Pulling out of Falmouth

[mac_tlc]

Ok Does anyone know what will replace Falmouth Jamaica. I will be scheduled to cruise on Allure of the Seas in a couple months. I just read this, cruise co has not informed me of an itinerary change. Does anyone know if this has gone into effect as of July? Where will they go instead? I will be happy anyway:)

 

 

The article is less than clear. The Allure itinerary changes to drop Falmouth were released in March, or April. This article may very well be the result of that change, and Celebrity's apparent change. It may not be any near term, fleetwide change , just a reaction to the already published itineraries for 2018-2019. In fact, since the article mentions it may change in 2019-2020 (whose itineraries wont be release until March/April 2018), I suspect it is just the result of the previously announced changes.

 

mac_tlc

[Destaw71835]

Thanks for sharing. We are booked on Allure 9-10-2017 with a stop in Falmouth.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Destaw71835]

We had a great time in Falmoputh on our Allure cruise last December. We went to Royalton white sands all inclusive resort for the day. It was about 15-20 minutes from the pier.

 

 

 

Bill

 

 

 

I didn't know that this resort was so close? I had some concerns about venturing too far off from the cruise port and have zero interest in any of the Falls. Thanks!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Freehike]

It's not like Falmouth is that great of a stop anyway, so not a huge loss.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[MoniMommy]

There have been many reports about crime in Nassau Bahamas including sexual assaults by jet ski operators, and a Segway tour group being robbed at gunpoint. I wonder if cruise lines will stop calling at Nassau too?

[ladybugpug]

We went to Falmouth in December on Oasis. We booked a RC beach break type excursion. The beach was gorgeous and it included a buffet lunch, unlimited alcohol, and live entertainment. Everyone was very friendly; we didn't encounter anything scary. I didn't even realize Falmouth was an issue. We had more "scary" moments at Labadee and that's RC's private island!

[the mistral wind]

I have to give RCL the upper hand in this area. They have a lot invested in your safety. Both monetary and ethically. They will do what they feel is responsible thing that will provide us with a wonderful and safe vacation. They will probably access this again at a later time and see if the problems have been resolved. Whatever the true concerns are?

[Misplaced Texan]

We went to Falmouth in December on Oasis. We booked a RC beach break type excursion. The beach was gorgeous and it included a buffet lunch, unlimited alcohol, and live entertainment. Everyone was very friendly; we didn't encounter anything scary. I didn't even realize Falmouth was an issue. We had more "scary" moments at Labadee and that's RC's private island!

 

 

 

While Jamaica has a very high murder rate and a long history of (often quite violent) social and political unrest, those issues are mainly confined to the major cities and, within those, certain neighborhoods.

 

The same can be said for certain neighborhoods in most major American cities and cities worldwide.

 

Your point about Haiti is a good one. While several lines stop in enclaves there, I don't think anyone would consider stopping in Port-au-Prince.

 

If the cruise lines are reducing their visits to Falmouth, which is basically an artificial haven, it probably has more to do with offering variety or not overloading the capacity of the facilities there than it does abandoning Jamaica overall.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Bootman4U]

I remember docking at Ocho Rios and being called a "******" by several locals as we walked off the pier. Yeah, that's definitely OUT of my comfort zone.

[deliver42]

I'm not crazy about Falmouth or Nassau, but if given a choice, I'd prefer Falmouth.

[Ocean Boy]

Falmouth cruiseport was sold to the locals as providing all kinds of outlets for local crafts and so on whereas in reality it's a favoured few who get to sell within its walls, the rest going short as cruisers either whizz past on excursions or don't leave the restricted area.

We've been there a few times, one excursion stopped in town at a church being renovated, it was fine, locals friendly and some telling about the history. Also stopped by a cameo maker place, very nice. We then were dropped in Montego Bay for a while. Again, no harassment that a simple 'no thanks' didn't stop. Went in some stores etc. We ended up at the downtown Margaritaville for a very loud (mostly) liquid lunch:D

I suspect that the crafts being sold in Falmouth are about as local to Jamaica as the stuff that is sold in Labadee is to Haiti.

[Ocean Boy]

That would worry me too. A 40 caliber auto would be more efficient.

 

We love Jamaica :p

So do I.:)

[bouhunter]

I remember docking at Ocho Rios and being called a "******" by several locals as we walked off the pier. Yeah, that's definitely OUT of my comfort zone.

 

Sorry to hear that. We've walked the streets of MoBay and Ocho Rios many times and never had any problems.

[conandrob240]

Jamaica is a major international tourist destination. People flock there to the beautiful beaches and resorts.

 

It seems to be only cruise ship passengers who find it "scary".

 

I find that sad.

 

Agreed. We love Jamaica. However, the pushy, aggressive vendors are a big turn off here

[nelblu]

pffft

 

So go spend the day at a resort or beach instead of a strip mall.

 

I have walked around Falmouth BY MYSELF <gasp> and never felt unsafe. The people were nothing but kind and friendly.

 

 

Pffft to you--it was part of the tour (not to our liking) to Dunn's Falls. You got your observations and I've got mine.

[conandrob240]

I have to give RCL the upper hand in this area. They have a lot invested in your safety. Both monetary and ethically. They will do what they feel is responsible thing that will provide us with a wonderful and safe vacation. They will probably access this again at a later time and see if the problems have been resolved. Whatever the true concerns are?

 

I'm sure that has almost nothing to do with safety. And almost everything to do with them not making money off of tours because people don't want to,get off the ship. I like Jamaica but it's a pretty crummy port- too far from everything.

[rguy123]

Spent a week at Rose Hill a few years back, different ownership than now.

Guards with guns on the beach, guards to escort you to the fancy restaurant on the golf course. Tours had guards along and locals stopped us entering fruit markets, said we would be robbed. Drug dealers everywhere we went from airport on.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[Clarea]

I'm not crazy about Falmouth or Nassau, but if given a choice, I'd prefer Falmouth.

Me too, at least Falmouth is in the Caribbean.

[kevdad]

I imagine there are a lot of good, hardworking local folks that will get badly hurt financially by this. Pretty sad.

[MisterBill99]

I agree with you.

 

We have been there too and did not feel unsafe at all. Yes they are pushy and keep bugging you to buy or even look at somethings, but I look at it as roadside entertainment! ;)

How is that any different from the straw market in Labadee?

 

When we were in Falmouth a few years ago we went on two local tours that had us walking around the area near the port (food tour and Jewish cemetery tour). Didn't have any problem with the area.

 

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

[conandrob240]

Spent a week at Rose Hill a few years back, different ownership than now.

Guards with guns on the beach, guards to escort you to the fancy restaurant on the golf course. Tours had guards along and locals stopped us entering fruit markets, said we would be robbed. Drug dealers everywhere we went from airport on.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

I've been to Jamaica probably 20 times for at least a week each time. The worst we've ever experienced has been being asked if we want to buy some pot. The vendors at the markets especially at Dunns River and the raft markets in Ochi were super-aggressive but in no way threatening. I've seen an occasional cop pull people over and yes they have large guns. And while every resort had security guards (true of any country I've ever stayed at), no one has ever had to accompany us anywhere.

[TNcruising02]

This was my least favorite port out of all of the places I have been to on cruises. I did a trolley tour of the area outside of the port and have never seen such poverty. That area was poorer than the poorest neighborhood that I have seen in the US. I can't imagine ever getting out and walking around. Our trolley stopped at several areas. On one of the stops, I did not feel safe. We were approached by many locals selling things, which was fine. They were polite. The people didn't make me feel uncomfortable, it was the devastating poverty and the fear of crime.

 

I was glad that I went on the tour and I tipped the tour guide and driver very well. The tour guide was exceptional. She did a wonderful job and was very pleasant. I felt sorry for them and the people who live there. It was so different than all of the other places I have visited. I used to think I saw real poverty at different places on my cruises, but I hadn't really seen it. It was very sad.

 

I will try to avoid any cruise in the future that stops there. The port area was very nice and Margaritaville had a nice area and pool. It rained a bit, so we got back on the ship after our tour and were very thankful for the blessings in our lives.

[Gquie]

Personally I never even had a chance to feel unsafe in Falmouth. We were on a Dunns River Falls excursion and we boarded the bus inside the compound and never got off the bus until we reached Ochos Rios. Just looking at Falmouth from the ship I never really had an overwhelming desire to see it.

 

I'm booked on a Western later this year that stops off in Falmouth and I've already decided that I'll just stay on the ship. If the itinerary changes to another port I'll be thrilled.

 

I've only been to Jamaica twice and I never felt unsafe but it's just not a country I'm particularly interested in exploring.

[Freehike]

As much as Falmouth sucks, Nassau has got to be the worst port. We don't even bother getting off the ship anymore.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[TeeRick]

We are booked for Harmony next year and our cruise itinerary shows a scheduled visit to Falmouth on Nov 6, 2018. I'm looking forward to it. It will be our 4th visit there. We never had any problems. We have walked around the town ourselves and also took the Culinary Walking Tour once which was great. Why are some people afraid of experiencing other cultures- isn't that what travel is all about? You can find plenty of "pushy" vendors everywhere you travel even at some places in the US. Have you ever walked through a mall vendor area where people are trying to spray you with perfume or trying to get you to sample their latest and greatest whatever?