I was robbed at gunpoint last year in the Buckhead section of Atlanta just outside of Phipps Plaza. (Not exactly what you would call a bad area) I still go there frequently. You never know when you are going to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. That being said, I never tell someone to get off the ship in Jamaica. Enjoy the pools onboard and eat till your hearts content.
I hope Jamaica doesn't end up like Haiti. Years ago, Port Au Prince and Cap Haitien, were common cruiseline stops on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary. My understanding is that these ports were cancelled, because of the poverty and dangerous situations for passengers.
I traveled there twice. The 2nd time there, my friend and I got off the ship only to be "mobbed" for lack of a better word. We turned around and went back to the ship. It was a sad situation. All that because of the desparation of the Haitiens.
Jamaica has so much natural beauty that it would be a shame to be bypassed.
Originally posted by drlivingston:
I was robbed at gunpoint last year in the Buckhead section of Atlanta just outside of Phipps Plaza. (Not exactly what you would call a bad area)
I am glad that Georgia now recognizes my Alabama pistol permit.
This goes to show that it isn't just Jamaica but everywhere. That said, Jamaica has nothing that I want to see anymore. As with many tours you find on cruises - many are simply something dreamed up and hyped in a P.T. Barnum way to attract unsuspecting tourists. Hell on Grand Cayman, for example.
I have nothing against the Jamaican people but I've been there, done that, and now look at a Jamaican stop as a bonus at-sea day.
Originally posted by carlg:
I hope Jamaica doesn't end up like Haiti.
Maybe if they changed the name to Likei it would improve morale.
Labadee is as much of Haiti as I want to see. Jamaica has improved things around the ports with increased police presence to keep the panhandlers away, but they've just mostly just moved down the road a ways.
Haiti, and even the other half of Hispaniola were under scrutiny by the Red Cross and the World Health Organization (WHO) for having widespread AIDS problems. 6.1% of Haitians are HIV positive today... That is just a little too much for me.
Jamaica remains a top honeymoon and tour destination for some of the top all-inclusive resorts, and a major port for cruise lines . It is unfortunate these incidents happen, but as mentioned by others; it can happen anywhere. I believe if any port becomes a major safety issue that the cruise lines would pull out of that port such as they did with St Croix several years ago. Everyone should take safety precautions by not wearing flashy jewelry and carrying large amounts of cash, don't wander off to secluded areas, and travel in pairs.
I went to Ocho Rios in 2001 and the resort was beautiful i hate to hear that it has gone down I talked the place up to the family and now look, my cousin really wants to do the Dunns River Falls I am just not pleased with this info, you would think better care would be taken of the tourists in these places. But on the other hand you could be robbed coming out your front door I guess it is a chance you take you just have to pray for God's covering.
Once again this is wonderful information, thanks to all.
__________________
-1st cruise July, 2007 - 5-day on Fantasy out of New Orleans "It was Heaven!!!"
-2nd Cruise also Fantasy 10/07...What can I say I LOVE New Orleans.
-3rd Cruise Fantasy, 3/08 ... Again!!! I also love Mexico!!!
-4th Cruise Another Fall Break 4-day on the Fantasy, 10/08
Linear Mode
