Montego Bay

[sarepear83]

I've heard bad things about Jamaica and that this is a dangerous city. Any suggestions, or personal experiences? Also, has anyone done the Canopy tour (zip-lining) here?

[Dave]

I personally find little to like about Jamaica, and much of it has to do with the hustling one encounters in the ports. That said, we were treated very nicely on the maiden voyage of Freedom Of The Seas last June, when we arrived at Mo Bay. They rolled out the red carpet (really) and had a free concert for us at the pier. The port area was also tightly controlled with no panhandlers or other annoyances. Not sure if this is true for all cruises or cruise ships.

Mo Bay is indeed a place where one needs to keep their wits about them at all times. I'd never even consider doing anything other than a ship's tour there. Maybe I am being paranoid, but I prefer the situations where my mind can be at ease. Not easy words for a former U.S. Marine. We did take a taxi to Margaritaville - but that is a very controlled environment and safe.

I recall someone that I met on our cruise who did the zip-line tour. They loved it from what I remember.

[Leigh]

Thnaks Dave, glad I read this post. Jamaica was one of our choices for an all-incl. Don't think it is such a good idea now with a 12 & 16 yr old.
Leigh

[Tomc]

We used Winston tours in Mobay and had no problems or trouble at all. Winston lived in NY for 30 years so it was not a big a problem with communication. He took us wherever we wanted to go and was very easy to work with. I highly recommend him.

[Sonny V]

Hey Dave, I didn't know you were a Marine. Thought you were a sailor. I spent four years in the Marine Corp. Did the Viet Nam thing.

We didn't get that red carpet treatment when I was on the Freedom in Octorber. We did take a taxi to Margaritaville and think it was worth doing. MARGARITAVILLE

Sonny

[Dave]

Sonny,

I was in both! The Corps for 4 years followed by the Navy for 6 years.

[Lil' Lori]

Hi. My husband and 17 y/o son did the zip-line tour in Mo Bay. They LOVED it. Lil' Lori

[mable129]

Do not try to do anything on your own in Mo Bay. Use a pre-planned excursion. We tried to just get a cab to take us to a bird sanctuary and they wanted us to pay $70! The people are nice but they REALLY want your money, and are very pushy.