Montego Bay / A-Z Planners - Just Returned

[CaribbeanBound]

Montego Bay, Jamaica

We prearranged for a Black River Safari and Pelican Beach Bar Tour with A-Z Planners ($60/pp). Two other cruise critic couples joined us. The six of us were the first passengers off the ship and we met our driver Clive who was waiting for us in the pier terminal. The seven of us got into a van and headed for the Black River, a scenic 90 minutes away. About 30 minutes into our tour, we busted a wheel on one of the many potholes that plague the island streets. This necessitated a 40 minute wait for a backup van and we proceeded on our way. (We were very happy that A-Z Planners had a contingency plan).

 

Upon arrival at the Black River, we boarded a canopied pontoon boat with 6 other passengers and our captain for a pleasant cruise around the Black River where we saw birds, alligators, and interesting floral and trees. While you can’t see to the bottom of the river due to the black peat moss floor, the water itself is very clear. One of our braver cruise mates took a cool swim in the river.

 

We tipped the boat captain and headed across the river for lunch at Riverside Dock. While lunch was downright excellent (I had Guava Jerk Chicken with rice and peas) it took about an hour to get it out of the kitchen. We split the lunch ticket six ways. Lunch ran $11 including tip per person and that included picking up lunch for our driver as well.

 

Pelican Bay was a relatively short drive, where we boarded a seemingly unstable, though eminently seaworthy, fishing boat for a quarter-mile trip to the Pelican Beach Bar. The elevated stick and thatch bar is located on a sandbar in the middle of the ocean! It is a sight to be seen. Running short on time, we left the bar after a brief stay. It would have been nice to kick back a little and maybe swim some too.

 

We stopped at a local IGA grocery store for some Blue Mountain Coffee ($J 1065/lb, about $US 14/lb) and other provisions and rushed back to the port. We arrived at 4:35pm in time to make our 4:45pm deadline. We recommend A-Z Planners and this tour.

 

Complete review of recent 14-day / 9 port Caribbean cruise: http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/zenith14.html

[Nanatravel]

We too enjoyed our day when docked at Mo Bay. We have been to both Mo Bay and Ochio Rios many times and enjoy seeing new places and doing new things. We choose to join 6 other cruise critics and friends for a drive to Negril with A-Z driver, Mickey. We disembarked about 8 a.m. and proceeded to drive to Negril along the Western Coast for about an hour. Ships do not recommend Negril and tell you it is a much longer drive. Passing many luxurious all-inclusive properties gave us a good idea of where to plan a longer stay in Jamaica.

 

We stopped at the Negril Beach House directly on the beach with facilities and beach bar available. Lounge chairs, umbrella's and great hospitality where all free for our usage. The water was crystal clear and so inviting. Our driver went to scope out a place for lunch. Our beach front location was just yards down from Margaritaville where ship tours might stop. After getting enough sun, we elected to drive further up the coast and stopped at Rick's Cafe for sightseeing, picture opportunities and a quick refreshment stop. We could see the Lighthouse and cliff divers were right there for viewing. Shopping was next on our list but locations weren't too desirable. We decided to pass and shop back at the pier. However for future travelers, we did pass the Times Square Mall which looks brand new and a perfect spot for souvenir shopping.

 

Once back at the pier by 3 PM (our departure was at 4 PM), we shopped for Blue Mountain Coffe at $19 a pound. Our private tour was $38 per person.

 

Mickey was a safe and courtesous driver who has worked with Belinda and A-Z for many years.

 

Bon Voyage

Nanatravel