LCTXcruiser Posted August 23, 2010 #1 Share Posted August 23, 2010 Just came back from a cruise yesterday. We went to Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel. First off, I'd like to state that we had a wonderful time in Cayman and Cozumel. The people were a little pushy when selling, but we expect that (have to earn a living right?). Jamaica was a different story... The shuttle buses were overcharging the passengers, taking them to places they didn't want to go (I'm guessing they get a kickback), and trying to get the passengers to stay on board so they could take them deep into Jamaica, for an additional fee of course. On our ride back, the cab driver agreed to one fee to get us to the ship, and half way through told us that it would be $10.00 more, or we'd have to get out. Apparently this was the experience of many of the Carnival guests. Obviously I didn't talk to every passenger on board (about 3k of them), but the 30 or 40 people I did ask had nothing good to say. I don't want to turn this into a B**** fest, but I wanted to see what others thought? Should Jamaica be taken off the roster? PS - The one positive is that the water was beautiful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Mach* Posted August 23, 2010 #2 Share Posted August 23, 2010 No. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rirruto Posted August 23, 2010 #3 Share Posted August 23, 2010 I had a great time in Ocho Rios. We had a great tour guide, Marva Shaw. She was the sweetest woman and would book her again in a heart beat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisingBull Posted August 23, 2010 #4 Share Posted August 23, 2010 There are certain human rights issues that keep me away from Jamaica. I intentionally book cruises that do not go to this island. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sargent_Schultz Posted August 23, 2010 #5 Share Posted August 23, 2010 No. As for taxis, the taxis in Cozumel are well known for accepting kickbacks from beach clubs etc., for bring customers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoCoNut Willie Posted August 23, 2010 #6 Share Posted August 23, 2010 No! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carnival Platinum Cruiser Posted August 23, 2010 #7 Share Posted August 23, 2010 Just came back from a cruise yesterday. We went to Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel. First off, I'd like to state that we had a wonderful time in Cayman and Cozumel. The people were a little pushy when selling, but we expect that (have to earn a living right?). Jamaica was a different story... The shuttle buses were overcharging the passengers, taking them to places they didn't want to go (I'm guessing they get a kickback), and trying to get the passengers to stay on board so they could take them deep into Jamaica, for an additional fee of course. On our ride back, the cab driver agreed to one fee to get us to the ship, and half way through told us that it would be $10.00 more, or we'd have to get out. Apparently this was the experience of many of the Carnival guests. Obviously I didn't talk to every passenger on board (about 3k of them), but the 30 or 40 people I did ask had nothing good to say. I don't want to turn this into a B**** fest, but I wanted to see what others thought? Should Jamaica be taken off the roster? PS - The one positive is that the water was beautiful! I am with you the place is crime ridden with ripoff artists everywhere. I can't tell you how many times I was approached in a touristy shopping plaza if I wanted to buy some dope. It could be a beautiful place to visit if they would clean up their image. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkjmt Posted August 23, 2010 #8 Share Posted August 23, 2010 We booked with Carnival's excursion (Dunn's Falls and the bob sled) and had no problems. It was beautiful and we had a great time. Sometimes it pays to pay a little extra to insure a good safe experience. Especially somewhere like Jamaica. There are a few Carribean ports I'd only book through the cruise ship.....but I don't want them taken off as cruise stops either.......I'm just more careful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flynnsport Posted August 23, 2010 #9 Share Posted August 23, 2010 it's beautiful sailing in to montego bay...but all that beauty goes away once you hit land...they could get rid of mobay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MzOhioLady Posted August 23, 2010 #10 Share Posted August 23, 2010 no!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogimax Posted August 23, 2010 #11 Share Posted August 23, 2010 Yes!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elspeth Posted August 23, 2010 #12 Share Posted August 23, 2010 We have been to Montego Bay twice and if we never go back, that is fine with us. We are considering booking a cruise that goes to Ocho Rios instead. I hate to write off an entire island after seeing only one city. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DG2004 Posted August 23, 2010 #13 Share Posted August 23, 2010 we just avoid cruises that hit jamaica been there once...no need to return Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare chasinraynbowz Posted August 23, 2010 #14 Share Posted August 23, 2010 No. I booked an excursion thru the cruiseline and was quite happy with it. I would love to go again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Boy Posted August 23, 2010 #15 Share Posted August 23, 2010 I don't think they should take Jamacia off of their stops, since a lot of people like to go there.. but as for me I will NOT go back to Jamacia again, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbet Posted August 23, 2010 #16 Share Posted August 23, 2010 We have only been to Jamaica once, and enjoyed a beach day there. We are looking forward to our port call there next spring and will try to see more of the island. DD is especially excited about the bobsled. I think we'll stick with Carnival excursions though. Were your bad experiences on Carnival excursions, or on independent tours, or "grab a cab" spur-of-the moment adventures? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPete Posted August 23, 2010 #17 Share Posted August 23, 2010 Just came back from a cruise yesterday. We went to Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel. First off, I'd like to state that we had a wonderful time in Cayman and Cozumel. The people were a little pushy when selling, but we expect that (have to earn a living right?). Jamaica was a different story... The shuttle buses were overcharging the passengers, taking them to places they didn't want to go (I'm guessing they get a kickback), and trying to get the passengers to stay on board so they could take them deep into Jamaica, for an additional fee of course. On our ride back, the cab driver agreed to one fee to get us to the ship, and half way through told us that it would be $10.00 more, or we'd have to get out. Apparently this was the experience of many of the Carnival guests. Obviously I didn't talk to every passenger on board (about 3k of them), but the 30 or 40 people I did ask had nothing good to say. I don't want to turn this into a B**** fest, but I wanted to see what others thought? Should Jamaica be taken off the roster? PS - The one positive is that the water was beautiful! I LOVE Jamaica, so I say no. I do remember that the only taxis you should use are the red license plates one. Love the Falls, the gardens, and the green lushness. I take it you went to Ocho Rios? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChampionCruiser Posted August 23, 2010 #18 Share Posted August 23, 2010 I've been to Montego Bay and Ocho Rios and enjoyed both. So I say no. Booking an excursion helps... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aleahmach1 Posted August 23, 2010 #19 Share Posted August 23, 2010 I'm booking a spa day this time around. Jamaicia is so beautiful, but I will view it from my stateroom balcony. We are approached with weed so much that I can't seem to have a good time. Personally I don't care who smokes weed, but I am not going to a Jamaician jail over it! The first cruise I did a Catameran excursion through the ship, still offered it by the guides. The second time to Jamaicia we went to Sunset Beach Resort, had a great time and not approached except by the cab drivers. If they took it off the list of ports I would hate to see what might happen to the people of Jamaicia. On the other hand, I don't really care if I return there or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnincy Posted August 23, 2010 #20 Share Posted August 23, 2010 No. I happen to love Jamaica, Ochi to be specific. Can't wait to go back and stay again. Never been by cruiseship, flew and stayed 7 days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktravis Posted August 23, 2010 #21 Share Posted August 23, 2010 Yes!!!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruzman Posted August 23, 2010 #22 Share Posted August 23, 2010 For the Jamaica haters; first, do your homework before you go! Know that this is a very poor island and I would compare it to many places that we have in nearly every large American city; lots of slums and undesirable areas. If you arrange a ship's tour, or one thru a reputable independent tour guide, such as Peat Taylor, you will have a very positive experience. Get away from the city squalor and you will find the island to be one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodml Posted August 23, 2010 #23 Share Posted August 23, 2010 I'm all for personal choice so I don't want them to take it off the itineraries. That way those that love it can still go. For me, the last time we went we decided it would likely be the last time. It's a lovely place but there's an edge to it that just isn't relaxing for me. I think if I were at a resort for a week and only left to go to and from the airport I'd enjoy it but a day in port just doesn't do it for me any more. Everything is just too in-your-face for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkportersat Posted August 23, 2010 #24 Share Posted August 23, 2010 Nope...been to Montego Bay three times and I love it. Never been approached by anyone for drugs or anything like that. The key is to have a plan. Twice went to Sunset Beach; Once we did the Catamaran excursion. All were great fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare nbsjcruiser Posted August 23, 2010 #25 Share Posted August 23, 2010 On our one and only trip to Ocho Rios DW was pretty much held captive in the exit area of Dunns River Falls until I forked $10 over to get the hell out of there. No way will I ever go back to Jamaica. I believe they're playing with fire and its only a matter of time before something really bad happens there so I say they should leave before someone is killed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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