Hi. Me and my family are sailing on the Conquest on July 6th.
One of the islands in the itinerary is Jamaica, particularly Montego Bay. My mom says that it is very nasty and dirty. Is it really that bad?
Also, is there any way to find out who the performers/musicians on the cruise will be? Thanks!
One more! We will be leaving from Gulfport...any tips on embarking and debarking? I've heard it's bad on Carnival.

Never been to Jamaica but have spoken with people who have. They have told me that once you leave the tourist section that it is like going from day to night. It's hard to believe that the areas you encounter are on the same island. Also, there are a series of small waterfalls that are popular... I was told that sometimes the locals are upstream doing their laundry in the river. A few people were rather peeved to learn this after they had been playing in the falls only to learn later that there had been in fact locals doing their laundry.

I am afraid that is all I can help you with.

Matt:

Our experience in Montego Bay was great. We were met by out tour guide (Carolyn Barrett of barrettadventures.com) at the port terminal, and boarded an airconditioned van.

We went to Mayfield Falls, a beautiful, and (unlike Duns River Falls) an uncrowded experience.

We saw plenty of people who were poor, but they also seemed to have everything they need. We passed lots of kids coming back from school all dressed up in their uniforms, smiling and waving.

If you're interested in tours, I would highly recommend you contact Carolyn.

Cheers!

If you do what triathlete did you MIGHT be OK, otherwise its not the port you want to get off at.

The main problem area is the port and nearby shopping area. If you can get around these areas you might enjoy the stop, but Montego Bay is terrible.

The last time I was on a cruise that stopped there I just stayed on the ship.
I've been there several times and you will be inundated by locals pestering you from the minute you step off the ship until you return.

Ocho Rios on the other hand (another port on the island) is not that bad. There too you will be approached, but not nearly at the level as Montego Bay. They will follow you around trying to sell you tours, cab rides, fruit, coffee, etc. and will not leave you alone.

If you even try to take a picture (in Montego Bay) they will rush up and insist you give them money because they were in the picture.

Again, it's not the whole island, just this one port area that's a problem.

Hi again, Matt!

I have been to Jamaica several times, primarily to the Ocho Rios area. Some of the comments that were made about Montego Bay are also made about Ocho Rios. But one of the important aspects of travel is experiencing new cultures. Jamaica is a pretty island and you can have a great and safe time in Jamaica is you use a private tour - like
Triathelete suggested. That is what I have done when I have visited Jamaica before and when I visit Montego Bay, I plan on using Carolyn Barrett.

Private tour operators are usually cheaper than the ship tours and you get a more in depth and personal view of the island. Plus, the private tour guides usually protect you from scary people and/or they take you to safe places.

I think you will really like Mrs. Barrett. Go to her website, e-mail her, and she will send you a list of excursions that are quite exciting.

Some of the people in Jamaica are aggressive, but for the most part, if you treat them with friendliness, dignity, and respect, you will be rewarded. The overwhelming majority of Jamaicans I have met have been very nice people, although many are poor. It makes you appreciate what we have here in the US.

I don't know anything about the entertainers and I have heard that the embarkation and debarkation has been smoothed out. You may want to check with your travel agent, however. I believe your sailing(July 6th) is the last sailing out of Gulfport. I think you may leave out of Gulfport and return to New Orleans, for the Conquest will begin to sail out of New Orleans on July 13th - which is my sailing.

Post if you have any more questions and be sure to check out Carolyn Barrett.

Snorkelcat:

Glad to hear you're touring with Carolyn. Make sure you keep her talking--she's got amazing stories about being the only white woman to ever live in her village; building her own house with her husband(having to carry all the materials up to the top of the hill by hand!). She can also tell you about the history of Rastafarianism and just about anything else you can think of.

I wish I was going back with you...

Cheers!

Thanks for the input, Triathelete. I am looking forward to meeting her.

Matt, would like to know if this info is helpful or not.