Cruise Stop in Jamaica (Page 2): A minor warning - when we were in Ocho Rios, there were Jamaicans in colorful costumes who positioned themselves where the cruise ships dock. If you...

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Girl with A Canon wrote:

We are heading next month on a cruise to the Panam... (show quote)

A minor warning - when we were in Ocho Rios, there were Jamaicans in colorful costumes who positioned themselves where the cruise ships dock. If you took their picture, they were highly aggressive in demanding money - to the point where many people felt threatened. Also, we were warned of scams where ganja is sold to foreigners, who were then arrested. Some areas of Jamaica are high crime areas, as evidenced by the bars on the windows of homes.

Girl with A Canon Loc: Myrtle Beach,SC

C. Loren wrote:

I have been to Jamaica multiple times and have been warned that it is not a safe place to travel without a guide/driver. Resorts have a reputation to protect and they also have drivers/guides available. Maybe the best idea is to go to a resort and have them supply you with the driver that will meet your needs.

Thank you so much I was thinking that the major cruise lines would not stop if it was not safe. I will have our travel agent set us up with a private driver.

wsa111 Loc: Goose Creek, South Carolina

I always take the ships excursions. As stated before, the ship will wait for you if your tour is late.
Carry enough ID to get you back on the ship. Very little cash, you will need $$'s for tips & a little more & 1 credit card.
Carry it in your front pockets or money belt.
Once they see a top line Nikon or Canon you are a prime target. Carry them in a diaper bag, not a camera bag.
I use an aftermarket camera strap, not one with Nikon or Canon in bolt letters.
Enjoy your cruise.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

wsa111 wrote:

I always take the ships excursions. As stated befo... (show quote)

Yeah, those camera straps that id the camera would be a tip-off. Of course, if you had no camera and wanted to steal one would you really care what the camera strap says?

RobertW Loc: Breezy Point, New York

Don't go "walkabout" in Kingston!!!

RobertW Loc: Breezy Point, New York

Don't go "walkabout" in Kingston!!!

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Girl with A Canon wrote:

We are heading next month on a cruise to the Panam... (show quote)

Read this: https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/caribbean/jamaica/crime-in-jamaica-what-to-watch-for

Girl with A Canon Loc: Myrtle Beach,SC

wsa111 wrote:

I always take the ships excursions. As stated befo... (show quote)

I have taken black electrical tape and put it over the camera logo. And like you my strap is just a plain Jane. We have copies of our passports and drivers license that we carry only time we are off the ship. Along with that we have written our emergency contact name in code like Jack Sprat and phone number.

Girl with A Canon Loc: Myrtle Beach,SC

DWU2 wrote:

Read this: https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/caribbean/jamaica/crime-in-jamaica-what-to-watch-for

Thank you I have taken the time to read all of the link. I think we will do Dunn’s waterfalls and the. See if I can get some good street photography in Ocho Rio.

Insp Gadget Loc: St Louis area

Girl with A Canon wrote:

We are heading next month on a cruise to the Panam... (show quote)

If you've been there multiple times you probably know more than most of us responding. Especially the snarky ones. My suggestion would be to talk to the activities counter (informally) on the ship. They usually know someone dependable to hire.
We've always found it better than the organized and less crowded to hire our own. They will also know the best places to take pictures. Good luck and have fun.

lsimpkins Loc: SE Pennsylvania

My wife and I have been to Jamaica half a dozen times (beginning with our honeymoon more than 47 years ago) and are returning in April. I do recommend to inquire at the tour/excursion desk on your ship for planned trips or guides that they have used and recommend. I do not recommend just picking someone dockside for this for both security and timeliness reasons.

One nice excursion close to Falmouth is a raft trip on the Martha Brae river. This is a very tranquil trip and the raft captains are very knowledgeable of the many trees and other vegetation you will pass. Check it out on line at https://www.jamaicarafting.com.

Girl with A Canon Loc: Myrtle Beach,SC

Insp Gadget wrote:

If you've been there multiple times you probably know more than most of us responding. Especially the snarky ones. My suggestion would be to talk to the activities counter (informally) on the ship. They usually know someone dependable to hire.
We've always found it better than the organized and less crowded to hire our own. They will also know the best places to take pictures. Good luck and have fun.

This is my first time ever going to Jamaica. As for the as you put it snarky ones that posted I knew I was opening myself up for some. I have belonged here for a few years and read the posts every morning with my coffee. So I am well aware that some will be love your word “SNARKY”.

Girl with A Canon Loc: Myrtle Beach,SC

lsimpkins wrote:

My wife and I have been to Jamaica half a dozen ti... (show quote)

barrytex

We did a combo culinary and history tour in Falmouth and everyone in our group enjoyed it. Good op for street photos and architectural shots. Does involve considerable walking and it can get hot. I think this is the tour we took. You can often customize the tour to your taste.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g612473-d4935293-Reviews-Jamaica_Culinary_Tours-Falmouth_Trelawny_Parish_Jamaica.html

Girl with A Canon Loc: Myrtle Beach,SC

barrytex wrote:

We did a combo culinary and history tour in Falmouth and everyone in our group enjoyed it. Good op for street photos and architectural shots. Does involve considerable walking and it can get hot. I think this is the tour we took. You can often customize the tour to your taste.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g612473-d4935293-Reviews-Jamaica_Culinary_Tours-Falmouth_Trelawny_Parish_Jamaica.html

Thank you this looks very interesting. We like to seeing things of interest but I like to get the street and people photography in.