Thread: Jamaica

I hear complaints from time to time about Jamaica, but we had an enchanting time there. I think our guide made the difference for us. We had a customized tour, only doing what we wanted, finishing up each activity when WE were done, stopping at any time we wanted for photo ops, and having our guide's full attention. it was marvelous.

So, if you want a great Jamaican experience, try to line yourself up with a reputable private guide, rather than signing up for a ship's excursion, or even a privately booked tour for a smaller group.

We used Peat Taylor Tours, and booked Peat's son, O'Neil as our private guide. He was terrific!

These flowers are huge - and abundant there, especially around the falls. O'neal told us the name, but I don't remember it. ...

I agree Canary........we used Carolyn Barrett Tours.......she made a tour just for 4 of us and was resonably priced.........I can provide her web adress and e-mail if anyone is interested.

Good thread Canary, I loved Jamaica. I know people have said some bad things but for some reason, I had forgotten when we were there. We did go on a ship excursion to Duns River Falls and enjoyed it and it left us plenty of time to check the places out by the pier. Margaritaville was alot of fun and close to walk to from the pier in Ochos Rios. I simply love the people there.

We loved Jamaica...and we loved Peat Taylor...we had our excursion with him first thing in the morning and were the first up the falls...I had been there before but this past trip was the best. Got a gorgeous Tanzanite ring...perfect and gorgeous and it isn't something I could afford to buy had I tried to buy it at home...is is over 3 carats. Awesome time we had

I don't like Jamaica. A few years ago the US had travel warnings for the island. Since then they have cleaned up a bit. Margaritaville is fun, but it sure is not Jamaica. When we were there on the Star this April there was bad weather. The skies opened up with torrential rain. Those folks who took a ship's excursion to Ocho Rios (we were anchored at Montego Bay) were completely stopped by washed out and flooded roads on the way back to the ship. There were 9 bus loads. Friends were on one of the buses and she said it was terrible. The reps from the local government came on the buses and told everyone to lock doors and windows and to stay on board the bus. They had to build a road, literally, to try to get the buses back to the ships. They finally made it back after 2 a.m. Of course, the captain waited for those on the ship's excursions. No way to know about passengers who take private excursions. Although the announcement was made that all passengers were back on board. But I would never take a tour on my own in Jamaica. On an earlier cruise we went too Duns River Falls. We walked around and were totally intimidated by some guys and by the locals at a flea market. I stay on board from here on if we are ever there again.

I've heard the Ochos Rios port is much safer than the Montego Bay port. I'd think they'd really try to clean up the problems down there. Look at all the revenue the tourist industry brings in. What if people just quit going there? When we were at the falls one guy did ask me if I wanted some weed, tho He must have been pretty desperate to ask me!

According to first-person reports on StormCarib.com , Jamaica was nearly unscathed by Hurricane Emily.
She passed too far off shore for the winds to spend any time there, although they did get some rain.

They were very lucky!! I hope Cayman turns out as well!!

The weather channel is reporting the hurricane storm force winds are really compact........they don't extend very far from the center......let's hope this continues.

And, NOW, the national weather service is saying that both Jamaica and the Caymans can expect "Large, dangerous and battering waves" along their southern coasts...

I sure hope those optimistic reports about Jamaica aren't premature...

And yes, you are right, Jim... Hurricane force winds only extent out about 60 miles from the center at this time. (This is down from 70 miles earlier.)
Tropical storm force winds go out for 150 miles.