuttle to the actual Pier

as NO walking around is allowed!

 

 

The shuttles are FREE and the ride to the Pier is a short one.

 

However, note that the vans are very much crowded, so make sure you give yourself some extra time,

especially if you have a pre-scheduled shore excursion.

 

 

 

See the free shuttles next to the "Conquest" ship here:

 

 

 

As we took the short but crowded van ride to the Pier,

we got to see Carnival's MAGIC docked in Montego Bay, Jamaica as well:

 

 

 

[daliflor]

MONTEGO BAY has always been the Tourism Capital of JAMAICA and

nobody can take that away from the locals!

 

 

The Montegonians are proud people, always different from the Kingstonians, the Big City people;

they call themselves "The Republic" and "The Friendly City" and that's what they are.

 

HEY MON, NO PROBLEM !

 

 

 

In Jamaica, like many countries, there are many people who are nice, warm and friendly and

unfortunately you also meet people that make you feel uncomfortable (like hustlers, pushers and pimps).

 

Just ignore the last group and you'll be all right!

 

Say "No, thank you!" if you are not comfortable, and go your merry way!

 

 

 

At the Pier, we were welcomed by colorful flowers and reggae music!

 

Inside, there are several shops if you're interested in little shopping and an Information desk

if you're planning to book a taxi or a last minute shore excursion.

 

 

 

The Carnival's daily also lists a HOHO type of SHUTTLE (but we did not use it):

 

[daliflor]

In Jamaica, we got off the ship late morning and didn't have a pre-scheduled excursion booked.

 

However, we did know what we wanted to see, so we stopped at the Information desk and the young lady called

one of the agents that had a van available and who was willing to accomodate us all for 11AM that day.

 

Had a print out from a somehow similar private excursion, so it came in handy in negotiating our price and

itinerary for the day with Marie, the lovely agency's rep:

 

 

 

Bottom line: for $50.00 USD/pp, all four of us had a private van for the remaining of the day with the headline being

a BAMBOO RAFT ride along the Martha Brae River (everything was covered in the original fee paid to the driver).

 

 

 

The driver picked us up by the Pier around 11:15AM, served as our tour guide as well, stopped when and

where we wanted him to and by 4:45PM he dropped us off back at the Pier that Wednesday afternoon.

 

 

 

We did enjoy Mo-Bay (as the locals call it) and other local attractions too!

 

 

We said "COOL MON" and "SOON COME", and as we enjoyed ourselves

we got to say "IRIE" (same as COOL or GREAT)!

[daliflor]

We started the day with a lovely one-hour drive through the mountainous interior of Montego Bay,

heading to Martha Brae (for our bamboo raft).

 

 

Carnival's CONQUEST & Carnival's MAGIC - Montego Bay, Jamaica (September 26, 2012)

 

 

Montego Bay is the capital of the Parish of St. James and the second city in Jamaica.

 

 

 

 

When Columbus sailed into the area in May 1494, he was the first European visitor.

 

He made friends with some of the local Tainos, and called the Bay " El Golfo the Buen Tiempo".

 

 

[daliflor]

We continued our one-hour drive through the mountainous interior of Montego Bay,

heading to Martha Brae (for our bamboo raft):

 

 

 

Margaritaville Mo-Bay = a short 10 minute ride from the pier (via the available taxis or shuttle buses)

 

 

 

Hailed as the place to be on Montego Bay’s “Hip Strip,” Gloucester Avenue, Margaritaville is perfect for anyone

looking for exciting entertainment, a lively, fun atmosphere, delicious food and fun concoctions.

 

(we'll stop here on our way back, later that afternoon)

 

 

 

[daliflor]

Our one-hour drive through the mountainous interior of Montego Bay continued,

heading to Martha Brae (for the bamboo raft):

 

 

 

The city of Montego Bay is backed by picturesque low mountains.

 

 

 

The coastland near Montego Bay is occupied by numerous tourist resorts, most of them newly built.

 

 

[daliflor]

Our one-hour drive through the mountainous interior of Montego Bay continued,

heading to Martha Brae (for the bamboo raft):

 

 

 

Today, Montego Bay is known for its large regional hospital (Cornwall Regional Hospital), port facilities,

second homes for numerous upper class Jamaicans from Kingston as well as North Americans and Europeans,

fine restaurants, and shopping opportunities.

 

 

 

 

[daliflor]

Our one-hour drive through the mountainous interior of Montego Bay continued,

heading to Martha Brae (for our bamboo raft experience):

 

 

The coastland near Montego Bay is occupied by numerous tourist resorts, most newly built, some occupying

the grounds of old sugar caine plantations with some of the original buildings and mill-works still standing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[daliflor]

Our one-hour drive through the mountainous interior of Montego Bay continued,

heading to Martha Brae (for the bamboo raft):

 

 

 

 

The coastland near Montego Bay is occupied by numerous tourist resorts, most of them newly built.

 

 

 

The most famous are the White Witch's Rose Hall and Tryall, both of which now feature world-class golf courses.

 

[daliflor]

Our one-hour drive through the mountainous interior of Montego Bay continued,

heading to Martha Brae (for our bamboo raft experience):

 

 

 

It was a sunny day and the driver entertained us with local stories and anecdotes.

 

 

 

 

For example, did you know that the Police in Montego Bay is the only police station with a swimming pool?

 

The building used to be a hotel but with the recesion, it eventually became a Police Station.

 

However, the swimming pool has no water as the local Police has no funds to maintain the pool properly: - ))

 

[daliflor]

Our one-hour drive through the mountainous interior of Montego Bay continued,

heading to Martha Brae (for the bamboo raft experience):

 

 

 

 

 

The infrastructure of the city is going through a series of explosive modernizations which once completed,

aims to keep Montego Bay as a top destination in the Caribbean and the world.

 

 

[daliflor]

Our one-hour drive through the mountainous interior of Montego Bay continued,

heading to Martha Brae (for our bamboo raft experience):

 

 

 

Several scenes from the 1973 James Bond film Live and Let Die

(in which Roger Moore appeared as Bond for the first time) were filmed around Montego Bay.

 

 

 

[daliflor]

 

As we got closer to Martha Brae, we passed by a sign that read "FALMOUTH" and we got to see

the "Allure of the Seas" cruise ship docked there.

 

(our driver was super nice and later drove us right by that Pier to have a close-up look at the beautiful ship)

 

 

Allure of the Seas in Falmouth, Jamaica (September 26, 2012)

 

 

Allure of the Seas in Falmouth, Jamaica (September 26, 2012)

 

 

 

Almost one hour after we left the Montego Bay Pier, we were arriving at Martha Brae

(where we boarded the 30-foot bamboo raft for the next hour, covering 3 miles).

 

 

[daliflor]

Now before posting the next installment (bamboo raft ride along Martha Brae River in Jamaica)

allow me to note couple of things:

 

 

- This ride may not be for everyone! It is pretty safe but for some may be too slow and uneventful hence boring...

 

Personally, to some extend, I'll compare it to the train ride in St. Kitts (that also gets mixed reviews usually).

 

 

- If you're looking for a scenic view and adventure, this activity may not meet your expectations!

 

 

- If you're like us, visiting Jamaica NOT for the very first time, and you're looking for a relaxing afternoon, for a new and unique experience,

then we highly recommend the bamboo rafting!

 

 

It was everything we expected and then some! We never felt unsafe, it was a slow and entertaining ride due mainly to our funny Raft Captain

that flirted with us, serenaded us at times, told us local stories and jokes... without being too intrusive or getting too wild!

 

 

- The only negative aspects that some may view as deal breakers (minor factors for us, so NO biggie overall!) are the atempts made to sell you souvenirs...

 

Someone from the land-side sent a "mini-raft" flying into our bamboo raft...

 

Only to come back few minutes later and ask for $5.00 USD for it ("We sell it if you like it")!

 

We politely declined and he did not insist but rather concluded by saying "OK, enjoy your ride!"

 

 

VIDEO (selling souvenirs on the river in Jamaica):

 

 

Finally, our own Raft Captain carried a back-pack with some hand-made artisan pieces and he presented them to us at one point.

 

Again, we appreciated the talent and work but we politely declined and that was it!

[daliflor]

 

Our Bamboo Raft tour in Jamaica started at the “Rafters' Village,”

less than one hour outside of Montego Bay.

 

"Min-raft" anyone? : - ))

 

 

 

Our Bamboo Raft tour in Jamaica started at the “Rafters' Village.”

 

 

Ginger Lilly

[daliflor]

 

Before our Bamboo Raft tour in Jamaica, we entered the “Rafters' Village”

to stretch our legs and to enjoy the beautiful nature!

 

Ginger Lilly

 

 

Ginger Lilly

 

 

Restroom facilities were available on location; very clean and well kept.

 

[daliflor]

 

Before embarking on the Bamboo Raft tour, we were able to take a stroll through "Miss Martha's Herb Garden" -

a presentation of Jamaica's herbs famous for their medicinal and healing properties.

 

 

 

"Miss Martha's Herb Garden" - a presentation of Jamaica's herbs famous for their medicinal and healing properties.

 

 

[daliflor]

 

It was HOT-HOT-HOT!, so DRINKS and refreshments were served (for a fee) and

we enjoyed them very much, in the shadow and with lots of ICE!

 

 

 

 

Shopping opportunities available too - if interested!

 

 

 

[daliflor]

 

After years of twisted English translations, the River Matibereon became known as the Martha Brae River.

 

Today, Martha Brae River offers an excursion "for those looking to commune with nature."

 

I've read somewhere that 40,000+ visitors travel down the Martha Brae on bamboo rafts every year.

 

 

And we were among those on September 25th 2012 (caring the safety vests too)!

 

 

The river is located in Falmouth, Trelawny, and offers two main attractions – the thrill of bamboo rafting and

the stunning Luminous Lagoon of Glistening Waters.

 

 

We only did the bamboo rafting that Wednesday afternoon!

 

 

ALL ABOARD!

 

The adventure down the Martha Brae River begins shortly!

[JimAOk1945]

Looks like you had a great cruise. We sailed on the Conquest twice and loved it both times.

 

Looking forward to the rest of you review.

 

Sailing is a great way to explore the world! :D

[daliflor]

Looks like you had a great cruise. We sailed on the Conquest twice and loved it both times.

 

Looking forward to the rest of you review.

 

Sailing is a great way to explore the world! :D

 

YES indeed! Have to agree on both accounts! : - ))

[daliflor]

 

 

So OFF we go - the first RAFT was ready and the Raft Captain couldn't be nicer!

 

 

 

Our 2nd raft was also ready and once on the calm river,

all four of us were gliding for three (3) miles through Jamaica's lush interior.

 

 

VIDEO (start of the rafting @ Martha Brae):