I'm sorry the incident happened, but I stand by my earlier post. I have visited Jamaica on numerous occasions and never had a problem. I have encountered a hustler here and there, but that is no different than in many cities in the USA and the rest of the world. My first trip there was before Carnival existed. There are some obnoxious people but most are fine.
Most crime is not directed at tourists and certainly not violent crime.
I'm looking forward to visiting MoBay again this fall and I will get off the ship. No problem, mon.
I am the police officer that was robbed at the Lethe Village tour. Believe me we took every precaution possible.
My main concern was at the excursion meeting, the CD stated that the only way to see the real Jamaica was to take a Carnival Shore Excursion as it is the only excursion that is guaranteed safe. I took this to mean that they had fully investigated the tour,and location finding it to be free of any dangers. I would not expect them to make such a statement otherwise.
The CD stated that the undesirables come to the port city and try to sale marijuana and pressure you into taking one of their taxis. This was the extent of any warnings.
I am sure that Carnival is fully aware of the violent crimes that happen everyday in Jamaica and that they are increased at this time due to the up coming election. That was the type of warning I would have liked to here about.
Had I heard a warning about the extreme poverty and high rsik of violent crime and the tension building with the up coming election, I would have never taken my family off the ship.
I feel that those particular warnings were intentionally left out in order to make sure they made their money from the shore excursions.
The crew does not get off in Jamaica because of the dangers.
When you have 3000 passengers on your ship, you have a moral obligation to tell all information in order to mainatin their safety. Please correct me if i'm wrong.
It is as simple as if I have a neighbors Child playing in my yard and I know there is a hole that they may run into and snap their ankle, I should tell them to beware of the hole.
Carnival knew alot more about Jamaica than I did. Some say you should do your own research. I agree, if Carnival is going to ommit valuable decision making information like this, I highly recommend that you do your own research.
Thanks and travel safe
Hi, Welcome to CLF, great you found us. I'm glad you posted this account, because there is one thing you mentioned here, and that is' Carnival's crew does not get off the ship at MoBay'. That says a lot, because it's obvious to me, Carnival knows the dangers in J'ca, and has probably warned it's crew members that they are on their own if anything happens to them if they go ashore at MoBay, that's what that statement tells me.
I have been to Jamica once, and I felt safer there than in most places of Mexico on Pacific side...
We always pick a friendly type driver who can speck english .. and we always get the price for the ride before ever getting into the taxis or Van rides..
We went straight to Margaritaville and really enjoyed the day.. with no problems.. We did not go to the shopping areas or into off beating paths areas..
But you know living in USA.. there are so many times I don't feel safe at our Malls, or movie theathers.. or Parks.. I am always alert to whats going on around me.. So I will return to Mo~Bay, and have fun again ... Sorry to hear about the sad thing that happen'd ...
Also hope Jamaica takes note of this, and cleans up there act, as they need funds from tourists, and they are on a thin line as Hatti was.. And look at where Hatti ended up... Fenced off from tourists... We still use there beach lands, and enjoy our selfs.. and they are on the other side of the fence doing without the extra money we brought to spend.. Yes, they call this place ...... Labadee...
Wow, this really scares me cause when we were in Ocho Rios on Princess, they warned us about the drugs but never warned us about any dangers. We took a cab, he took us all over and we never thought twice about being in danger, kinda gives me chills now!
We have been to Ocho Rios twice,have never had a problem there,and we even walked the streets,had a great time on the beach,only thing we observed was the vendors in the art & craft
colony all sold grass and offered samples
Foregive me in advance, because I am sure you will be able to detect the anger in my following words.
I know some people feel like they are safe in Jamaica. I am one person who understands that if it hasn't happen to you, you feel like it couldn't. That is how I use to feel.
I only posted this information about the robbery, for people who understand that it can happen to them.
If you had a great time in Jamiaca and feel ike it is a safe place, then continue to go there.
For all of you that say that it can happen anywhere and look at the USA and our crime, atleast I am familiar with the areas where I live. In Jamaica, unless who have been there several times (100 plus times), I don't see how you would know where the safe areas are. Also, for those of you who say this happens in the states, please tell me where a group of tourist were held up at gunpoint in the country side of the USA. I am curious, because I have never heard of a group of tourist being held up at gunpoint in any American State.
I have had more responses from people who have been uneasy in Jamaica than people who felt safe.
If you are a hard core tourist, who love adventure and don't mind placing yourself in danger, then go to Jamiaca.
If you are just a vacationer, who enjoys spending vaction time with family and friends in a safe atmosphere, stay out of Jamaica.
This post is to let people know about our life changing experience, and if it prevents one person from going to Jamiaca and being victimized then it is well worth it.
We have been to Montego Bay a few times - the last couple we stayed on the ship.
A couple of years ago we booked a HAL cruise that was supposed to have stopped at Ocho Rios. We have been there several times and much prefer it to Montego Bay. About 3 months after we booked the cruise, we got a notice from HAL that we would be going to Montego Bay instead. Needless to say we cancelled that cruise.
We really don;t like Jamaica that well and to have to go Montego Bay instead of Ocho Rios does not appeal us.
KWilliams, I really appreciate you letting us know first hand about your experience in Jamaica. It must have been horrifying for you and your family.
As you can see, there are many people on this board who were very interested in your post and took your information to heart. The fact that some people had a different opinion does not make your post less important.
We welcome all opinions on this board so that no one feels left out or marginalized.
Years ago, my inlaws had talked about renting a house on a large plot of land on Jamaica for the whole family to stay at. It was going to be very inexpensive, yet it came with a maid, a chef a chauffeur and a bodyguard. A Bodyguard!!!!!! If you left the property, the body guard would go with you. I've gone shopping in Israel and in Serbia and didn't need a bodyguard, so to need one to do that in Jamaica really bothers me. But this is strictly my opinion.
Everyone has their own priorities and everyone has to decide what is best for them and their families. I read all the opinions and then figure out whose comments fit me the best and go from there.
I hope this has not soured you on the rest of the Caribbean, which has some wonderful places with hardworking service-minded people.
I think by Jamaican law, a security guard is required for rental property. Bodyguard is perhaps not the proper term to use.
As previously mentioned, I will get off the ship in November, I will take (too many) pictures, and I bet some of them are of crew members and I will post pics.
Zydeco, I am looking forward to your report in November. Hopefully there will be more security and more security awareness when you go.
I have been giving a lot of thought to the robbery on the bus that KWilliams had to deal with. I wonder if the bus driver was a partner to this crime. It is just so much worse than the stories we normally hear about Jamaica. I hope a full investigation is done into this incident, and that there will be no copycat crimes.
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Carnival halts shore excursions in MoBay after robbery
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