Sunset Beach - Mo Bay 1/2/07

[drpepr]

Hi

I am currently on board the Radiance of the Seas, getting ready to leave Montego Bay, Jamaica. After reading these threads for the past few months we decided to go to Sunset Beach since very few people have good things to say about going into the city.

 

After seeing the BEWARE-Sunset Beach post this morning we were concerned about the availability of a day pass. We called the resort and they said that we can come. Perhaps the other person was denied because it was Christmas week??

 

We disembarked this morning and made our way to the information desk in the pier which is located all the way to the left. We asked the representative for a taxi and she told us the charge is $2pp and found a taxi. The driver sat down and asked us if we were going to Negril - to which we repeated Sunset Beach. Then he asked us if we wanted a tour of the island which we declined.

 

Upon arrival at the gates of Sunset Beach we asked the security guard for the day pass and he escorted us to the reception desk. The cost was $40pp and they accepted credit cards. They took our CruiseID and we were told to retrieve it when we left to go back to the ship from the security kiosk by the main gate. We were given wristbands.

 

The resort was busy (not too crowded) and all the guests and staff were polite. There is a buffet breakfast and lunch as well as a grill serving up food all day. There are at least 4 bars which were serving drinks all day. Two pools + "water park" area were available. Ping pong, pool tables, tennis courts, volleyball courts all available. They had some bands playing as well as entertainment like twister, hermit crabs races, slot machinges. Beach had snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boats. There was a changing room and towels were available.

 

Everything (food, alcohol, water stuff, gratuities) was included in the price.

 

We went to the security kiosk to get out Cruise ID and they snipped off our wristbands. There was a taxi outside who also charged $2pp for the short (<5 minute) ride back to the pier.

 

We had a wonderful day and would recommend Sunset Beach. There was no trouble/inconvenience whatsoever.

[jblair]

Well, I think you just convinced me to go to Sunset Beach for the day instead of Doctor's Cave Beach. I am afraid that DCB might be the beach the other poster was referring to.

 

We have 5 kids with us, 2 college aged girls, 2 teenaged boys (16) and our 9 year old daughter.

 

Do you think they would all be satisfied? Have you been to Paradise Beach in Cozumel? If so, how would you compare them?

 

Many thanks!

Joanie

[KatWI]

We really appreciate your review - we are also going to be on the Radiance at the end of this month and have been planning to go to Sunset Beach with our kids!

 

THANKS! :)

[TOTTT]

For people who wish more activity and the unlimited food and drinks, Sunset Beach is a better option than Doctor's Cave Beach. While the entrance to Doctor's Cave is less expensive ($5 per person), you will not have the ammenities you do at Sunset Beach.

 

Doctor's Cave Beach would be a good option for people who want to combine some beach time with ready walking access to all the souvenir / resort clothing shops on the "Hip Strip" (Glouchester Ave...the main tourist strip along the water front...about a mile or mile and a half long, tops) as well as Margaritaville, the 'casino' across the street from Margaritaville, the craft market at the far end of the street, and a variety of restaurants.

 

It's good to hear that the other guests at Sunset Beach were polite...I'm not sure how many of them know that non-guests will be visiting the property when cruise ships are in town, and it sounds like the property is quite cabable of handling both hotel guests and drop-in visitors.

 

Drpepr, was there a discounted price for children to Sunset Beach, or do they too pay the $40 each?

[drpepr]

Joanie,

Between the non-motorized boats and the water slides and lazy river, the kids should have fun. I have never been to Paradise Beach in Cozumel so I can't compare.

 

I will say that is more fun the Swinney Rec Center in Kansas City where you are from. I am a UMKC graduate.

 

Not sure about discounted prices for children.

[ccnwater]

Question about the Sunset Beach. We are going on the NOS in March, stopping in Ohco Rio, was planning on staying the day at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa...Which sounds like it is in Ocho Rios? But says we can walk to Sunset Beach? So I am confused..How far is Montego bay from Ocho? I have never been to Jamaica, thought it was a least 1hr apart?? Is there 2 Sunset Beach resorts? Thanks for any help!

[Cruiser Kim]

Are there any motorized water sports available at Sunset Beach, like jet skiis to rent?

[KatWI]

Question about the Sunset Beach. We are going on the NOS in March, stopping in Ohco Rio, was planning on staying the day at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa...Which sounds like it is in Ocho Rios? But says we can walk to Sunset Beach? So I am confused..How far is Montego bay from Ocho? I have never been to Jamaica, thought it was a least 1hr apart?? Is there 2 Sunset Beach resorts? Thanks for any help!

 

There are two Sunset Beach Resorts...one in Ocho Rio and one in Montego Bay.