well now.. It was nothing to do with the money. I am well aware the people are poor. I just took the shopping and highlights tour and found it wasn't my cup of tea. I didn't like it. We went to a market and I did not care for the shopping experience. this does not mean I do not feel for the people, it just wasn't my idea of fun the way the market was set up. And if I choose to pay for my cruise with my money which by the way I have to save for, I don't just have cruise money lying around the house. then I want to spend the time in port doing someting I like and if i choose to stay in the ship b/c I have been to a port before then I think it is okay. The rest of people who have responded seem to be saying the same thing, they have already been there and just want the enjoy the ship while it is peaceful and quiet. And while i was at the market I did by a couple of things... Okay I am done with that.
Originally posted by IslandCruz:
I think sometimes people have just been to certain ports before and it wasn't their cup of tea so to speak. So they decide to enjoy the ship instead.
Dwayne
Also, some people actually plan a cruise for the cruise and ship. I know we have been to Nassau at least 6 times, not my favorite port, so when we go in September I plan on staying on the ship while visiting Nassau...thats the best time to get the best prices at the spa also.
Staying on the ship is an option that every cruiser has available to them. It is wonderful that with the explosion of the popularity of cruising has come a new-found source of revenue for many of the economically challenged residents of these beautiful island. However, a passenger on any cruise ship is under no obligation (moral or otherwise) to go ashore and spend money so that the locals can buy food. Most of those vendors are not independent operators but rather are working for a company that keeps those straw markets looking humble to give the impression that you are dealing directly with the person selling you the kitchen magnet. To be honest, most of the merchandise sold at these island markets is actually made in China. Go figure.
Another thing, many of the cruiselines (especially Carnival) independently and quietly offer all sorts of "aid" to many of the organizations that are helping the less fortunate residents of the various island that they port. I was lucky enough to be on the Fascination for Christmas 2004 and the captain had all the children from a local orphanage on board for dinner and the Christmas show. They had all the good seats in the theater They were all treated to a treasure chest of the usual Carnival stuff (dolls, pins, coloring books, etc.) As it turns out, this particular orphanage is "sponsored" by Carnival.
If you ever stand around the ship when it pulls into some ports, you may see that the ship offloads giant pallets of stuff. On those pallets and in those plain brown boxes are loads of "good will" enroute to the islanders who need it the most.
Happy cruzin'
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IBcruzin, that is great info. I think that is cool that Carnival does that.
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Originally posted by Tonya31:
Has anyone ever done this? When I went on my first and only cruise in May I DID NOT like Jamaica and am not looking forward to getting off the ship. Is it okay to stay on ship? Is it still fun?
jamica is like to hood , i wouldnt get off there either ,, i went to cozumel last thanksgiving the dock was still out from hurricane ? emily? not sure but i stayed on the boat and had i great time.c/c/
We are definitly getting off the ship now but instead of doing the snorkeling tour thing I am thinking about us going to sunset beach resort for the day. I have only heard good things about it... Opinions???
Been reading all this stuff about Jamaica. We have been to Ocho Rios 4 times - the first time we took a taxi outside the dock. It was okay - got to see the falls through a break in the trees. Decided I wanted to really see the Dunn River Falls and climb them - hence our second trip. I did the climb - loved it. Decided I wanted to go up the steps beside the falls and see what I had missed while climbing. so - 3rd trip. 4th trip was in place of another port - so we only walked to shopping close by. Whoops there was a 5th trip - we took a boat ride on a small boat with just a driver and helper and husband and I. It was worth it. I think you need a little caution when travelling on your own - but you never really know when you are safe - but we have always survived.
Originally posted by IslandCruz:
I think sometimes people have just been to certain ports before and it wasn't their cup of tea so to speak. So they decide to enjoy the ship instead.
Dwayne
I agree with IslandCruz, Nassau wasn't my cup of tea, but two other ports I visited on my cruise were great! If I'm ever on a ship that stops in Nassau, I plan on staying on the ship to hit the SPA!!!!
when we were at the straw market in nassau this summer we say two of the sellers texting each other on their blackberrys under the table...makes me wonder if it's not somewhat of an act...
Go figure. 
They were all treated to a treasure chest of the usual Carnival stuff (dolls, pins, coloring books, etc.) As it turns out, this particular orphanage is "sponsored" by Carnival. 
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