Jamaica - out on our own?

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txkate

Guest
We will be in Montego Bay for the first time with the Veendam on March 17th (I think). We have always rented a car and struck out on our own - from St. Lucia to Antigua etc., thus seeing and doing "Everything", so we are not timid tourists. But I would greatly appreciate feedback regarding what the most worthwhile sights are and best means of doing them, from MoBay, would be.
 
C

Cruise cutie

Guest
I have been to Jamaica twice. in 1996 and in 2003 and I personally would warn you at all costs to not rent a car and go out on your own,It would be extremely FOOLHARDY to do.:(.a guided tour via a taxi driver rented for such a tour would be my only recommendation if you insisted on not doing a guided excursion with other tourists..There is extreme poverty and resultent crime in Jamaica and striking out on your own is risking your safety...Unchaperoned by professional tourist guides island visitors are at risk for robbery, and worse.. . there are very real crime victim risks should you decide to drive yourself around IMHO...Highly consider other options please..It is a risk I myself would not put my family or Friends in peril of..Good luck....Joanne
 
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txkate

Guest
Thank you Joanne ! I too feel that hiring a taxi and driver for the day would be the best option. How feasible to hire on the spot if no recommendations found?
 
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Sodey

Guest
contact Carolyn Barrett at www.barrettadventures.com she will pick you up and take you all over the island to see whatever it is you want to see. She knows everyone and will leave you just loving Jamaica. Tell her Tom says hi!
 
C

Cruzman

Guest
Ditto what Joanne said. Jamaica is not a place to strike out on your own. It is a fantastically beautiful island and I wish one could do what you propose, but reality strongly suggests that it would be unwise.
 
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leslieee

Guest
I cannot agree more with the comments here. We have been to Jamaica twice; the first time we made the mistake of walking outside the chain link fence that bordered our hotel, and were joined by a native who pulled out a 18' machete to show us how to cut hash or some drug he was trying to sell us ( and we were in our bathing suits!)

On our cruise, we rented vans and went out with groups to the markets, and even then, there can be a level of unease with the locals...

You will be taking an unneccessary risk. Maybe you won't be accosted on your own, but you won't be relaxed -- and that's what it's all about. Go with the pros or with groups, and have fun.

good luck
 
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llund

Guest
I stopped in Montego Bay on a cruise and also spent 5 nights at Sandals Dunn's River. Both times, I hired somebody to take us around the island. I would not just get a taxi in Jamaica. Contact Belinda at a-z planners (they have a website). She is wonderful to work with. I read many posts from people who do not like Jamaica and the majorit of them seem to do it on their own. I really think Jamaica is a beautiful island with so many natural resources and so much to do. You will enjoy it if you hire someone in advance to show you around.
 
R

ready2go

Guest
We had booked an excursion that didnt leave until 1pm so we opted to go out on our own in the morning to do some shopping. What a mistake...I would NOT recommend going alone. We took a taxi to the downtown area to do some shopping. There were 8 of us and as we tried to pay for the taxi some lady had taken my 10 year old daughter by the arm...taking her down the street to get her hair braided. There were policemen on about every corner but as you walked down the streets people would literally surround you trying to get you to buy drugs and come into their stores. It was a very scary and dirty place.
 
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joanpav

Guest
I guess you have the picture. We didn`t even get off the ship the last time we were there.
Too bad because 25 years ago it was paradise.



Post Edited (03-31-04 19:36)
 
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Darlene

Guest
We hired a taxi to take us to Rose Hall Beach Club. The traffic is horrible. You wouldn't want to drive. It was about $60 roundtrip and the fee at the beach was $8 per person. That included chairs, floats and I believe towels. There were restrooms and expensive food available. Vendors are not allowed on the club beach. The only people there were the three of us and a group of 11 people from our ship who happened to live 30 minutes from us. We had a nice day.
 
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LindaInCT

Guest
We will be in Ocho Rios in two weeks and we will have Peat Taylor bring us to Dunns Falls in the morning and then be dropped off at Margarittaville. After reading these boards for the last few months, we will get off the ship, but we do not plan to venture out on our own!
 
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