choose more ports or jamaica?

[DqALEX]

Originally Posted by Kurbanfan

You are kidding right The minute you step off the ship at the port you get hit with all the loosers selling their drugs and paraphernalia.....sticking their filthy hands thru the fence to get at you........
If the police can't keep them away from the port area......why would anyone want to go any further

And someone compared Jamaica to Cozumel Give me a break....night and day.....the peddlers in Cozumel are just trying to make a living to support their families selling their wares.......the scumbags in Jamaica are trying to support their filthy habits........
I just don't understand why the ships stop there........

I Agree. Cozumel is NO JAMAICA.

[Traveler with a porpose]

I am another fan of Jamaica. Our family has been there twice and have enjoyed both visits. I think as long as you use a reputable tour company (we did private tours both times) you will have an enjoyable trip.

[TANZYRAGWEED]

Thank you for everyone's input. It is good to hear all different opinions and experiences. You never know which you'll be, but good to expect any one of them

[MrOCT31]

Originally Posted by DqALEX

I Agree. Cozumel is NO JAMAICA.

Wow I was thinking the same thing when I read that! I went to Coz for the first time this past April and I loved it! Great place IMO!

I haven't been to Jamaica in over 20 years and at that it was at Sandals Negril but even then you could tell if you went outside the resort things were not so great, but we never had any issues other than some nasty looks from some and we were able to go out on our own. Sounds like that's not a good idea any more which is a shame it's a beautiful island but with so many other choices and things sounding worse there nowadays, why chance it?

[kasil]

My 15 yo DD and 12 yo DS were in Ocho Rios in August. It was their favorite stop. I booked through the cruiseline after reading all of the negative comments on this board. I was prepared to feel a little unsafe, but I never did. I wouldn't hesitate to go back with older kids, but I don't think I feel very comfortable with preschoolers. I'd look at the itineraries and pick two or three places that are "must sees" for you. There is so much to do on either ship, your kids probably won't care if they miss a port or two. If you haven't already, post a question on the Family Cruises boad. I'm sure someone there has more experience with little ones at specific ports. Either way, have a wonderful vacation.

[pe4all]

We were first in Ochos Rios at an AI when kids were 4/7. No problems. Went back on Freedom - kids were now 17/20 - no problems. Are going back in Feb. on Liberty. Will book a CCL excursion again, as we are chickens going off on our own in most ports anyway. Also, did the Cool Runnings cat/Dunn's River Falls excursion last time - our tour guides were great in not having people bother us. I had spoken to my kids about not giving their names, not taking anything offered to us - legal or illegal- In fact, we were offered more "smoke" walking 2 blocks in San Juan when we ported on cruises there than we ever were in Jamaica! Research all the ports, don't go off on your own, and you will be fine.

[PROCRUISE]

Originally Posted by TANZYRAGWEED

We are planning a 7d western caribbean in February and I cannot decide if we should go for the cruise with more ports: GCayman, Belize, Cozumel, Isla Rotan, on the Glory or go for the less busy one with Jamaica on the itinerary on the Valor. The pictures of Jamaica look pretty cool.
We have a 2yr old and wonder if 4 ports are too much. We are used to being busy, so I have gone back and forth....
Also the Jamaica cruise is on the Valor, which doesn't look as nice, but has the dates I like and the other is on the Glory wich looks a little nicer but the dates aren't as nice.
Lots of ?'s I know....

Avoid Jamaica!! If 4 ports of call is too much because of your 2 year old, then pick one of those stops to simply stay on board and enjoy the ship activities, with many fewer people to contend with on the ship.