Montego Bay or Ocho Rios

[huskerdude]

We are in a delima. We are looking to book either The Conquest in Sept. 2006 for the Saints & Sinners or the Rhapsody in April of 2007. The Conquest goes to Montego Bay and the Rhpasody goes to Ocho Rios. On either we are looking at a balcony room. I know this is the Royal side, but which would you recommend? The Royal is a bit higher, but stops at the port DW wants to go to. Any input would be helpful.

[justaknucklehead]

Neither. In Jamaica, I call it a sea day.

[debgirl]

If I was picking, I would pick Ocho Rios. If you are a shopper, shopping is better in Ocho and closer to the ship.

[huskerdude]

Neither. In Jamaica, I call it a sea day.

 

Is Jamaica that bad, that you would not get off the boat at all? :confused: We have never been there but have read some posts that not real nice, but then others were great.

[justaknucklehead]

I have been there four times on cruise ships. I got off the ship the first time and vowed I would never spend one dime on this island or leave the ship and I haven't.

[pd9845]

I've been to Jamaica twice. Once on a cruise and once to visit a resort. NO, it's not that bad...

 

I loved it the first time I went. It's a real experience, not to be missed...

 

But, the second time we went, we went to Dunn's River Falls and got haggled by all of the sellers. It was a HUGE turn off, but they are harmless. Keep walking and saying no thank you and you'll be fine. I also got into a tiff with one of the taxi drivers. My hubby wanted me to say nothing, but I stood up to him and that was the end of it. They really are harmless when they are surrounded by so many tourist. I just wouldn't go wondering off the beaten path... I'm a strong-willed female and I won't think twice about standing up to anyone - big or small, male or female. So, they didn't bother me. But a timid person might have a different reaction.

 

I've been to MB & Ocho Rios, I recommend Ocho Rios. There's more to do. MB was a HUGE disappointment. My friend went to MB during a separate trip and she hated it as well. In OR, we climbed the water falls and ended the day at Margaritaville. Our tablemates enjoyed the swimming with the dolphins excursion. Definitely OR instead of MB.

 

Regardless, for Jamaica - expect pushiness & rudeness in tourist areas, and stay firm. You shouldn't have anything to worry about.