I know that Negril is a big spring break destination. We're considering a quick trip to Jamaica in March and wondered if there is also a significant spring break scene in Montego Bay. We're not interested in that sort of atmosphere.

Head for Treasure Beach instead -- the community Web site is www.treasurebeach.net where you'll find a full spectrum of accomodations at every style/price level -- no higglers, no jetskis, no bashments, no Negril.
MoBay is urban so tho it may not be repleat with springbreakers, it will still be touristed. Silver Sands is also a good quick break area -- without the bashments and such.

Depends where you stay in MoBay but they're definitely downtown around Margaritaville and such.

Jamaica is a spring break "town." I went first week in March one year and the spring breakers had already started in infest the area.

Best way to stay away is stay in a couples only resort or a very upscale resort. Shopping, though, will lead you into the throngs of college kids.

Negril is more higly recommended over Mo Bay, though. Water was stunning (in Swept Away part of the beach) compared to Mo Bay (so so water.) Also, more lush and tropical, where Mo Bay was clear cut. Don't pay for an ocean view room, though- it is so lush you would have ocean view if the trees weren't there, but they charge you anyway.

Gloucestershire/Marguerittaville in MoBay is always Myrtlebeach, whatever the season. The South Coast, Port Antonio and Portmore are where you can lose the crowds.

"Jamaica is a spring break 'town.' "

No it's not - Negril, MoBay and possibly Ochi and Runaway Bay are SB destinations but the kids never get to, as tiv says, the east coast, the south coast or pretty much anywhere else on the island (JA has over 4,000 sq miles...)

They are easily avoided in March (we were there in March this year, only saw them in Negril of all the places we were), except at the airport (and if you fly into Kingston you can skip that too).

Ironic and rather sad, too, isn't it, that almost the last thing you see waiting to go out the door to your departure plane is a **&$#!
Marguerittaville bar/restaurant MoBay airport.

Thank you all for the info. Sounds like staying in one of the Gloucester Ave. properties during March wouldn't be our cup of tea.

We've been to MoBay before but stayed outside of town.

Our dilemma is that we're traveling on a tight budget in March and from our area (NE US) the cheapest way to do Jamaica is a package that includes air and hotel. The only inexpensive hotels included in packages we've found so far are in the prime spring break areas.

Any suggestions on finding package deals that include small hotels in Treasure Beach or Port Antonio?

You can get the airfare very cheaply if you watch...from NYC (don't know where you are) we never pay more than $300RT, which leaves plenty for hotel (it's $345 right now).

I use travelocity's farewatcher service....generally the fares drop about 2-3 months before the trip. I book the air first then hotel shop.

However, you might try these places for packages:

http://www.portantonio-onestop.com/

http://www.negrilonestop.com/

...both claim to have air discounts...I've dealt with them before for hotel and they're very helpful.

Try cvoa.com,, the Caribbean Villa Owners Association which offers tix to travellers to many islands -- and often good discounts/scarce tickets on Air Jamaica, American and US Air (AJ is best out of Logan or NY for NE;outta Boston, it's the only direct non-stop flight and just 4.5 hrs into MoBay) in conjunction with villa/estate/beach cottage rentals. Fly midweek for cheaper airfare. See the 'Where to Stay Section' of treasurebeach.net. It's prime high season so research now, book now.

Tiverton: You used the word "bashment" in your post a couple of times, but I'm unfamiliar with it. What does it mean?

thanks,
ejcrowe

Jamaican term for PARTY