Planning first cruise. Is Jamaica a good place to go or avoid?

[JHCALLAHAN]

Hello all,

My wife and I are planning to take our first cruise in Sept. for our 10th anniversary, and have kinda been looking at a Western Caribbean route. However, I've read alot of negative things avout Jamaica on this board, in travel books, and have heard the same things from a couple people I know who've been there.

 

I'm sure different folks have different opinions which I guess is what I'm looking for, but would Jamaica be a good place to avoid, esp. for a first cruise? Don't get me wrong, if someone came up and offered me a free trip to Jamaica all I'd need to know would be when and where the plane leaves :D but I'm wondering if there aren't better places to go with so much to choose from in the Caribbean. We're now debating flying to San Juan and cruising from there. Sounds like there are some excellent itineraries sailing out of there.

 

Thanks for the info,

JHC

[kitty9]

I find Jamaica to be a very scary place. Lots of drugs and dealers. There's also been a lot of local unrest on the island recently, do it's not a place that I would go to right now.

[BobBeaSea]

Personally I like Jamaica, I've been there many times. You will probably find the majority on these boards don't care for Jamaica at all, based on the threads about Jamaica I've read over the years. Look at it this way, if you have an otherwise great itinerary including Jamaica, no one will force you to get off the ship.....stay onboard and enjoy the ship and/or get off the ship and check it out for yourself.

 

You really should check it out for yourself, if I had listened to the "majority" many years ago I would never have made it to Jamaica. I liked the country so much I have vacationed there 7 or 8 times and visited once on a cruise.

 

If you find you don't like it, no harm done.

[bububr]

Personally I've been to Jamaica one too many times. In my opinion if you are stopping in Montego Bay it is not as bad as Ocho Rios.

 

Jamaica is a beautiful island, unfortunately I don't see the same beauty in the natives. Most resorts, like Sandals, etc...have gates or walls around them to keep out the natives.

 

Dunns river Falls is really cool except for the fact that when you get to the top you are practically assaulted by relentless vendors.

 

If you do choose an itinerary with Ocho Rios you can venture out and see for yourself if you are comfortable, you can stay within the gated cruise ship pier which has a Margaritaville and shops, or take advantage of a day on the ship while in port...best time for spa treatments as they are usually discounted.

 

Either way, Jamaica is just one stop of many. Its up to you to decide if its your cup of tea.

 

Dave:eek:

[lvtotrvl1]

I love Jamaica....and have been there so many times..on land vacations. A couple on cruise. Very different experience. That being said, you will meet some of the wonderful natives of Jamaica and some of the not so wonderful:eek: . I would not cancel a cruise because of Jamaica, but I wouldn't base my opinion on the cruise stop only. There are some fun things to do...Dunns River Falls, Martha Brae River Rafting..of course..Margaritaville:) or a day at an all-inclusive there.

[adamsmom]

We made a stop there in Montego Bay on a cruise once, and we spent the day at Margaritaville. It was fun, and overall a good experience, but I probably wouldn't do it again. I hear the best thing to do is to get away from the city. We talked to some people on the ship that night, and they took a tour of one of the plantations, and said it was wonderful. So that would be my suggestion, if you decide to go there.

[JHCALLAHAN]

Thanks for the replies amigos. We haven't booked yet, are trying to make up our minds where we want to go, departure port, etc etc. Never thought deciding on a cruise would be this complicated. Trying to do our homework and make an informed decision.

 

I know we could always stay on the ship, but on a 7 day we'll probably only make 3 ports, hate to waste one! Guess I won't know until I actually do it, but I think I'll get my fill of being on the ship pretty quick. I know there's alot to do, and I'm sure I'll enjoy sitting on our balcony looking over the ocean at least for a while, but seems to me like that might get dull fairly quickly. I'm kinda excited and kinda nervous at the same time about not being able to see land. I've been to the Gulf once and the Atlantic side of Florida once (New Symrna beach) and it's wierd enough just to see water that you can't see across to the other side! Don't have much of that here in West Central Texas :p. Still the sea has an attraction, a beckoning to the spirit that I guess man has known since the first one saw it. I often marvel at the courage of the ancient mariners who put to sea just to see what was on the other side (or even if there was one!)

 

Thanks again for your help. If we're to spend the time and money for a cruise I want to do it as well as possible. This seems to be a great place to learn.

 

Muchisimas gracias,

JHC

[GORDONCHICK]

I haven't been to Ochos Rios, but I dislike Montego Bay, and most of my issues are with the people in general. We did take a bus tour, and that was a nice way to see some of the island. But Mo Bay is not a place we ever take our DS - he stays on the ship in the kids' program. If you do an excursion, you would be much better off than "strolling around town" or just shopping. It's a very seedy environment. Now, the bus driver on our tour was very nice and not pushy about anything, so I know not all Jamaicans are bad. But the government is so corrupt (yes, much more so than in the US!), and everything is political. The buses at the terminals, the taxis - everyone has to have an "in" to be there and get the business. And the taxi drivers will quote you one price, but charge you another........ Definitely not a place I wish to visit again (been twice already).

[NAS-KARR]

I've heard nothing but negatives about Jamaica also.I'm not the greatest fan of the Carib. anyway but My wife and I did a 10 nighter out of San Juan and we liked that idea very much. Infact we did a 3 nite pre-cruise in San Juan which we liked alot, if you're leaning that way go for it.

CIAO,

[feetnlegs]

My family and I stopped in Ocho Rios for a day in August 2003. We booked a private car and driver (with recommendations from this board) and had a wonderful day -- probably the most memorable of our whole Western Caribbean cruise. We climbed Dunns River Falls, Inner tubed down the White River, had a wonderful lunch and a short tour of part of the island. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and fun! Our two boys speak of him still. The owner of the small tour company came and met us personally while we were at lunch. I can provide you with the names of the owner and the tour company if you should decide to go there! We too had heard some unfavorable things about Jamaica, but they were unfounded. We exercised caution where necessary, but didn't actually find any reason for concern while we were there.

 

Good luck and have fun, wherever you decide to go!

[JerseyGem]

If you do a 7 day cruise from San Juan, you should be able to find a cruise that will stop at more than just three ports. So if Jamaica is one of them, and you choose to stay onboard, you'll still be able to visit several other ports. Don't discount a cruise just because it stops in Jamaica. When there, we did a ship's excursion (catamaran snorkeling) that was wonderful (nice reef, well organized, quick stop at Margaritaville). But after being brought back to the ship, DH insisted we take a taxi into town- just to look around. Bad move! I was very uncomfortable (not thrilled with strangers touching me and trying to sell me drugs by putting them up to my face). So we did return to the ship- swearing that we'd never go to Jamaica again! Once I calmed down (took awhile), I realized that we really had enjoyed ourselves on the shp's excursion, so if we do go back, I'll try that again- or even just enjoy staying onboard (many people did that).

 

Yes- there is something majestic about the ocean- I'm one of those cruisers who loves sea days- just to sit on the Promenade deck and look out to sea (preferably with an umbrella drink).

 

And CruiseCritic is the best place for info- have fun searching for the perfect cruise.

[4 cruis'n]

My husband and I were married in Jamaica 20 yrs ago. We had a very small family and wanted to save for a home so went with a caribbean wedding and LOVED it. We paid for the entire family (12 people) to come along, were married in OCHO RIOS at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic church and had our small reception and 7 day family vacation at the beautiful Sans Sousi Spa and Resort. My parents loved it so much they decided to renew their wedding vows the next day on the beach-the ultimate thumbs up to our "nontradtional" traditional wedding. My experience was wonderful and the resort was 5 star and gorgeous, but... Jamaica was scary 20 yrs ago! We didn't explore it at all except for Dunn's River. We have never had the desire to return until now. We specifically chose Western with a stop in Ocho Rios so we can revisit now with our 2 children even if only for 1 day. We would like to go to the falls again and maybe try river rafting. We would really like to visit the church we were married in and the resort but afraid to rent a car. The resort is adults only so we can't spend a day there with the children as I had planned. I don't see a ship excursion that includes both falls and river tubing (RCI). Definately NOT interested in shopping there or seeing local life (ie plantations or downtown city). I want for my children to leave with a great memory about the island we were married on. I know the locals can be especially harsh there, but the island is beautiful. I don't want to stay on the ship and miss this opportunity. Any planning help would be appreciated-even if we only do 1 thing and back to the ship for lunch. TIA

[Fredr]

Hello,

 

Here is an idea for you...consider a southern Caribbean cruise for your first cruise. The islands of Aruba, Curacao, Grand Cayman and Cozumel are much more prosperous places than Jamaica. As you gain an understanding of cruising and visiting islands of the Carribbean , you will begin understand and appreciate the charm and beauty of the islands. Jamaica is not to be avoided. But in my opinion, you should be an experienced cruiser and traveler before you visit Jamaica with its astonishing beauty and terrible poverty. I want you to have a knowledge of what to do and not to do before you visit Jamaica, so that you have a great time.

 

Hope that this helps.

 

Fred

[smalltowngrll]

I've never been to Jamaica via a cruise, however I spent a 7 day vacation there about 2 years ago.

 

We had a fabulous time. We stayed in an all inclusive resort and spent time hanging around in downtown Montego Bay, Margaritaville and did a booze cruise. We also took a trip into the Rain Forest. It is an absolutely beautiful country and most of the natives will treat you well because their largest revenue comes from tourism. They want you to come back! There are definitely things to stay away from and definitely learn how to barter. But, if you approach it in a safe way you will have a wonderful time and enjoy the country.

 

I'm also told that Kingston is definitely the place to avoid. But, I can't give first hand experience with that. I've heard great things about Negral and Ocho Rios, too.

[EggDropErin]

We saw Jamaica through an EXCELLENT RCI excursion called Discover the Real Jamaica. We took a trip through the mountains, went to a cute little plantation area and ate an authentic meal, visited local school children (who were absolutely adorable), went to a church, then took the long ride back through all the beautiful scenery. We never once felt unsafe. We were in very rural areas and got to appreciate the parts of Jamaica that most tourists never see. I would do a tour like this again in a heartbeat!

[mama_hao]

Ocho Rios, Jamaica was the last stop on our last cruise. After reading so much negative about it I had zero expectations. So we decided to skip the excursion and just stay within walking distance of the ship. We shopped around the area, went to Island Village and found a beach. If you bought a drink at Margaritaville you got onto the beach for free. So at 10:30 in the morning we were drinking margaritas to Jimmy Buffet music. We changed into our swimsuits and hit the beach. The sand was great, water was warm, sun was shining, it was fabulous. On the beach you could see the ship still. We took pictures with the ship in the background(see my signature picture).

Vendors were kept to one area beside the beach and my BIL had a great time going over to bargain with them. We chatted with the security guard and in general had a great time. I got on the ship the most relaxed I have ever been in my adult life.

The walk to and from Island Village was a gauntlet of vendors but my motto was, "Don't make eye contact and keep moving" It worked for us.

All in all I would go back to Ocho Rios in a heartbeat.

[samickgirl]

When we were planning our first cruise with my parents, we decided we would go with the eastern cruise instead of western. My parents had no interest in seeing Jamaica. The funny part of all this is they were born there and have no desire to go back. Jamaicans are great people as long as they aren't in Jamaica:D

[Believe in your dreams]

If you have never been to Jamaica and are unsure if you want to or not, try doing your research. Find excursions that get high ratings. IMO I don't think I would ever be happy not getting off of the ship at an Island that I never gave it a chance. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and some love it and some don't.

We went to Dunes River Falls and IMO it was a waste of time, but DH thought it was fun and it was his second time there. I wish we would have booked another excursion and will if we ever cruise there again.

[JHCALLAHAN]

Well, guess we'll find out. We just booked today on Carnival Conquest out of Galveston Sept. 9. One of the ports of call is Montego Bay. I read alot about it on this board and sounds like Jamaica has enough to see and do that something has to be good. Logic would dictate that so many ships wouldn't port there if it was too wretched!

 

JHC

[samickgirl]

You are going to have a fabulous time on your trip, enjoy the planning!!!

[nanabug]

We just got back on Feb. 4th from our Conquest cruise. There were nine adults in our group and we all went on the Appleton Rum Tour from Mo Bay. My DH and I are not drinkers but still thought this would be a great tour--and it was. :)

We NEVER once felt threatened and were NOT EVER offered drugs, etc. We were escorted out of the port terminal and led to our bus by our guide, Verona and our driver Cedric. Verona was great and told us lots of information and stories all along our tour. She answered all of our questions with humor, knowledge, and patience.

The drive through the mountains on a narrow winding road was fun and to some, might have been a bit scary:eek: but we enjoyed it. Cedric was a very good driver and funny. We had a nice lunch included with our tour and the opportunity to sample lots of different flavors of rum. :p We were given a tour of the Appleton Rum Distillery and had a little free time to look at the grounds and take pictures.

I loved being able to travel so far away (about 50 miles) from Mo Bay and the cruise ship. We got to see some beautiful countryside, mountains, and see the real living conditions of locals. They stopped at a tiny country store and bought a bunch of fresh bananas for us to eat and stopped to pick some leaves for us to smell and try to guess :rolleyes: what plant it was (allspice).

After we left the ship in the morning, we entered the terminal, and there was Verona with a sign for our tour. We sat in chairs for maybe 10 minutes until all our group arrived then she led us to the bus. After the tour, we arrived back at the terminal in time for a few minutes of shopping (safe inside the terminal) for T-shirts, etc. then back on the Conquest.

I went with an open mind even after reading all the bad stuff about Jamaica and loved it. I realize others haven't had a good experience there but we all did!! Our experience with this tour and with Jamaica were great and I would go back in a heartbeat!!!:D

Hope your trip to Jamaica will be as great as ours was!!

[sherry35ky]

I have been to Jamaica twice. The first time I went with my husband, my brother, and his girlfriend. I fell in love with Jamaica! We stayed in Ocho Rios at a Couples resort. We got to go horseback riding, got to drink to our hearts desire, went snorkelling everyday, went on glass bottom boat rides, went to Dunn's River Falls, and all kinds of other things like kayaking. Plus it was all included in our resort price!! We NEVER felt unsafe in Jamaica. We went to craft markets, and everyone wanted you to buy their things. All you had to say was "No Thank You", and you were left alone. The folllowing year we took our 4 children with us to Jamaica (ages 2, 4, 5, & 11). That year we stayed at Beaches in Negril. It was an unbelievable vacation. We did all the things included at the resort, went to Beaches' sister resort, and took a cab to Rick's Cafe, where my husband jumped off a huge cliff! It has been a couple of years since we have been to Jamica, and if I ask my girls if they would rather go to Disney World (we have been there twice) or go back to Jamaica, they are unanimous about wanting to go back to Jamaica. I think so many people on cruise ships hear that Jamaica is a "bad" place, that they automatically think that way. They "look" for bad experiences when they go there. The cruise port in Jamaica by no means embodies the true Jamaica. I just love hearing "Yeah Mon", drinking my favorite Jamaican drink, a dirty banana, and sinking my toes in the warm, white sand. The water in Negril is like bathwater. There are barely any waves, and you can float all day in the water. I have been to Mexico, Aruba, and the Bahamas. I would go back to Jamaica, before any of them all!

[Weaserr]

We just arrived home yesterday after 7 wonderful days on the Star Princess. Our western Caribbean cruise included a stop in Jamaica. I too was concerned but I had no reason to be. I booked with Phil Lafayette online and he was amazing. He took us to Dunn's River Falls (lots of fun) and told us what to look out for - we didn't encounter the aggressive vendors I had heard about, he told us how to bypass them. He then took us River Tubing (more fun still) and then a tour of Ocho Rios - I would highly recommend him. There is a lot of crime in Jamaica and poverty but if you have never visited Jamaica and you have the opportunity you should take advantage of it. Book with a reputable tour company and you really can't go wrong. We also had people in our group who just went shopping in Jamaica and they said they felt very safe.

[camperhawk]

On our last cruise,we stopped at Ocho Rios, and it was one of our better days! We also used a private tour guide (Marva), thanks to these boards, and did the falls, very beautiful and a lots of fun and onto river tubing, which was great! We had choices to stop for lunch, shop or go back to the ship. We also got to see Fern Gully and the schools and the real Ocho.

 

We got dropped off not far from the ship and yes there were beggars, but not obtrusive, and no one asked us to buy anything. We personally had a gret time and would go again in a minute!

[jaysue]

We just arrived home yesterday after 7 wonderful days on the Star Princess. Our western Caribbean cruise included a stop in Jamaica. I too was concerned but I had no reason to be. I booked with Phil Lafayette online and he was amazing. He took us to Dunn's River Falls (lots of fun) and told us what to look out for - we didn't encounter the aggressive vendors I had heard about, he told us how to bypass them. He then took us River Tubing (more fun still) and then a tour of Ocho Rios - I would highly recommend him. There is a lot of crime in Jamaica and poverty but if you have never visited Jamaica and you have the opportunity you should take advantage of it. Book with a reputable tour company and you really can't go wrong. We also had people in our group who just went shopping in Jamaica and they said they felt very safe.

 

Hi Weaserr in Ottawa - hope the canal has been a good skate this year :)

 

Do you happen to have contact info/web site for Phil?

 

thanks in advance

Jason from Aurora, Ontario