Aplmac Posted March 19, 2013 #1 Share Posted March 19, 2013 Please leave your fancy gold jewelry, chains, necklaces on board. Safest place is in your cabin safe! Wear that cheap watch you brought with you, specially for going ashore but please leave all the attractive GOLD 'bling' on the ship unless you're taking a coach-tour that's going to pick you up before you even leave the secure Port area. Crime is opportunistic, and you should avoid providing the opportunity! Most of these Eastern Caribbean islands are safe but we do experience the odd rare instance of personal assault or mugging. You can help us (and you) avoid these unpleasant situations by not wearing your Gold when you go ashore. This applies to all the islands, not just this one. Save wearing your fancy jewelry for Elegant Night, or Any Night on the ship! ___________________ Here's another thing... The other day I went into Bridgetown to buy my wife another Pandora charm for her bracelet. The lady at Colombian Emeralds placed my purchase in one of their little carry-bags but I noticed that one of the street guys gave my distinctive Colombian Emeralds bag a good look! But I think he also realised that I'm an island resident. They don't tangle with us island residents! :) So. Moral of my story. If you buy jewelry on the island (having left your other stuff on board) please refuse the store's distinctive packaging, and just put the (small?) item in your husband's deep pocket, or in a regular-looking bag. You might want to consider jewelry purchases after your tour, or beach-time. Many of our stores have smaller branches in the cruise terminal -you could buy there instead? ..at zero risk. ;) Hope this helps you have a safe and uneventful time ashore in all our Caribbean islands. Have a nice cruise! . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobnpaml Posted March 19, 2013 #2 Share Posted March 19, 2013 Thank you for your post. Some very wise information. As I rule I leave all my good stuff at home. Even wedding rings. I don't need to prove ANYTHING to ANYBODY on a cruise or any vacation for that matter. Why put the temptation out there. By only taking the costume stuff I don't have to keep getting into the safe and wondering if I put everything up each time I leave the cabin. I have been on tours in very poor countries with people that look like they own Tiffany's. I just don't see the point. My two cents... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aplmac Posted March 19, 2013 Author #3 Share Posted March 19, 2013 Thank you for your post. Some very wise information. ===> I try to help. My wife says I'm very trying. What does she MEAN by that?? :D As I rule I leave all my good stuff at home. Even wedding rings. I don't need to prove ANYTHING to ANYBODY on a cruise or any vacation for that matter. Why put the temptation out there? By only taking the costume stuff I don't have to keep getting into the safe and wondering if I put everything up each time I leave the cabin. I have been on tours in very poor countries with people that look like they own Tiffany's. I just don't see the point. My two cents... Thank you for your input. You seem a sensible balanced person. I wouldn't even wear costume jewelry ashore. Some local idiot thug might mistake it for gold and you get injured in the process! :cool: Think about that: it's not just the loss, but the emotion of being involved in some physical trauma whether injured/blood drawn or not! . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobnpaml Posted March 19, 2013 #4 Share Posted March 19, 2013 The costume stuff is for the ship only. Coming from a law enforcement background you can never be too careful. I don't even wear the good stuff if I am going into certain sections of my own town. Will be on your lovely island in two months on the Valor. Looking forward to spending time on one of your beaches. Have not made exact plans as yet, but looking at the boatyard. Again thank you for your timely advise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devonstar Posted March 20, 2013 #5 Share Posted March 20, 2013 I too come from a law enforcement back ground and when I come in contact with visitors on the Island I advise them about wearing their jewelry in public. It attracts unwanted attention and potential trauma which is the last thing anyone wants on vacation. Cash for gold promotion on the Island has sent a few people crazy into robbing locals and visitors alike of their jewelry and authorities have decided to encourage hotels to advise visitors accordingly whilst being tough on persons who trade and deal in that business. So guys leave the jewelry in the safe even if it is costume. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rose hill Posted March 20, 2013 #6 Share Posted March 20, 2013 We have visited many islands over the years and never had a problem; we try not to venture into questionable areas, don't flash cash or jewelry, and generally mind our own business. That being said there are four of who are travelling to Barbados next month and we plan on renting a car and touring the island (minus gold, jewels, lots of cash, etc.) on our own. Is this still a good idea or should we opt for something more group oriented?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rprbp24 Posted March 20, 2013 #7 Share Posted March 20, 2013 We had a not so good experience there last month. We rented a car and decided to go up the coast, across, then back down the Atlantic Side and then over to Bridgetown. We got up to the Northside and tried to follow Charles Duncan Hwy. It was not clearly marked as to go straight or right. We went the wrong way. Just as we were reaching the top of a hill, a man jumped out into the middle of the street. He was waving his hands and shouting, "Road CLosed, Road Closed". We had our windows open and slowed down as not to hit him. He came up to the car and started suggesting ways for us to go. I then noticed a bottle of open Bourbon on the ground. I told my husband just to go, then the mad sd, "for my efforts can you give me a ride?" We rolled up the windows and then he yelled." do you have any money for me??" We stepped on the gas, but instead of going straight, we "stupidly" took the man's word and went left. I noticed the street sign said " The Risk." We got about a mile down the road and ANOTHER man jumped out. This time we didn't stop, but it was like a maze in that area. I felt like I was in a nightmare. We drove as fast as we could to get out of that area as we didn't want to have to go back the same way we came in. It was very scary. Please be careful!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcprncss Posted March 21, 2013 #8 Share Posted March 21, 2013 Aplmac, thank you for your advice. It totally makes sense. It's nice to have a reminder. I have never felt unsafe on any island, yet. :) Great piece of advice. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaofami Posted March 31, 2013 #9 Share Posted March 31, 2013 I read on Cruise Critic that two tourists were shot in daylight as they walked down a main street right near the port. Wondering just how safe this island is? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devonstar Posted April 1, 2013 #10 Share Posted April 1, 2013 I read on Cruise Critic that two tourists were shot in daylight as they walked down a main street right near the port. Wondering just how safe this island is? Barbados is a relatively safe destination. Just unfortunate occurrences like this one leaves a bad impression about the Island although not warranted. Generally Bajans love to be helpful to tourists and gladly give information when asked. Barbados is still a very safe Island to visit. Hope you enjoy it when you arrive!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgrocket Posted April 2, 2013 #11 Share Posted April 2, 2013 I just returned from my cruise and one of the ports was barbados. I haven't had much time to post reviews yet but I had to say that I did read about the shootings. I was actually very surprised when and where it happened so I checked it out further. So... it appears that the shooting/robbery happened on a sunday and yes, it was in the middle of town. I have been to barbados on island holidays before and i have to tell you, sunday and holidays in bridgetown is ghost town. just a few taxis, some tourists who didn't plan and only 1 duty free store. When i was there it was Wednesday the streets were very busy and lots of stuff going around... that is people, locals, tourists, taxis, cars, etc. Felt very safe, sunny, had a great time. Did the rum distillery and chocolate factory, back to ship to drop off my purchases and then walked to town and back. Live safe and enjoy your travels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted April 3, 2013 #12 Share Posted April 3, 2013 We try to be as careful as possible at each port of call including leaving jewelry on the ship. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rummenroman Posted April 8, 2013 #13 Share Posted April 8, 2013 I have never felt unsafe in Barbados, or any Caribbean island for that matter. But We are always careful to find touristy areas to spend our time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aplmac Posted April 8, 2013 Author #14 Share Posted April 8, 2013 I have never felt unsafe in Barbados, or any Caribbean island for that matter. But We are always careful to find touristy areas to spend our time. It's the same old story, isn't it... Location, location, location! ;) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sippican Posted April 8, 2013 #15 Share Posted April 8, 2013 I am confused. Were the shooting victims in a bad part of town? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aplmac Posted April 9, 2013 Author #16 Share Posted April 9, 2013 I am confused. Were the shooting victims in a bad part of town? On a lonely Sunday afternoon, no cops in sight. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aplmac Posted April 15, 2013 Author #17 Share Posted April 15, 2013 Most of these Eastern Caribbean islands are safebut we do experience the odd rare instance of personal assault or mugging. Hope this helps you have a safe and uneventful time ashore in all our Caribbean islands. Now it's happened in otherwise-peaceful St.Lucia as well! :cool: "Celebrity Cruises confirmed that 55 passengers and two crew members were visiting the Botanical Gardens in Soufriere on Friday when the incident occurred." No violence, no blood shed..thankfully http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/cruise-news/9994365/Cruise-passengers-robbed-at-gunpoint-in-St-Lucia.html?fb Suggest you wear NO jewelry when you go ashore and take only minimal cash (and an older wristwatch/camera) with you Thank you for being careful - in all these islands! ;) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted April 15, 2013 #18 Share Posted April 15, 2013 We do not wear jewelry off the ship. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aplmac Posted April 15, 2013 Author #19 Share Posted April 15, 2013 We do not wear jewelry off the ship. Keith Please spread the word to other cruisers next time you're on boardand continue setting a fine example! Thank you for being sensible! ;) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sippican Posted April 15, 2013 #20 Share Posted April 15, 2013 It's the same old story, isn't it... Location, location, location! ;) . Not sure that the cruiseline or tour participants chose the "wrong location" in the St Lucia instance. Based on what has happened on the west coast of Mexico, I would think the islands stand to lose a great source of income if these types of incidents become more widespread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelleum Posted May 27, 2013 #21 Share Posted May 27, 2013 Great adivce!, when I go on vacation I only where costume jewelry, and a cheap plastic watch. I also walk around with my beach bag, or an inexpensive bag. No fancy expensive pocetbook. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabbit72 Posted August 2, 2013 #22 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Thanks so much for your post....common sense is the way to go always! I would much rather hear this coming from a local then anybody else. Will be on your beautiful island in October and so looking forward to it. This will be our 2nd time and had not one complaint last time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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