Falmouth, Jamaica that bad???
Mar 18th, 2011, 06:57 AM
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Falmouth, Jamaica that bad???
Just heard this port stop is just horrible and they would not get off the boat if they ever went back. They said the roads leading out are dirt and a 21/2 hour trip took them 5. Anyone else know anything about this port stop. Is it really a hassle to get around? Also if I do get off what would you recommend I see or do? Thanks for any help.
Mar 22nd, 2011, 06:56 PM
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I've visited Falmouth, Jamaica many times, and passed by the new port while under construction. I'd say, give the operators some time to finish construction and work out the kinks. Its only about half completed!
Meanwhile, I suggest cruise visitors who want a real "Jamaica" experience simply stay in town. Falmouth itself is rustic 1700/1800's and filled with history that you can see right there just a few steps from the port gate. Find a walking historic tour, ride a buggy tour, see the old Georgian buildings, learn about the former slave trade history there. Check out the local history online before you go.
From the looks of it, the new port is huge and designed to reflect the local style and history of the area. If you don't like it, get back on the ship! Give it a try, but be realistic: don't expect it to be Disney World. This is Jamaica, and Falmouth is a real (and very poor) town. Find its charm.
Meanwhile, I suggest cruise visitors who want a real "Jamaica" experience simply stay in town. Falmouth itself is rustic 1700/1800's and filled with history that you can see right there just a few steps from the port gate. Find a walking historic tour, ride a buggy tour, see the old Georgian buildings, learn about the former slave trade history there. Check out the local history online before you go.
From the looks of it, the new port is huge and designed to reflect the local style and history of the area. If you don't like it, get back on the ship! Give it a try, but be realistic: don't expect it to be Disney World. This is Jamaica, and Falmouth is a real (and very poor) town. Find its charm.
Mar 23rd, 2011, 03:57 PM
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Amen to that. You dont expect it to be Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Be real people. Enjoy the new, the unusual. Thats what traveling and exploring is all about. Discovery. Enjoy the difference, as long as its safe to do so. Darn spoiled Americans.
Mar 23rd, 2011, 04:07 PM
#5
I'm all for exploring and I love Jamaica myself, the island, the people. But tourists DO sometimes get hassled there... especially cruiseship passengers right off the boat. I'm sure that is what the OP must have heard from someone.
Mar 24th, 2011, 08:57 AM
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I went through Falmouth on a past land-based trip to Jamaica. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. It was one of the most depressing Caribbean towns I have ever been through.
Lloyd Williams, I all for exploring the new and unusual but I would recommend Falmouth as a place to start that philosophy.
Lloyd Williams, I all for exploring the new and unusual but I would recommend Falmouth as a place to start that philosophy.
Mar 24th, 2011, 12:24 PM
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I just returned from a cruise to Falmouth. The port is about 3/4ths done. None of the buildings are occupied. There are vendors outside of the buildings. The town is being rebuilt, new roads in town and they are restoring many buildings. The people in town are trying very hard to please the cruise passengers. Marching bands, Jamaicans on stilts and a variety of other entertainment. I went walking in town with my wife and we did not feel threatened. There is a police presence everywhere. We went to the shops at Rose Hall for most of the day. All of those shops and more are going to locate to Falmouth when the port is fully ready. A lot of the ship tours were late getting back to the ship. So, logistics is still a problem. I, personally, did not have a problem with Falmouth. It just needs about 3 to 6 months to be fully operational.
Apr 4th, 2011, 07:11 AM
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OK no one was putting down Falmouth area, THEY remarked that if you do get off the boat it is a hassle to then get around to other parts and do not expect to get around easily and quickly if you need to be back on the ship.I will still get off and do a trip, does anyone have other suggestions in what to do? Thank you, oh and by the way I am far from spoiled!!
Apr 25th, 2011, 07:35 PM
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Falmouth, Jamaica. Great port of call.
I have previously cruised into Jamaica at Ocho Rios where I was approached no less than a dozen times being offered weed, including from within the port facility itself. Fast Forward to 2011.
I've just returned from Falmouth, Jamaica (19th April, 2011) and I have to say I was extremely impressed with the Cruise Ship complex nearly completed at Falmouth. To understand what is being achieved is to have vision and understanding.
I applaud RCCL for identifying this historic town and bringing new life to it. It is a great opportunity for the residents of Falmouth and other nearby towns to lift themselves out of despair. There are always inconveniences with construction and we sometimes expect everything to be always perfect. Well it cant be.
The historic town of Falmouth has been given a new lease on life and with the injection on funding from RCCL and the Jamaica Government this is going to be an amazing Port Facility. Its history lesson will be told. Many of the key buildings are being restored. The port facility itself will be a state of the art facility and will become a leading Duty Free port in the Caribbean.
We had no plans for Jamaica. We did the Martha Brae river rafting trip on a previous cruise and did not want to be one of the big groups holding hands at the over-subscribed Dunn's River Falls tour. So we disembarked and went to an information kiosk. We told the young lady we simple wanted to go to a nearby beach with nice swimming and lunch and she told us we can do the Chukka Beach Break for USD49.00 per person. I recognised this option from the ship and we took it.
We were very efficiently added to the CHUKKA BEACH BREAK tour and with just a flash of our Seapass Card, the tour was added to our Stateroom account. We were then pointed to the well labelled tent were our tour signage was posted.
The tour left the facility via the streets of Falmouth. You could see the town's folk were expecting is with many vendors tents set up to sell local goods. There was also an abundance of uniformed police at every corner.
The ride to the Chukka Beach Break was just about 15-20 mins to the East. Once there we arrived at a modest beach house where we were warmly received and shown the restrooms, bar and souvenir shop. We were also invited to use the chaise lounges lined along the beach front.
The water here is light Caribbean Blue with a white powdery sand. Excellent for swimming. The hostess announced the activities for the 4 hours we would be there including a Sand Castle building contest for the kids in our group.
A local Jerk Chicken lunch was served promptly at noon and drinks including Jamaica's local Red Stripe Beer was sold at the bar. Picnic benches painting is tropical pastel hues were scattered around the property. The restrooms were artistically decorated and were more than adequate.
After a satisfying meal, a lovely swim and some fun in the sun, we returned to the ship exactly on time with out any problem or delay.
As they say in Jamaica: "No Problem"
I strongly recommend this option (CHUKKA BEACH BREAK US$49.00) if we want a simple day at the beach.
Perfect for Honeymooning couples, Families with young children, seniors or anyone wanting a quiet day at the beach.
I have previously cruised into Jamaica at Ocho Rios where I was approached no less than a dozen times being offered weed, including from within the port facility itself. Fast Forward to 2011.
I've just returned from Falmouth, Jamaica (19th April, 2011) and I have to say I was extremely impressed with the Cruise Ship complex nearly completed at Falmouth. To understand what is being achieved is to have vision and understanding.
I applaud RCCL for identifying this historic town and bringing new life to it. It is a great opportunity for the residents of Falmouth and other nearby towns to lift themselves out of despair. There are always inconveniences with construction and we sometimes expect everything to be always perfect. Well it cant be.
The historic town of Falmouth has been given a new lease on life and with the injection on funding from RCCL and the Jamaica Government this is going to be an amazing Port Facility. Its history lesson will be told. Many of the key buildings are being restored. The port facility itself will be a state of the art facility and will become a leading Duty Free port in the Caribbean.
We had no plans for Jamaica. We did the Martha Brae river rafting trip on a previous cruise and did not want to be one of the big groups holding hands at the over-subscribed Dunn's River Falls tour. So we disembarked and went to an information kiosk. We told the young lady we simple wanted to go to a nearby beach with nice swimming and lunch and she told us we can do the Chukka Beach Break for USD49.00 per person. I recognised this option from the ship and we took it.
We were very efficiently added to the CHUKKA BEACH BREAK tour and with just a flash of our Seapass Card, the tour was added to our Stateroom account. We were then pointed to the well labelled tent were our tour signage was posted.
The tour left the facility via the streets of Falmouth. You could see the town's folk were expecting is with many vendors tents set up to sell local goods. There was also an abundance of uniformed police at every corner.
The ride to the Chukka Beach Break was just about 15-20 mins to the East. Once there we arrived at a modest beach house where we were warmly received and shown the restrooms, bar and souvenir shop. We were also invited to use the chaise lounges lined along the beach front.
The water here is light Caribbean Blue with a white powdery sand. Excellent for swimming. The hostess announced the activities for the 4 hours we would be there including a Sand Castle building contest for the kids in our group.
A local Jerk Chicken lunch was served promptly at noon and drinks including Jamaica's local Red Stripe Beer was sold at the bar. Picnic benches painting is tropical pastel hues were scattered around the property. The restrooms were artistically decorated and were more than adequate.
After a satisfying meal, a lovely swim and some fun in the sun, we returned to the ship exactly on time with out any problem or delay.
As they say in Jamaica: "No Problem"
I strongly recommend this option (CHUKKA BEACH BREAK US$49.00) if we want a simple day at the beach.
Perfect for Honeymooning couples, Families with young children, seniors or anyone wanting a quiet day at the beach.
Jun 16th, 2011, 04:22 PM
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Just returned from a RCI cruise with port-of-call in Falmouth. We didn't have any excursions planned, but got off the boat; walked around the newly created (yet far from finished) area they are building for your to see before venturing directly into their city. WOW...just be careful to not get off the beaten path...For a moment we were around 'security' and police type persons...and one wrong turn we were on a street and were the only 'tourists'...quite honestly did not feel safe at all...Perhaps if you were on a sanctioned excursion, it would be ok...
Jul 22nd, 2011, 08:36 AM
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I visited there in February of 2011 and it was under construction, with everyone trying VERY hard to make a good impression on the tourists! The major problem I had with it was that all the vendors/local artists were trying to sell 'their' souveniers of Jamaica, fresh off the boat from China!!! Really! (Some were smart enough to remove the labels, but the next stall would have the same article with the China sticker still attached!) Couldn't they even TRY to find local artists, instead of shilling for China? Sad. I can buy Chinese junk at Wal-Mart, without paying for a cruise!
Apr 11th, 2012, 08:28 AM
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I just returned from a Royal Caribbean (Voyager of the Seas) cruise on 4/7/12. I have to say- I usually don't get off the ship in Jamaica, but Falmouth is the exception. I've cruised the Western Caribbean 15x.
The port is vibrant, full of lively activity, clean, and very welcoming. Yes, I'm saying this about Jamaica!
There are a variety of shops in the "compound"- your jewlers, Harley Davidson, Diamonds International, Paraha Joe's, Margaritaville, etc... but lots of local vendors, too.
I was not approached once during my 6 hour visit. I enjoyed the local music, gentlemen on stilts (yes, they're vendors, too, they work for tips when you take a photo with them), and ladies in traditional Jamaican attire dancing.
I'm told, this port was built by Royal Caribbean after years of complaints about the port city experiences. As you may have gathered, it's a ROYAL CARIBBEAN port, visited by RCI ships (Royal Caribbean and Celebrity) and is constructed in 18th and 19th century architecture. The buildings are very appealing to the eye.
Every now and then the waft of Jerk Chicken filled the air which complimented the steel drum music in the background.
A couple at our dinner table on the ship took a carriage ride tour of the city (beyond the new port facilities) and found it to be pleasant, informative and a good value.
Having read the comments on this site prior to cruising this month, I was leary about the port, now- I would have to say everything that precedes my comments is now a non-issue.
I enjoyed this port thuroughly, and would suggest that you get off the ship, and enjoy what Falmouth has to offer. I believe you'll be surprised- just as I was! PLEASANTLY surprised!
As we pulled away from the pier, the staff of the local shops gathered to wave good-bye to us onboard. Sigh....
Give Falmouth port a chance and I promise you, it won't disappoint!
The port is vibrant, full of lively activity, clean, and very welcoming. Yes, I'm saying this about Jamaica!
There are a variety of shops in the "compound"- your jewlers, Harley Davidson, Diamonds International, Paraha Joe's, Margaritaville, etc... but lots of local vendors, too.
I was not approached once during my 6 hour visit. I enjoyed the local music, gentlemen on stilts (yes, they're vendors, too, they work for tips when you take a photo with them), and ladies in traditional Jamaican attire dancing.
I'm told, this port was built by Royal Caribbean after years of complaints about the port city experiences. As you may have gathered, it's a ROYAL CARIBBEAN port, visited by RCI ships (Royal Caribbean and Celebrity) and is constructed in 18th and 19th century architecture. The buildings are very appealing to the eye.
Every now and then the waft of Jerk Chicken filled the air which complimented the steel drum music in the background.
A couple at our dinner table on the ship took a carriage ride tour of the city (beyond the new port facilities) and found it to be pleasant, informative and a good value.
Having read the comments on this site prior to cruising this month, I was leary about the port, now- I would have to say everything that precedes my comments is now a non-issue.
I enjoyed this port thuroughly, and would suggest that you get off the ship, and enjoy what Falmouth has to offer. I believe you'll be surprised- just as I was! PLEASANTLY surprised!
As we pulled away from the pier, the staff of the local shops gathered to wave good-bye to us onboard. Sigh....
Give Falmouth port a chance and I promise you, it won't disappoint!
Apr 11th, 2012, 02:26 PM
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We were in Falmouth in December, 2011 to do the Marta Brae river rafting. After our rafting trip, our driver took us through the town of Falmouth and showed us the cruise terminal. Very small town with nothing really going for it. The cruise terminal was fenced in with a chain link fence. No ships in port that day, so no vendors. It barely even looked like a port, but our driver said they were still working on it so we didn't get a good impression since no ships were in port that day. There is much to do around Falmouth, but not directly in it. If you are coming in from a cruise ship pre-book a tour with either the cruise line or an independant operator.
May 7th, 2012, 08:16 AM
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Whoever told you that must not have been there for a while. Where I went(and this was last week - May 2nd 2012) we went to the waterfalls with a tour guide on a bus. The trip was probably 45 minutes long at most and the ride was wonderful. The only scary part is other drivers who put themselves in danger. Other than that though, along with the waterfalls, the trip was amazing. I would recommend to anyone to go to Falmouth, Jamaica.
Dec 15th, 2014, 07:31 AM
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Not recommended to travel to Jamaica at all.
Especially at security check when you go back to your ship. A friend of mine does not have any metal on his body, and yet the machine kept beeping. So he had to step aside for body scanning. While he was so frustrated, his wallet, smart phone and back pack were already picked up by someone.
You should have family member or friend with you at the security check to keep their eyes on each other belongings. There may be a system of stealing your things there.
Especially at security check when you go back to your ship. A friend of mine does not have any metal on his body, and yet the machine kept beeping. So he had to step aside for body scanning. While he was so frustrated, his wallet, smart phone and back pack were already picked up by someone.
You should have family member or friend with you at the security check to keep their eyes on each other belongings. There may be a system of stealing your things there.
