My husband and I are planning our first trip to Jamaica (Negril, specifically) next year. We can't wait! I have a few random questions...

1. We're staying at an all-inclusive resort, and they offer a catamaran cruise. I love the idea, but motion sickness usually sets in. Is this something we should skip or is it a smooth sail, so to speak?

2. How heavily spiced does Jamaican food tend to be? Are local, authentic Jamaican restaurants generally willing to accommodate dietary restrictions? No allergies, just intolerances...

3. For a true Jamaican experience getting to know the area, what must-see things do you recommend checking out and/or skipping? We want to get out and explore (we may hire a driver, we won't be renting a car). We're in our mid 40s, not into hiking, and we're not too adventurous. I went parasailing once and although I wanted to love it, I was terrified.

Thank you!

I believe the AI properties are mostly on Bloody Bay and not 7MB. How is anyone supposed to know if a catamaran cruise is going to be a smooth sail or not on the particular day you will be taking it? If you are in an AI, why will you be taking meals in local authentic Jamaican restaurants? If you want local food, don't stay in an AI esp not in Negril, there is no point IMO. Jamaican food varies, from spicy to not spicy at all, Jamaican restaurants vary from very casual beach shacks to higher end who might accommodate dietary restrictions. They will state it on the menu if they do.

You probably have a better chance of the restaurants at your resort accommodating your dietary restrictions.

I have not found traditional Jamaican food to be all that spicy, for many dishes. I've never stayed at a resort but have been to Negril 3x (spaced over many years apart) and stayed up on the Cliffs and eaten at many different local restaurants. Fish, beans, rice, vegetables, mild jerk chicken, plenty of things without Scotch Bonnet -haha.

If you want to go around for a first timer I definitely recommend hiring a private driver or joining some kind of a tour group. You don't want to be driving yourself around in a rental car out in the country side. Trust me.

I can't help much with entertainment really, I've been there as part of a couple, solo, and with a group of friends... we just kicked around. Learned how to use the 'route taxi' system up and down the West End road. Went to the beach. Swam off the Cliffs. Spent time at the hotel pool. Ate in local restaurants. Shopped at the (HiLo) grocery store. Fun, laid back, easy.

https://www.clivestransportservicejamaica.com/
is the company i used for transport from and back to the airport but they do tours as well.

oh and if you haven't seen it yet, i found this the most helpful website for negril:
www.negrilonestop.com
~suze

Thanks so much, Suze!