Chalker Guy

Yes, Mark's Tours is still in business.  We were one of the first after Jamaica reopened in March.  We chose not to go to the Blue Hole (not sure if it was open to tourists yet), but I can vouch for Mark and assure that he will give you an excellent tour, tailored to your desires.  He is very knowledgeable about the island.  It was a sad story on March 28, Covid had put most of the tour operators out of business, and the rest (includng Mark) were just barely making it.

Mark's Tours by Mark Morris, marcogm2650@gmail.com

We were also on Seashore for March 26 cruise, I had booked Captain Marvin's Stingray City and snorkel, not knowing if we were going to stop.  GC had it on their schedule, but MSC did not, was pleasantly surprised to find out the second day we were stopping.  Had a great time with Captain Marvin.

Back to the thread topic, 3/26 Seashore sailing was 1800 passengers.  Even with that, some venues were overcrowded at times, especially sea  days, like Cabaret and main pool area (tiny for such a big ship)

Just back from MSC Seashore cruise, stopped at Ocho Rios and had a wonderful private tour from  Mark's Tours. Email him and he will respond.

Typically replies within a few hours

Beaches in Ocho Rios are nothing special, but there is a beach right next to the cruise ship dock that you can access by patronizing Margaritaville, or by paying $10 per person to pass through their establishment to the beach.

Just back from Ocho Rios stop from the MSC Seashore, where we had a private Tour by Mark.  (Excellent tour, $25 per person for a personalized tour in his air conditioned tour bus)  He said that Jamaica is open for tours, but limited to certain areas.  Blue Hole may not be included, but there is much else to see.  He is one of just a few small tour operators who have survived the pandemic.  Jamaica desperately needs tourism, so be sure to book a tour and be generous.  No need to do a ships tours, this is much better.

We (party of 6) were booked on Divina Jan 30 2022 cruise, 3 cabins.  All 6 are fully vaccinated, and at least 4 are Covid survivors.  One became ill and tested positive on Jan. 25.  According to MSC's website, "If you test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to or during your cruise, you and your traveling party will receive a full or prorated refund and assistance......"  Also, "You will be denied boarding if you:  Have had potential exposure to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 within 14 days of embarkation."

Sounds to me like we should get a full refund for all 6, since the other five were clearly exposed to the one who tested positive.  HOWEVER, MSC is offering a refund only to the occupants of the cabin of the one who tested positive, with full forfeiture for the other two cabins.  For several reasons, transferring the booking to a future MSC cruise doesn't work for us.  Anyone else have a similar experience?  Did you resolve satisfactorily?  We are working through a travel agency.

19 hours ago, jlkb said:

Yes, it is.  A lady at our table last week was a vegetarian, and they served her a special meal.

Thanks,

It may be too late for me to book, reservations will only let me book myself, not wife, or son but not grandson.  I will call.

18 hours ago, lovetotraveltx said:

If you have your own equipment, can you snorkel at the beach you went to on Costa Maya? Thank you

Google snorkeling Costa Maya.  Snorkeling from the main beach is not good, lots of sea grass and not much to see.  They say it is better north of the lighthouse or south of the main beach.  There are numerous boats that will take you out to the reef for a reasonable price

We are on the Christmas week cruise, cruising with our son and grandson who are vegetarian.  Do you know if it is possible to get a vegetarian option for the Cirque show/dinner?

We are on Maraviglia 9/24. Many past cruises, but first MSC and first Europe. I am a bit confused on some things. Is tap water available for free? I read somewhere that U.S. customers were issued a number of bottles of water to be used throughout the cruise. Is that correct? I know there is a charge for Cirque, but are other shows free? What other shows are aavailable?

I strongly recommend an Olympus. I had an Olympus 830 which I took on many snorkel trips an never had a leak. Unlike Fuji, Panasonic, and others, it has double seals on the compartments. Mine finally crapped out after some significant abuse (took it to Burning Man), and the TG830 is no longer available. I am now looking at the T4, but am leaning toward the TG870 which is about $100 cheaper, has most of the features, and has a flip viewfinder.

Not much to see at Sunset. I would highly recommend Corona Beach Club, just south of Chankanaab. They will watch your stuff while you snorkel in a small but nice semi-protected area, no charge, just buy some food and drinks at reasonable prices. This is more of a place for locals.

I'm curious about which beach the Jamaican Beach Break is at...it's in the Carnival excursions. It says it is only a few minutes from the pier of Falmouth. Have you heard of Time & Place? From what I can figure out, it's near the Red Stripe Beach....but I may be wrong though. Silversands looks to be a bit further, but looks nice.

Red stripe beach is near the port. Time N' Place is also close, but it is now closed.

$35 PP R/T included the $6.00 admission? Drs Caves told me it was 15 min ride from the port??

Ours was from Falmouth, Montego Bay port is closer.

Had a great combo dinner, shrimp & oysters & catfish strips, more than 1 person should eat, plus free crab boiled potatoes for under $18 at Deanies if FQ 2 weeks ago. Also had a cup (as big as most bowls) of some of the best seafood gumbo I have ever eaten, I believe it was $5.95.

Has anyone toured with Jaital recently? Reviews?

We are looking for a tour to Turtle River (Enchanted a Garden) with them.

The cab is apparently $80. We should just book a tour!

Thanks!

Used them 2 weeks ago for tour to Dr's Cave beach, very satisfied. I have posted comments on several threads on CC as well as a review on Trip Advisor. Pick up point is within the port enclosure.

How far is the ride from Falmouth to Dr. Cave's and how much did they charge?

Were there 2 weeks ago, used JaiTal tours private car for 4 for $35 pp, pickup in the cruise port enclosure, fee included $6 admission to Dr's Cave beach. JaiTal also operates buses for $20 pp round trip. About a 30 minute ride.

Joining in as we are trying to plan our Cozumel day. We would like a nice beach, preferably with snorkeling Aand would like a quick stop at some ruins before or after. Have been looking at Papito's but it seems very far from where the ships dock. Any ideas? TIA

Papito's looks like a good choice, never been there. If you don't want to go that far I would say the next best choice is Corona Beach Club. Decent snorkeling, a small sandy area though no real beach, free snorkeling, good food and drinks. Other choice might be a day pass at El Cid La Cieba or Park Royal, both an easy walk from the International pier. Both offer all inclusive day passes online, but they also offer walk-up day passes for around $20, I believe with $10 food/drink credit.

That makes me sad Chalker Guy. Thanks for the heads up, we were planning to go back there in a couple weeks. Do you know of another beach near Falmouth worth visiting?

Red Stripe beach is between My Time N' Place and Falmouth, I walked past it along the beach when we were at My Time N' Place 2 years ago. There is also a public beach close by, but being unfamiliar with the area I would not take a chance on it.

We booked a private car for 4 to Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay for $35 pp including beach admission, about a 30 minute drive, from JaiTal tours when we were there 2 weeks ago. JaiTal also operates buses to same for $20 pp round trip, boarding within the port compound. Admission to the beach is $6. It is a nice beach with decent snoreling, food and drinks available. They rent chairs and umbrellas for $6 each, but we just put our towels down to stake out a shady spot, and spent most of our time either in the water or at the bar.

 

In Jamaica, we went to a place called Time N Place. $10 to use the beach and facilities for the day and cheap food that is delicious. My husband and I split a jerk chicken plate that was $10. I want to stress that it is VERY rustic and there is a nudist resort next door. Read the reviews on Trip Advisor. This place is not for everyone. I think our cab ride was $20 pp round trip which I thought was high for a ten minute cab ride, but oh well.

 

We were at My Time N Place in Falmouth a couple of years ago, unfortunetely it is now closed. Their website is still up, but not active.

Taxis to the port charge per person, and it is $7 per person standard fare from the Warehouse district, even though some locations are only a couple of blocks away. Not sure if the price is the same from Superdome area, but checking with a bus tour operator seems like a great option for you.

So how do you get to Dr's Cave beach from Falmouth, please? I thought it was too far to taxi.

JaiTal runs buses, also can hire a private car from them, board within the cruise enclave.

Has anyone gone to Red Strip Beach? If so what is that like? Thank You

I was at Red Stripe beach a couple of years ago, nice beach, plenty of shade, and you can walk the beach for quite a ways. The water is rough out by the reef, you can wade, but not good for swimming or snorkeling.

If your daily budget is $100 total for all 4, ziplining is definitely out. Cheapest price I could find from Falmouth is $84 per person, from JaiTal tours (we used them for a trip to Doctor's cave beach, and I highly recommend them).

Another option in Cozumel is Corona Beach club, free access to snorkeling site, gear rental, just buy some snacks/drinks. I think the cab ride is around $10.