Beware of non-sponcered ship excursions

[jagsfan]

the first time I visited Jamaica was for a hotel stay. We rode the bus into Montego Bay

and halfway back and walked to visit Rose Hall. We also took a private 4 person tour

to the Martha Brae river.

We had the opportunity to see extreme poverty and people living in the most basic

dwellings. The thing we noticed was the cleanliness of the children and the wonderful

smiles. Everyone we met was friendly and very polite.

This was in 1982. The explosion of tourism and cruise ship visits has changed Jamaica.

The anger that exists now between the haves and the have nots is because our relative wealth is flaunted in front of the very poor. They are aware of what they are missing, and for most of them, no real way to improve their lives. Unless something is done to help the poverty stricken in Jamaica, things are going to get worse.

[Off2China]

:eek: Seriously reconsidering that Princess-sponsored excursion in Jamaica that I've pre-reserved. Might be a good day for the Sanctuary.

[California Native]

when I started this thread I wanted people to think about what they are doing I think I have accomplished that. now one has it in their mind to be careful.It does not matter if you are a tourist or traveler.you are still going someplace that you may not be familiar with.from now on you would hopefully think before you jump in a cab or go to walking alone somewhere to save money.when you cruise if you don't have the money to do it right you maybe should alter your plains.someone once told me' if have to ask how much you something is you can't afford it"

 

Many of us didn't need you to start this thread to remind us to be careful or to think about what we are doing on our travels.

We are adults and understand that danger lurks whether I'm in my neighborhood shopping mall parking lot or roaming a side street in Romania.

In fact as some others stated, you really sensationalized this topic and made quite a few broad assumptions.

Yes, it does matter whether you are a tourist or a traveller...a traveller would never do anything you have suggested. A traveller has taken the time to do extensive research about the little nuances they may experience.

The stories I can tell you just in our travels alone..

here's just one and because we spent a lot of time RESEARCHING and documenting we were fine...

5 minutes in Budapest being singled out and approached by 5 Metro Police because we were American and surely didn't know the proper procedure for our tickets...they thought we were an easy mark for on the spot VERY EXPENSIVE FINE.

HA! they actually laughed and congratulated us for knowing the ropes..

and we learned the ropes by RESEARCHING

and your quote is offensive when it comes to the context you are using it in.

We ask and verify how much EVERYTHING is...not because we can't afford it, but because we are smart and we know the value of our travel money and we don't ever want to be "an easy mark" domestically or internationally.

also, asking how much something is ...allows you to partake in the local custom of bartering...many countries consider it an insult if you don't bargain. It's part of the ritual...

A traveller understands how to bargain...

is it actually the local custom? is this shop the appropriate place to bargain? What is fair? and sometimes as you look around at the poverty..knowing when to stop the negotiation in favor the shop owner because clearly they need it more than you.

Sadly a tourist hasn't learned any of the skills because they don't research and they easily offends along their journey.

One thing you didn't touch on that someone will experience whether you are on a shorex or independent is knowing the customs of where you are visiting...

Even if you think you are safe on a shorex ignoring local customs will create hositility towards yourself and possibly endanger you.

So, ask yourself..

Do you greet the shop owner when you enter their place of business, anywhere in the world in the local language?

How do you "hand" the money to the shop owner when in Europe?

Do you get angry and make a snappy comment when USD is not accepted

even though its not legal currency?

If it's 90 degrees out with humidity, do you try to enter a religious place in shorts and sleeveless shirt?

If you visit a synagogue will you refuse to cover your head because you aren't jewish?

If you visit a Church will you keep your hat on?

Also, do each of you understand what is expected to visit a Mosque..because when I was in Istanbul on our land vacation...I saw quite a few Shorex passengers that were down right disrespectful in their behavior and it made ME ANGRY..so I can only imagine how a practicing Muslim would feel.

Do you yell to get a fellow passengers attention while in port?

Do you eat pizza or french fries with your fingers while abroad?

Do you get annoyed if you can't get American beer abroad?

Do you insult the local population about uncleanliness while having to use a squat pot?

all of this behavior will single you out to the local population even if you are on a shorex...

some locals will roll their eyes and others could do more than just that.

If everyone took the time to do their research anytime they travel...it would be a much more rewarding experience in so many ways.

[Tak8]

I agree you have to be careful. I use both cruiseline and private tours. You have to do your research and leave yourself cushion time. It's not just a matter of money. Sometimes you can do some amazing private tours that the cruise lines just don't offer.

[uppitycats]

totally off topic, but -- kooljamming, your kids are absolutely beautiful! I stop on your pictures every time I scroll through threads, and just admire them. (Of course their parents are pretty good looking, too.. :p )

 

Anyway -- We've done extensive travelling in the Philippines, also a country where many of the people are very poor, where we were warned repeatedly about how dangerous it was, where we didn't know the languages (there are many spoken there) and were in areas where English was not spoken.

 

And we've never felt particularly threatened. We've taken all precautions -- not wearing flashy jewelry or clothing, not waving our money around, paying attention to local customs and trying hard to abide by them whenever possible, being aware of people around us, both friendly and those not-so-friendly.

 

But if you only go on organized tours with supervison and protection, you'll never really get a sense of the real heart and soul of the country or city you're visiting. Sure, you don't want to get too far off the main streets - -but that's true of any unfamiliar city, anywhere. And doing your homework before you venture out your door is crucial to your having a good -- and safe -- time.

 

I do think the original post was sensational. But maybe it did get people to think a bit about their behavior, and how it might attract unnecessary attention.

[TracieABD]

I carry a rather small camera to take pictures. Some people carry very expensive digital SLRs and those might be a magnet to trouble.

 

Another rule of thumb: I take only what I am willing to lose. (My husband is the exception to that rule:))

[stanford's girl]

I haven't booked a ship excursion in 6 years for a several reasons. I dislike the ship tours because you have to stick to their rigid schedule, you are herded along like cattle, you have to stop at the cruise lines paid tourist traps, and they are totally overpriced. I do my research on each port and have found wonderful tours by honest and reputable private operators. And the best part is I can customize the tour to see what I want to. :D

My advice for anyone getting off the ship on their own is:

1. Research the port

2. Know the local customs

3. Be respectful of the locals

4. Bring a photo copy of your passport

5. Use common sense

6. Be aware of your surroundings

7. Only bring the money you will need ashore and don't flash your money

8. DO NOT wear a lot of jewelery

[kooljamming]

:eek: Seriously reconsidering that Princess-sponsored excursion in Jamaica that I've pre-reserved. Might be a good day for the Sanctuary.

 

A good rule to live by is whenever in doubt DON'T!

I have doubts if I can make my Victoria excursion on-time, so I booked with the ship for more than twice the cost of a private tour.

There are other islands that will provide many of the same things. If you are going to be scared and easily intimidate it is the last place on earth you want to be.

Forget the Sanctuary, many passengers will be gone for one reason or the other, so no chair hogs to deal with.

 

off topic @ uppitycat: thanks! I smile whenever I see your screenname. Uppity is a Jamaican expression for showing off. It often used along with cockity. If you ever make it to Jamaica do not get uppity and cockity with the locals:D

[jnc411]

Hello all: this is an interesting thread. We have cruised many times and have done mostly ship organized excursions for various reasons, I just like having everything arranged for us even if it costs more.Ok so I am lazy, and perhaps cautious.

Also on a number of occassions we have seen people left behind at ports both in Mexico and Carribbean , they we not on ship excursions. We also have seen a couple of people brought back to the ship via ambulance after being beaten badly by a local "cab driver" (Acapulco). Also have seen people come back to the ship injured from 4 wheel drive excursion (Aruba)and sea do excursion run by private companys (Antigua ), not checked out by the cruise line. One youngwoman had both arms broken and in a wheel chair unable to care for herself from that point on, her boy freind had to do everything for her and I mean everything !! Accidents do happen even on ship sponsored excursions, but at least the cruise line has done some vetting of the companys involved.

Regarding the post about Jamaica, it is a pretty island , have been there and we did a sail and snorkel excursion, we were escorted to the boat by armed (machine guns) guards and returned to the gated entry (Montego Bay) by armed guards.Our friends took a cab to town one of the ones with the recommed sticker and were stuck there until they agree to pay a lot of money to get back to the ship they were scared stiff. Since then if the ship ports in Jamaica, I don't book that cruise, hopefully some day the problems there will be solved and the people there have better lives , so that we can travel there again , until then no.

We try to keep in mind that in all countries and all cultures there are good people and not so good people , in the US also. So be smart , enjoy your travels and respect the countries and the people who live there, it is their home.

Happy cruising .

Cori

[uppitycats]

uppity and cockity...describes me perfectly! :) Lovely new word I learned, today. Thanks! :)

[Bemidji Ty]

ckr31; "Anything can happen anywhere.even in your own back yard." (sic)

 

Opens up the possibilities doesn't it?

 

If we accept this proposition, we would be like some of my relatives who are afraid to travel at all. I will warn them they shouldn't even go to their "own back yard."

[Nancy53]

Last April we took the Carnival Libery and went to Jamaica. We picked the Mountain Downhill Bicycle excursion and it turns out we were the only ones on the entire ship that booked this particular excursion. When we got off the boat and waited where all the other excursions were leaving from the representative from Carnival came up to us and said that we were the only ones taking this excursion. We had our choice of either getting our money back or going with the same touring company but would be included in the local hotel groups. We chose to go ahead and go. Big mistake. It was very dangerous. The whole way down the mountain the road was like the moon. It has hugh pits in the road, we went by people smoking pot in the houses, the poorest conditins I have ever seen in my life. The bicycles were in very poor shape. Needless to say 3/4 of the way down I fell and was thrown over the handle bars and got badly bruised and bumps. Thank goodness I had a helmet on. The rest of the way I got in the truck and went the rest of the way. I was completely stunned and was very surprised that I was not more hurt. Then we went to a place where we were supposed to snorkle. If you wanted to do this you had to jump off the side of the rocks into very ddep water with no floatation device, no fins. You were lucky if you were not washed out to sea. I chose that to do this.

When the excursion was ready to go back the first thing they did was to ask me to sign a release that they were not responsible. I did sign it because I did not want to go to the doctor in Jamaica. The guides were very nice but this excursion has been dicontinued since then (as far as I can tell from Carnival's website).

This was supposed to be a cruise ship excursion and to me was still dangerous.

We recently went to Belize and did the cave tubing and did it with a private tour guide. This was the best excursion we ever did.

No matter where you go you have to use commone sense. I should have know that when no one else had picked the bicycle excursion I should have just gotten our money back.

We were in South American in Buenas Aires and two different couple on our ship were robbed in the park the day before the cruise departed.

Another man was stabbed to death in the same park because after he was robbed he went after the group that robbed him and the murdered him. Other people had no problems. You have to do your research and common sense. I would continue to do private excursions as well as cruise excursions. :)

[jtmalt]

Last April we took the Carnival Libery and went to Jamaica. We picked the Mountain Downhill Bicycle excursion and it turns out we were the only ones on the entire ship that booked this particular excursion. When we got off the boat and waited where all the other excursions were leaving from the representative from Carnival came up to us and said that we were the only ones taking this excursion. We had our choice of either getting our money back or going with the same touring company but would be included in the local hotel groups. We chose to go ahead and go. Big mistake. It was very dangerous. The whole way down the mountain the road was like the moon. It has hugh pits in the road, we went by people smoking pot in the houses, the poorest conditins I have ever seen in my life. The bicycles were in very poor shape. Needless to say 3/4 of the way down I fell and was thrown over the handle bars and got badly bruised and bumps. Thank goodness I had a helmet on. The rest of the way I got in the truck and went the rest of the way. I was completely stunned and was very surprised that I was not more hurt. Then we went to a place where we were supposed to snorkle. If you wanted to do this you had to jump off the side of the rocks into very ddep water with no floatation device, no fins. You were lucky if you were not washed out to sea. I chose that to do this.

When the excursion was ready to go back the first thing they did was to ask me to sign a release that they were not responsible. I did sign it because I did not want to go to the doctor in Jamaica. The guides were very nice but this excursion has been dicontinued since then (as far as I can tell from Carnival's website).

This was supposed to be a cruise ship excursion and to me was still dangerous.

 

Not to get this thread off track, but I just wanted to respond to this post. My wife and I did this same tour through RCCL in April of 2007. You can read the details in this thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=560250 , but to make a long story short, we had much the same experience as Nancy, except that I broke my ribs when I went over the handlebars.

 

This staff on this particular excursion where either stunningly unprepared to deal with injuries, or else just didn't care. It left me with a terrible impression of the attitude of the Jamaican people towards tourists, and I'll never set foot on that island again.

 

Here's a photo of the snorkel cove that Nancy refers to:

[TracieABD]

This is very scary. Thank you for posting and letting us know what to avoid.

[kooljamming]

Not to get this thread off track, but I just wanted to respond to this post. My wife and I did this same tour through RCCL in April of 2007. You can read the details in this thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=560250 , but to make a long story short, we had much the same experience as Nancy, except that I broke my ribs when I went over the handlebars.

 

This staff on this particular excursion where either stunningly unprepared to deal with injuries, or else just didn't care. It left me with a terrible impression of the attitude of the Jamaican people towards tourists, and I'll never set foot on that island again.

 

You do know there are over 2.5 million Jamaicans on the island. I am sure a fair amount witnessed this incident...maybe not? It is truly horrible when things go wrong and the proper care is not given. I have not been able to categorize the American people based on any one, even few incidents. I am close to think they are quite generous, then I read the tipping thread:eek:. I thought well dressed, then the dress code thread popped up.

 

Back to booking ship excursions

[Schplinky]

So, ask yourself..

 

Do you greet the shop owner when you enter their place of business, anywhere in the world in the local language?

 

How do you "hand" the money to the shop owner when in Europe?

 

Do you get angry and make a snappy comment when USD is not accepted

even though its not legal currency?

 

If it's 90 degrees out with humidity, do you try to enter a religious place in shorts and sleeveless shirt?

 

If you visit a synagogue will you refuse to cover your head because you aren't jewish?

 

If you visit a Church will you keep your hat on?

 

Also, do each of you understand what is expected to visit a Mosque..because when I was in Istanbul on our land vacation...I saw quite a few Shorex passengers that were down right disrespectful in their behavior and it made ME ANGRY..so I can only imagine how a practicing Muslim would feel.

 

Do you yell to get a fellow passengers attention while in port?

 

Do you eat pizza or french fries with your fingers while abroad?

 

Do you get annoyed if you can't get American beer abroad?

 

Do you insult the local population about uncleanliness while having to use a squat pot?

 

all of this behavior will single you out to the local population even if you are on a shorex...

 

some locals will roll their eyes and others could do more than just that.

 

If everyone took the time to do their research anytime they travel...it would be a much more rewarding experience in so many ways.

 

 

This is an excellent list. On out Med. cruise, we were very discouraged by the number of Americans who were upset that a small marketplace would not take US dollars. Would a flea market in Fort Lauderdale take euros?

[Schplinky]

For those of you that like to go on non princess sponcered excursions.BE CAREFUL they are tons of things that happens to Americans in places like Aruba,Jamaica,and even in Europe. one must always exercise caution.Even taking a taxi cab in a foreign country you are at their mercy.I am not trying to be paraniod(even though experts says some paranoia is good for ones life)just be careful.I have even read on CC that some people have had problem's with non ship sponcered excursions.missing the ship,taxi's breaking down,and one couple I read about got robbed.I personally rather pay the extra few dollars and let the cruise line be incontroll, than some other indivisial,or company(thats just me)no I am not employed by princess or any other cruise line. I am just a cc member concered about my fellow cruisers.AGAIN BE CAREFUL AND ASK YOUSELF IS IT REALLY WORTH THE $20 OR $30 I AM SAVING by doing it on my own.

 

Again it is strange to me that,Americans won't go to area's in the good old U.S.A like west side of Chicago,south central L.A run down area's of Miami,and New York city,but they will go to a foreign land and flag down a taxi and get in the Taxi with anywhere from $200.00 to thousands of dollars in their pocket,exspensive jewelry,and trust the person to take them to some historic church or land mark.this just do not makes sense to me its one of those things that make you go mmmmmmm

 

The OP seems to think the only cruisers in this world or on this board worth addressing are Americans. It likely represents their attitude in port and for that reason, I would recommend that the OP stay with the ship's tours (which tend only to visit the stores and sites that given them kick-backs) while the rest of us explore the real world. Reading, researching and embracing the area you're visiting will go a lot further than posting alarmist messages on a chat board toward making sure you have a good experience.

[elsje]

For those of you that like to go on non princess sponcered excursions.BE CAREFUL they are tons of things that happens to Americans in places like Aruba,Jamaica,and even in Europe. one must always exercise caution.Even taking a taxi cab in a foreign country you are at their mercy.I am not trying to be paraniod(even though experts says some paranoia is good for ones life)just be careful.I have even read on CC that some people have had problem's with non ship sponcered excursions.missing the ship,taxi's breaking down,and one couple I read about got robbed.I personally rather pay the extra few dollars and let the cruise line be incontroll, than some other indivisial,or company(thats just me)no I am not employed by princess or any other cruise line. I am just a cc member concered about my fellow cruisers.AGAIN BE CAREFUL AND ASK YOUSELF IS IT REALLY WORTH THE $20 OR $30 I AM SAVING by doing it on my own.

 

We avoid cruise excursions at all cost. We can not stand the herds of people the cruise ships plow in a bus or on a catamaran. We also prefer to meet other people on a tour but most of all we love to meet the locals and get to know their culture.

 

We research to the best of our knowledge on the web, reading travel books and trying to speak some basic words. We are fortunate as we both speak 4 languages, but then still we have to research the places we go to, even in this country.

 

We are not afraid to travel but we use common sense. Every place we have been to we have truly enjoyed.

 

On our upcoming trip to the South Pacific/Australia/New Zealand/Hawaii we are booked on 7 private excursions and many if not all were all recommended by CC members. The other 8 stops will be done by local bus and or taxi. Through research, extensive reading and reading maps we believe that we will have a great independent time on the islands and/or countries.

 

What tour would you suggest for people who travel to places like Nepal or people who backpack Europe and go places where cruise ships do not go? I am trying to make you aware that there are a host of independent tour operators,even local people, that are reliable.

 

If people are worried or afraid to miss the ship or are afraid to venture out alone, by all means go on the cruise ship excursion.

 

I just find your post disturbing that it has to do with money. I have travelled extensively and I look for the most cultural tour and shy away from the mass market tours.

[Nancy53]

To Jtmalt:

You did the excursion in 2007 and we did it in April 2008. Apparently the other cruise ships did not pull this excursion from their list of those picked for their passenters. You were on RCL and we were on Carnival. I must say I did not report this and probably should have to the excursion desk and did not seek any medical attention from the ship's doctor. Luckily I was just bruised badly and it took about a month to get back to my normal condition. I went to see an orthopedist and still have a bruise on my leg as a result of this fall from the bike. He said it wll probably never go away. He called it something different than a bruise but is like a dent on my leg with some discoloration.

Everyone just be careful which excursions you take not just in Jamaica or other caribbean islands because the health care is not that great. Make sure you get insurance for your cruise also. I look very carefully on which excursions I sign up for now not only on private excursions but also on the cruise ship excursions. You don't want to get hurt far away from home.

I even got rid of my bike when I get home and will never go on a bike again as a result of this fall.:eek:

[elsje]

To Jtmalt:

You did the excursion in 2007 and we did it in April 2008. Apparently the other cruise ships did not pull this excursion from their list of those picked for their passenters. You were on RCL and we were on Carnival. I must say I did not report this and probably should have to the excursion desk and did not seek any medical attention from the ship's doctor. Luckily I was just bruised badly and it took about a month to get back to my normal condition. I went to see an orthopedist and still have a bruise on my leg as a result of this fall from the bike. He said it wll probably never go away. He called it something different than a bruise but is like a dent on my leg with some discoloration.

Everyone just be careful which excursions you take not just in Jamaica or other caribbean islands because the health care is not that great. Make sure you get insurance for your cruise also. I look very carefully on which excursions I sign up for now not only on private excursions but also on the cruise ship excursions. You don't want to get hurt far away from home.

I even got rid of my bike when I get home and will never go on a bike again as a result of this fall.:eek:

 

Yes by all means take out insurance do not skimp on that. I am sorry you had such a bad ordeal on your bike ride in Jamaica.

[TracieABD]

To Jtmalt:

You did the excursion in 2007 and we did it in April 2008. Apparently the other cruise ships did not pull this excursion from their list of those picked for their passenters. You were on RCL and we were on Carnival. I must say I did not report this and probably should have to the excursion desk and did not seek any medical attention from the ship's doctor. Luckily I was just bruised badly and it took about a month to get back to my normal condition. I went to see an orthopedist and still have a bruise on my leg as a result of this fall from the bike. He said it wll probably never go away. He called it something different than a bruise but is like a dent on my leg with some discoloration.

Everyone just be careful which excursions you take not just in Jamaica or other caribbean islands because the health care is not that great. Make sure you get insurance for your cruise also. I look very carefully on which excursions I sign up for now not only on private excursions but also on the cruise ship excursions. You don't want to get hurt far away from home.

I even got rid of my bike when I get home and will never go on a bike again as a result of this fall.:eek:

I hate to hear that you gave up an activity that you once loved because of one bad experience, but I know that this can happen.

[NorcalGuy]

Not to get this thread off track, but I just wanted to respond to this post. My wife and I did this same tour through RCCL in April of 2007. You can read the details in this thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=560250 , but to make a long story short, we had much the same experience as Nancy, except that I broke my ribs when I went over the handlebars.

 

This staff on this particular excursion where either stunningly unprepared to deal with injuries, or else just didn't care. It left me with a terrible impression of the attitude of the Jamaican people towards tourists, and I'll never set foot on that island again.

 

Here's a photo of the snorkel cove that Nancy refers to:

I have snorkeled quite a bit over the years. That is not a spot I would snorkel at without fins. Maybe not at all...

[Colo Cruiser]

I have snorkeled quite a bit over the years. That is not a spot I would snorkel at without fins. Maybe not at all...

 

I agree, very dangerous. :(

[mek]

While there definitely are some places I wouldn't venture off by myself, most places in Europe and many other places in the world don't fit into that category, IMO. Other than the risk of missing the boat, what is the difference between me going on a private tour of Rome for example, or spending the week in Rome and using the same private tours? Do your homework, look for references, plan smart and be safe. Bottom line, do what ever feels best for you.

[hubofhockey]

The OP seems to think the only cruisers in this world or on this board worth addressing are Americans. It likely represents their attitude in port and for that reason, I would recommend that the OP stay with the ship's tours (which tend only to visit the stores and sites that given them kick-backs) while the rest of us explore the real world. Reading, researching and embracing the area you're visiting will go a lot further than posting alarmist messages on a chat board toward making sure you have a good experience.

 

Yup, I have to wonder what these people who only take ship sponsored excursions do when they take land vacations somewhere and there is no cruiseline (overcrowded and overpriced) excursions available. For me, this site is great for private and do-it-yourself excursions and I don't need to pay double for a crowded bus to the beach. :eek: For land vacations, I go with Trip Advisor.