Jamaica question

[maxwellw]

Leaving Fri. to make the 10 hr. trip to Fort Lauderdale for the celebrity cruise to Jamaica and was wondering if anyone knew anything about the Irie Mon Music Tour. Was wondering how far a cab drive it would be to Coyaba from the ship area...anyone wanta share a cab?

[mii]

Leaving Fri. to make the 10 hr. trip to Fort Lauderdale for the celebrity cruise to Jamaica and was wondering if anyone knew anything about the Irie Mon Music Tour. Was wondering how far a cab drive it would be to Coyaba from the ship area...anyone wanta share a cab?

 

Maybe you might find that information on the Ports of Call board and just scroll down to jamaica.

 

Marilyn

[teedee]

Have you checked the rollcall for your cruise to see about sharing a taxi? That might be your best bet

Terri

[bilgeboyPa]

From someone that was just there last week...Stay on the ship. We weren't off the ship 5 minutes before we were called dumb americans and was tried to be sold any drug under the sun. I think I am done with the Western cruises for a VERY long time..or until they dump Jamaica from the itinerary

 

Jeff

[bububr]

After a few trys we have given up on Jamaica. I believe in the three strikes and your out rule, and thats not including how they price gouged Americans during 911, when they should have been more helpful and compassionate.

 

However to each his own. There are some that absolutely love the place, but it seems there are more that don't. We did'nt listen initially and had to see for ourselves, then we gave it a few more trys thinking we were just having bad luck.

 

We will not book any itineraries now that include any Jamaican ports.

 

My last straw was when I did the beach horseback trip. The horse they gave me was injured and they still made her go. They also beat many of the horses in front of our group if they were not responding....and we saw a minimum of three DEAD horses in the field along the way to the shore....most likely from abuse and neglect.:mad:

 

But as I said, to each their own. Many love the music, mystique, and party atmosphere. The rest of us see beyond the facade.

 

Dave:eek:

 

BTW: for the OP Its a good idea to check out both the ports of call boards as well as the connections board to see if you have any other fellow pax that are going your way.:)

[sassystyxfan]

From someone that was just there last week...Stay on the ship. We weren't off the ship 5 minutes before we were called dumb americans and was tried to be sold any drug under the sun. I think I am done with the Western cruises for a VERY long time..or until they dump Jamaica from the itinerary

 

Jeff

 

For those of you who don't know, Jeff and I were on the same cruise last week. My review is coming soon. We have very different opinions as well, but I love him dearly! Here's another thought on Jamaica:

We were met at the pier by Phil Lafayette. From that point on, we were protected and treated like family by him. Everywhere he took us, there was NO PROBLEM mon. First we went to Dunns River Falls BEFORE the other crowds arrived. He actually stayed at the ticket window and made sure we all got proper change, etc. We were one of very few groups on the falls - it felt like a private party just for us. He pretty much escorted us everywhere and made sure we were not approached by anyone that wasn't part of our group. We had a GREAT time floating down a river in tubes. The guides there were great. They kept swimming up to us and protecting us from getting beached, or running into things. That was the highlight of our whole cruise. The tour of Jamaica by Phil actually CHANGED my husband's mind about this country. HE HATED IT last time we were there. SO - in summary, if you are going to Jamaica and want to see it, book a reservation with Phil. HE IS AWESOME and so was our stay in this port.

http://www.phil-lafayette-tours.com/

[teedee]

From someone that was just there last week...Stay on the ship. We weren't off the ship 5 minutes before we were called dumb americans and was tried to be sold any drug under the sun. I think I am done with the Western cruises for a VERY long time..or until they dump Jamaica from the itinerary

 

Jeff

 

Jeff - I'm sorry you didn't enjoy Jamaica, we had so much fun with you guys when we went. It must have been because we weren't there!:D I hope you enjoyed the rest of your cruise.

Terri

[tuggers]

Ditto what Terri said! I thought we had a blast!

[madelinerose]

OMG!!! Now, that would ruin my cruise! :(

 

My last straw was when I did the beach horseback trip. The horse they gave me was injured and they still made her go. They also beat many of the horses in front of our group if they were not responding....and we saw a minimum of three DEAD horses in the field along the way to the shore....most likely from abuse and neglect.:mad:

Dave:eek:

[sassystyxfan]

Originally Posted by bububr

My last straw was when I did the beach horseback trip. The horse they gave me was injured and they still made her go. They also beat many of the horses in front of our group if they were not responding....and we saw a minimum of three DEAD horses in the field along the way to the shore....most likely from abuse and neglect.:mad:

 

OMG!!! Now, that would ruin my cruise! :(

 

OH that would have absolutely broken my heart. Unbelievable. I'm angry and sad just sitting here thinking about it. I would have written every animal protection agency I could find and spent a lot of time researching options.

[thomasale]

to each their own...

[bububr]

I actually check on it when I got home, wrote a letter to Celebrity, and I belong to LCA (last chance for animals....Based out of L.A and founded by Linda Blair...yes, 'the Exorcist'). Unfortunately, Jamaica is the LARGEST Christian Island in the Caribbean and their focus is animals are not human and don't deserve any respect, protection, or help...they are there to obey, work, and eat.

 

Celebrity responded back with an apology, but stipulated that are only vendors of the tours and not responsible for them unless they interfere or endanger a passenger.

 

Its possible the 4 or five incidents I have had over the years in Jamaica are just bad luck and poor timing...but I find it interesting that I have heard many similar complaints for others and other posters. Now for a positive response. I have NEVER had a bad experience while in port in the gated shopping areas or in a gated resort. Jamaica is a beautiful island. I hope that the bad experiences are not representative of the total population.

 

Dave:eek:

[sassystyxfan]

I actually check on it when I got home, wrote a letter to Celebrity, and I belong to LCA (last chance for animals....Based out of L.A and founded by Linda Blair...yes, 'the Exorcist'). Unfortunately, Jamaica is the LARGEST Christian Island in the Caribbean and their focus is animals are not human and don't deserve any respect, protection, or help...they are there to obey, work, and eat.

 

Celebrity responded back with an apology, but stipulated that are only vendors of the tours and not responsible for them unless they interfere or endanger a passenger.

 

 

Dave:eek:

 

It makes me feel better that at least you tried to do something about it. Kudos to your efforts. We went horseback riding on our first trip to Jamaica and did not see any of the things you mentioned. In fact, after what I had heard, I didn't expect our horses to look so well. Fortunately, they were in good shape, or I would have pitched a hissy and not gone. Incidentally, this is part of the reason my husband hated our trip. Riding them in the water was refreshing and you really can't think about what they are doing in the water while your legs are dangling! Seriously, they took us through a cotton plantation afterwards - it was HOT and LONG and miserable. Plus it was at the beginning of our cruise so we kinda walked funny for a couple days on our other excursions! :D This was something we would never do again - and definitely not there now that I know how this country feels about animals! :(

[dmarch@islc.net]

This horse story needs to go over on the Jamaica board. Sounds to me like a boycott is in order, then maybe those poor animals can get a break.

[Garrick]

I've no idea which horse excursion you went on, we went to Chuka Cove polo club a few years back and their horses were in top shape for a carribean island. People have to realize that a polo pony just isn't going to look the same as say an american quarter horse or an arabian. Now dead horses, or sick horses would never be excusable, but it's not the fault of the whole country, just that tour provider (and celebrity if they condone it)

 

As far as the constant offer to sell drugs,,, I never seem to be bothered by that with my trusty DEA baseball cap. (and no I don't work for the drug enforcement agency, it was just a nice hint from a frequent visitor to the islands) just don't try to wear it thru customs.

 

Garrick

[Garrick]

I belong to LCA (last chance for animals....Based out of L.A and founded by Linda Blair...yes, 'the Exorcist'). Unfortunately, Jamaica is the LARGEST Christian Island in the Caribbean Dave:eek:

 

 

yup those darn Christians, what are we to do....

[bububr]

I wasn't making a general comment about anyones religion in general, but to make a point that some practice it differently.

 

Caribbean Chistianity is a little different than European or even Americanized beliefs.

 

They adhere to their teachings, right or wrong in our eyes.

 

Their culture allows them to do things that ours would not.

 

And animal care and respect is low on their list.:(

 

Dave:eek:

 

BTW: maybe things have changed since I was last there, I don't know. I was just stating the fact that I have only had for the most part less than enjoyable experiences during my visits. As I said previously it is a beautiful island.

[bilgeboyPa]

Hey Gail and Terri

We DID have a great time there with you guys. That being said, we were at Margaritaville which was secure, the locals were not allowed in. That little shopping village was great. The pool bar was great!!! Getting to Margaritaville by walking from the ship was the problem.

 

Laura...Luva gal, but, Phil acted, by your words now, as your protector. He shooed all the annoyance away. You were sequestered in his vehical away the the masses and shuttled in the safe zones. MUAH MUAH MUAH..Love ya bunch.....BUT...I still don't like Jamaica :rolleyes:

 

Jeff

[Garrick]

Hi, I think you're more on point with culture, than religion as it affects animal husbandry, culture, and economics. In a poor country like Jamaica they have a great deal of incentive to work that injured horse today while you're there to do the excursion. Might be better for us to refuse to ride an injured horse at all.

 

That may explain my vastly different experience on horseback there, as the facility we used had some obvious money behind it, and horses that had significant economic value.

 

 

Overall I'd agree with one thing, I don't like Jamaica as a port. I don't like Key West at all either as a port, and unless I'm going to scuba dive, Cozumel's getting a bit boring also. We stop at Jamaica on our next cruise, and I'm undecided on leaving the ship. If we don't visit Rose Hall, home of the white witch of rose hall, I don't think we'll leave the ship, I don't need any ganja to accompany my martini's

[bububr]

say "Hi" to Annie for me, mon.:D

 

And stay away from the Ganja. no problem, mon.:cool:

 

Dave:eek:

[sassystyxfan]

Laura...Luva gal, but, Phil acted, by your words now, as your protector. He shooed all the annoyance away. You were sequestered in his vehical away the the masses and shuttled in the safe zones. MUAH MUAH MUAH..Love ya bunch.....BUT...I still don't like Jamaica :rolleyes:

 

Jeff

 

Loving YOU, Jeff and I totally agree. I would not feel safe in Jamaica either without our protector, Phil; hence my point, if one would like a different and safe visit to this country, his tour is great. AND you can hate Jamaica all you want, Sweety, I'm just glad my husband saw it in a different light and enjoyed it this time. MUAH!

 

Should we get a room now, Jeff? HA HA!!

[Liat]

When we sailed to Montego Bay in March 2004 on HAL's Veendam, we hooked up with Carolyn Barrett and Barret Adventures. She is from upstate New York and married to LLoyd, a Jamaican. They can be found at: Carolyn@barrettasdventures.com. We had a very delightful, interesting and safe day with Lloyd. We would highly reccomend them for a Jamaica tour that is reasonably priced quiet and out of the ordinary, with no hustling flea markets or drug pushers. We saw the real Jamaica.