Best/Worst of Carnival's Ports

[md10074]

If you consider Dunn's River Falls, DO NOT get the video. In order to get the video, they take you into this very run-down shopping village of make-shift tents. It's so low-rent and seedy that nobody was shopping there. The video tape place was all the way at the back and we had no escort. Every time we asked where the tape place was, the merchant would refuse to tell us and instead try to sell us something. We had zero help getting to the tape place or getting out of the village. It was terrifying and there was nobody around.

 

We were just at DRF and got the video and had a completely different experience. I wasn't there when husband ordered it because my daughter and I chickened out halfway through it and didn't get to the end at the same time he did, but I just asked him and he said that a lady was right there at the end and took his order. Then by the time he met up with us, the guy who taped it personally handed it to him. That was before he got any kind of tip or anything, and yes, my husband did give both him and guide tips at the end. They were really nice to us.

 

Yes, we did pass by all the tents where they were selling stuff, but all we encountered were people just saying stuff like come see my stuff, and one old man introduced himself and tried to shake my hand to go over to his tent, but I just told him sorry, I'm in a hurry, and they left us alone. We even stopped to get my son some jerk chicken and sat at the table and nobody bothered us. And it's not like I had a big tall husband to protect us. He's 5'5" and skinny like a Q-tip. LOL Then we walked right out the gates and our bus was there.

 

I think we just got lucky that day because I read so many posts about how awful it is in Ocho Rios, but we would go back. It was one of our favorites. Now if we go back and get harrassed, I will be the first one to say how awful it was too.

[MzOhioLady]

For those keeping score, through 69 posts:

 

Least Favorite

Ocho Rios-7 (offset by 2 favorites)

Nassau-6 (offset by 2 favorites)

Freeport-5 (offset by 1 favorite)

Progresso-3

Belize-2

Calicia-2 (offset by 2 favorities)

Cozumel-2 (offset by 2 favorites)

Montego Bay-2

Single Mentions--

St Thomas

Martinique

Panama

Excluded:

Ensenada(not a Caribbean port)

Labadee(not a Carnvial port)

 

Most Liked:

St Thomas-8 (offset by 1 least fav)

Half Moon Cay-5

Roatan-4

Grand Cayman-3

Dominica-2

 

Two or more likes offset by least favs:

Belize -3 (offset by 2 least favs)

Ocho Rios -2 (offset by 7 least favs)

Calicia -2 (offset by 2 least favs)

Nassau -2 (offset by 2 least favs)

Cozumel -2 (offset by 2 least favs)

Freeport- 1 (offset by 5 least favs)

 

Also Mentioned as being a favorite:

Aruba

Barbados

Key West

St Kitts

Tortola

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for keeping the score. I was wondering how the responses stacked up.

[paulandfran]

no, not near the port. we did tour parts of the country, dunns river and several other excursions that led us to places where most tourist don't go. ran into some children along the way who had never seen white people.

 

Same here. That's why we were shocked when visiting Ochi via ship. So glad we had done land vacations there first. If we had gone there on a cruise first we never would have gone back and would have missed out on some experiences of a lifetime.

[Upandadam]

I'm surprised no one mentioned St Maarten, so I will. As a favorite. :)

 

One more word about Jamaica. Last cruise there, we were dropped off at a very touristy area and struck up a conversation with a local cab driver while he waited for his fare to return.

 

As with most folks there, he was a very friendly individual and happy to have someone chat with him. After awhile, he got a puzzled look on his face and asked if we had taken his cab 2 years earlier. Finally, we realized that we had and he actually remembered us.

 

Try that in a major US city.

[LiLBxQt]

For those keeping score, through 69 posts:

 

Least Favorite

Ocho Rios-7 (offset by 2 favorites)

Nassau-6 (offset by 2 favorites)

Freeport-5 (offset by 1 favorite)

Progresso-3

Belize-2

Calicia-2 (offset by 2 favorities)

Cozumel-2 (offset by 2 favorites)

Montego Bay-2

Single Mentions--

St Thomas

Martinique

Panama

Excluded:

Ensenada(not a Caribbean port)

Labadee(not a Carnvial port)

 

Most Liked:

St Thomas-8 (offset by 1 least fav)

Half Moon Cay-5

Roatan-4

Grand Cayman-3

Dominica-2

Two or more likes offset by least favs:

Belize -3 (offset by 2 least favs)

Ocho Rios -2 (offset by 7 least favs)

Calicia -2 (offset by 2 least favs)

Nassau -2 (offset by 2 least favs)

Cozumel -2 (offset by 2 least favs)

Freeport- 1 (offset by 5 least favs)

Also Mentioned as being a favorite:

Aruba

Barbados

Key West

St Kitts

Tortola

 

omg... lol i cant believe you tallied it all up... thats awesome! i was actually just writing them down on paper for myself LOL

[tnincy]

Same here. That's why we were shocked when visiting Ochi via ship. So glad we had done land vacations there first. If we had gone there on a cruise first we never would have gone back and would have missed out on some experiences of a lifetime.

 

 

i have read and heard the horror stories of the port in ochi. glad we flew as well, had really wonderful experiences there too.

[cupcake26]

Our friends went to Montego Bay and said they experienced the exact opposite, but were also on an all inclusive. I would try Jamacia again, I just wouldn't try Ocho Rios.

 

I've been to a bunch of places, and generally don't put off as the "tourist" vibe. I love learning about cultures and the people, and would've been more than interested to talk to a few people. We spoke to the man that followed us for a while as we walked, about his family and where he lived, the school his children went to, etc.

 

When we were ready to turn on a street, he stood right in front of us and gave us a price for the "tour of jamacia" he just gave us. I have never experienced anything like that before in ANY country or culture. We werent afraid of talking to the people, but I just didn't get a "safe" vibe walking the streets. We had walked quite a few blocks, but that attitude never really changed - maybe we didnt walk "into town" far enough for that to disscipate.

 

My favorite cruise port place to date is Grand Cayman. It's always been my 'relaxing zone' place. Though we're visiting a few new places on our next two cruises, so that may change :)

[md10074]

I think my least favorite was Guadaloupe, but that was 15 years ago and I'm not sure if any ship goes there now. I think that was where they said they had no sewage system and rats ran rampant. Beautiful waterfalls, but that turned me right off.

 

In Grenada, which is also beautiful, some guy tried to make us walk off with him to see what he was sellling, and my stupid husband was going. I went a little bit, but I was pregnant and told the guy that I wasn't feeling well. Stupid us, we could have gotten robbed or killed. We didn't know better, but we sure do now. And you think Jamaica is bad, it isn't only Jamaica. You have to be careful anywhere.

 

My favorites so far are St. Thomas, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica.

[Halftocruz]

yikes, were going to Ocho Rios in October. I usually try to approach things with an open mind, but that port seems to have way more negative reviews from what ive seen. How is the Mystic Mountain (think thats is what it is called) area? we have a tour booked there

 

We went to Mystic Mountain last Christmas when we were on the Liberty. It was a blast. I thought the tour was well done (booked through Carnival) My kids loved the bobsled and the ride up is beautiful. I thought it was a great excursion.

 

Kellie

[Cruisin 4 Ever]

My favourite port is Key West. There's just something about Key West that I absolutely love. Other than the shopping my worst port is Nassau - its smelly and I don't want my hair braided thankyou.

I also loved St. George's in Bermuda, mostly because she ship parked in one spot from Tuesday to Friday so we didn't have to plan our days in advance, didn't worry about making it back to the ship or anything like that. I would LOVE to see some cruises that stay in port for more than one day.

[nothomeonacruise]

We enjoyed Jamaica and had no trouble at all. We visited Dunns River Falls and had a blast. We visited a small market on the way back and had a nice time. It's not my favorite port, though.

 

oops.. I didn't see the question was for Carnival's ports.. I'll put my least favorite Carnival port is Grand Turk. We're going there again this year, and I guess we'll try to find something different to do. I might change my mind. Who knows?

[luvncruisn]

Favorite: HMC and Roatan, No contest for me!

 

Don't really have a least favorite, but if I did it would be Nassau. I like it well enough, but since I've been several times there is nothing new to see or do. In other ports, you can always find a free beautiful beach. In Nassau, you have to pay quite a bit for the beaches so that is the only reason I would call it a least favorite. If there was a beach with facilities that didn't cost a minimum $120 for a family, I would like it just fine.

 

I have been to Ocho Rios and thought it was great! I was with a group that included 5 kids ranging in age from 7-14 and we never felt in danger. Granted, we did have a guide, but that was one of my very favorite vacation days!

[GlendaleCruiser]

I didn't like Jamaica and won't get off the ship if I do the Western Caribbean again (which I plan to). Best shopping was in the little market next to the ship's dock. Went to shop in town and our guide from Dunn's River said, "whatever you do, don't walk out the gates--get a taxi".

 

We shopped at a dirty shopping center in town that had fake vanilla, cheap T-shirts and Blue Mountain Coffee. I asked the price of the coffee and was told $20. I put it back and the guy screamed at me all the way out of the shop because I didn't buy it and why didn't I think it was worth $20 and it was the finest coffee ever. Couldn't wait to get away. Never been screamed at by a merchant because I didn't buy something. Not like I dissed it--I didn't. I just didn't want it for that price.

[mittchelandsophie]

I have been to San Juan, St Thomas, Sint Maarten, Grand Turk, Dominican Republic and Harbor Island in the Bahamas and I have loved them all for different reasons and I have disliked them for different reasons.

 

1. I love Old San Juan, rich in culture and breathtaking

2. I love St Thomas, fun, fun, fun and the best banana daquire(sp?) at the top over looking Megans Bay

3. I loved Grand Turk for it's small quaint charm, and history

4. I loved the DR for it's people, they were the most friendly, wonderful people I have ever encountered in my life. Not to mention the island is beautiful and some still travel by horseback!

5. I loved Harbor Island because the beach belonged to us, we layed on Pink Sand beach for 8 days and encountered maybe 12 people!

 

I have not disliked an island enough not to go back with the exception of DR and that is only based on the fact that as a group we really struggled with the food quality.

I will be traveling with my daughter for her 21st birthday to Ochos Rios and I hope we are safe. Reading this thread I am a bit concerned.

[SMSACE6]

I really dont have a port that I truly hate or dislike. My least favorite would be Ocho Rios, though we had a fairly nice tour there last October and encountered no troubles or pushy people. It just wasnt my favorite port of call.

 

My favorites would have to be, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and on the Eastern, St Martin and St Thomas, but especially St John. Havent been to many other eastern Ports of Call by cruise, but I have to say I love Barbados and St Lucia, which are actually Southern Carib ports of call. JMHO.:)

[paulandfran]

I didn't like Jamaica and won't get off the ship if I do the Western Caribbean again (which I plan to). Best shopping was in the little market next to the ship's dock. Went to shop in town and our guide from Dunn's River said, "whatever you do, don't walk out the gates--get a taxi".

 

 

I agree with that. Just outside the gates is where I started getting grabbed and pulled. Before they had the gates at Ochi it was even worse though.

[Melismass]

I don't believe anyone has mentioned one of my all time favorites: Costa Maya! Actually, this is my whole families favorite port. We have had the time of our lives at Pez Quadro. That place just has everything!

[sharecruises]

I like Ochos Rios.. never felt unsafe

 

Nassau is ok, looks a lot like Florida really (or Florida looks a lot like Nassau haha...we have some shopping centers done in pastels with the Bahamian shutters etc)

 

Freeport is not a great port...very industrial, you MUST take cabs

and then not much there...pay to sit at a resort or shop in a mall (which again feels like Florida)

 

I know some people love it, and I was excited to visit it, but honestly Costa Maya was a huge yawn

I was there before the hurricane but it was still just ok

has a big carnival built pool and port with expensive shops and then a run down little village....rustic does not always mean nice

lots and lots of cheesy junk to buy and agressive vendors

really nothing to see

[pafam4]

Favorite hands down was Virgin Gorda, Tortola. The baths at Virgin Gorda was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.

 

Also, we always enjoy San Juan and of course St. Thomas/St. John.

 

Least favorite: Nassau.

[dancindukes]

Long time ago they used to to to Martinique..... ONLY port I have never liked in 5 cruises.

On another subject.... I do want to see Dominica...... ! Everyone says it is just beautiful.

[LiLBxQt]

Long time ago they used to to to Martinique..... ONLY port I have never liked in 5 cruises.

On another subject.... I do want to see Dominica...... ! Everyone says it is just beautiful.

 

I loveddddd dominica! seeing rainforests and greenery in the caribbean is such a nice change of scenery... hikes to the waterfalls... simply amazing! if you get to go there soon, book a tour with levi baron of bumpiingtours... he was a wonderful guide and really takes you on some amazing hiking trails!

[Angileyze1]

RE: OCHO RIOS

 

I don't have a favorite or a least favorite. I have only done one cruise. HOWEVER, I took my mother in her 60's. We did Dunn's River Falls. The guy BROUGHT the video to US at our van. He didn't let us walk through that pushy part of the park. Once back in the parking lot within the gates, we walked OUT of the gates to a shopping area. We never felt unsafe. I had been warned about the pushy-ness, and I do not have a problem saying no. Not once did one of them even touch me or jump out of any bushes at us. We loved Jamaica and out of the three, it was her favorite. I recommend that if you go there, book youe excursion directly from Carnival We did that and had no problem whatsoever.

[canonpayne]

Best Ports:

 

San Juan

Cozumel

Georgetown

Nassau

 

Worst Port:

 

Progresso (ugly, dirty, arm-pit!!!!)

[bobar]

jamiaca is beautiful to look at but very uncomfortable to enjoy..people are very agressive, do not respect your personal space and will harass you to get you to buy something...scewnry and dunns river falls amazing....if you can go and pretend to be a deaf mute it is fun...

my favorite caribbean ports are st martin, san juan and aruba:cool:

love roatan too

[firespud]

Worst - Progresso - did not choose this port, rerouted after a hurricane hit Costa Maya (still haven't been there) Don't really have a favorite - been to Jamaica - booked a tour of Dunn's River Falls and Grotto Cave from ship. We had a fantastic tour guide who advised us if we did not want to be bothered not to go back through the vendors after our tour was over-just go out the way we came in...we did...no problems. Was in Nassau in April - did the self-guided historic walking tour as soon as we got off the ship that morning. NO crowds, had people stop in their cars and on foot to ask if we needed directions (they saw that we had a guide book that we were looking puzzled over). No one, except the tour operators at the pier pestered us (just ignored them). Did a snorkeling trip in the afternoon and it was the best snorkeling we have done - smooth water, lots of fish. Also did HMC on this trip, but we considered it a waste. We can sit on the beach here in the states, and other than that we didn't find much to do on the island. It is very pretty and if you enjoy the beach it is a great one. Cruising again in Oct to Key West and Cozumel (3rd time to Cozumel). My advise is to do some research, internet, or guide books from your local library. As others have said, I agree - any ports when you are on a cruise ship are great - except the one where you have to get off and go home.:(