Falmouth businesses not prepared for first cruise ship.

[Ocean Boy]

I won't go out of my way to book a cruise stopping in Falmouth.

 

But believe it or not they have modern motor coach buses and new clean shuttles in Jamaica:rolleyes:

 

I do believe it. It has been that way in Jamaica for a long time. However, I would still rather dock in Ocho Rios and just have to deal with a 15-20 minute ride over to the Falls than be in Falmouth. As for picking a location half way between O.R and M.B. how thoughtful of them. Now everyone has to travel instead of just picking a cruise that stops in the port of their preference.

 

I think RCI should have just shelled out the money to dredge the harbor in St. Thomas and bagged this project.

[tammymacb]

I guess we'll be there with our January 9th cruise. Right down there with Nassau, Jamaica is somewhere I'm never excited to travel to but DD ( 14 ) was hoping to stop in Ocho Rios instead and do Dunns River Falls. We did it a long time ago, but DD was to young and she wanted her turn. DH wasn't too thrilled about returning to the falls, but would have to give DD her shot at climbing them. Now the idea of a 1 hour bus ride to do it just changed our plans in Jamaica to a 100% stay on the ship day.

[bobmacliberty]

I'm trying to take a longer term view of Falmouth (which doesn't help with my June 2011 cruise!). IF the vision of a more historic port plays out, this could be a nice change. It may take 5 years, as it seems like tourist money will need to start coming into the area before local businesses are willing to invest. That's a chicken and egg problem.

 

It also doesn't look like MoBay is really an hour away. Looking on Google Earth, it's about 22 miles by highway (A1) from Falmouth, with some of the resorts only being about 12 miles away. Ocho Rios however IS about 40 miles from Falmouth as the crow flies.

 

We should be getting first hand accounts soon. As others have suggested, worst case is that this is an extra day on the ship.

[odettemcf]

Historically Falmouth is one of the oldest towns in Jamaica (its not new or purpose built) and yes they have been slower than they should have been to fully 'capitalise' on this new business, but the people are determined and will get there. If in the town you'll have a very rich experience of markets and vendors, as they go about their daily business.

 

.... it actually makes sense for RCI to invest in Falmouth due to its location... as some of the attractions are either in Mobay or Ochi.. also both cruise ports at Mobay and Ochi get full quite often (other ships stop here too as well as RCI), which means missing the port.. which some people will ALSO complain about.

 

The excursions offered by RCI are by major tour operators, some of which have opened up a whole new tour operations IN Falmouth to accomodate cruisers and are already operating.... Chukka Caribbean being one of the biggest, if not the biggest.. with all the usual.. river tubing/rafting, ATV, zipline tours etc etc

 

Montego Bay is NOT an hour away... its more like 30mins tops on the HIGHWAY.. and I can assure you that there are NO rickety old buses or potholed/bad roads in either direction going from Falmouth to Mobay or Falmouth to Ochi.. the highway is NOT new. Ochi can also be reached in under an hour.

 

This is a new destination and as with all destinations.. each person can choose to stay onboard, explore the town a bit or take an excursion... What I cant understand from some of the posts on this thread is how some persons can critically judge a place without even being there? Also for those who have been here before years and years ago... it has CHANGED so much ....in even 5 years, that your perspective may be a bit off the reality now... however, this in no way belittles your previous experience and is said not to cause any offence;)

 

Like a few posters have said, I would keep an open mind.. Jamaica like most places has its issues, but is still a great place to visit.

 

And before the flaming starts.. yes I live here, have lived here for 6 years now (originally from the UK)... No I dont live on the North coast... I live and work in Kingston. I dont work for RCI or the Jamaica Tourist Board or anything to do with travel or tours! I actually dislike Ochi as I find it to be very un-Jamaican, when a cruise ship comes into port. I am relatively new to cruising, but am now addicted... and love CC.

 

 

If anyone would like any info/has questions about the ports or towns, I will certainly do my best to answer honestly.:D

[bajathree]

I'm trying to take a longer term view of Falmouth (which doesn't help with my June 2011 cruise!). IF the vision of a more historic port plays out, this could be a nice change. It may take 5 years, as it seems like tourist money will need to start coming into the area before local businesses are willing to invest. That's a chicken and egg problem.

 

It also doesn't look like MoBay is really an hour away. Looking on Google Earth, it's about 22 miles by highway (A1) from Falmouth, with some of the resorts only being about 12 miles away. Ocho Rios however IS about 40 miles from Falmouth as the crow flies.

 

We should be getting first hand accounts soon. As others have suggested, worst case is that this is an extra day on the ship.

 

 

Every Royal excursion heading to Mobay says:

Depart from historic Falmouth in air conditioned coaches for the 45 minute to one hour drive.......

[SamFritz]

I myself like Labadee... But I can tell you...the perception of most visiting Haiti is:eek:......you ask why:confused:All one has to do is turn on the news to see how bad things are just on the other side of that fence......lots of people have issue sipping drinks and parting while just miles away people are suffering, starving and dying in the streets.

 

Are any special vaccinations needed or recommended when stopping in Haiti?

[boingy300]

Are any special vaccinations needed or recommended when stopping in Haiti?

 

Some will advise anti-malarials. I only do it when I stay there, as mosquitoes come out dawn-dusk. Now flies are throughout the Caribbean and I just has some nasty bites when doing an ATV in Costa Maya a few weeks ago. So bug spray from now on for cruises. I don't take anti-malarials when visiting Labadee for a few hours. You can always check CDC guidelines but keep in mind Labadee is not Haiti (really) all food/water from the ship and you might as well be on a private island. Look at it on Google maps. It's actually a challenge to get to!

Karen

[Creepella]

Are any special vaccinations needed or recommended when stopping in Haiti?

 

Nope. My doctor prescribed Dukoral, which is a cholera vaccine, but he was mostly interested in giving us the e. coli protection it also has. He felt that malaria was more of a worry, but not if we were staying on the coast, during the day.

[BillOh]

I myself like Labadee... But I can tell you...the perception of most visiting Haiti is:eek:......you ask why:confused:All one has to do is turn on the news to see how bad things are just on the other side of that fence......lots of people have issue sipping drinks and parting while just miles away people are suffering, starving and dying in the streets.

 

So you doing the same elsewhere is going to help them more? Staying away and keeping the dollars out of the local economy should be a great help.

[DebJ14]

The other board has an article about Falmouth posted. Here is a quote

 

" Falmouth Mayor Gager says local businesses have not been doing enough to capitalise on the opportunity presented by the arrival of these cruise ships. Both Oasis and Allure of the Seas were scheduled to begin port stays in Falmouth as of January 2011, calling every Wednesday and Thursday and bringing 600,000 visitors annually.

But those regular stops have been moved back to May. The visit by Navigator of the Seas on January 7 will be a trial balloon to see how far along the town has come in its restoration efforts, and whether it is ready to be used as a dispatch center for other Jamaica attractions."

 

Personally, I don't want to be part of a trial balloon, but I guess that is what the cruises early in the year will be. Oh, well - we'll just stay onboard. I don't appreciate having to pay the extra money for transportation to Mo Bay or Ocho Rios. The excursions out of Falmouth are higher priced than out of the other ports because of the distance. With the price of oil and gasoline rising those prices will probably increase too. It will probably be nice when it is all finished, maybe next year...

[tantakatie]

When I was on the phone with them, they wanted to stress the point that the reason they chose Falmouth was because it was halfway between Ocho Rios and Montego bay. They said most passengers want one or the other, and by going to Falmouth that allowed passengers to go on excursions to either port.

I actully canceld that cruise for the 5 day to Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

The thing is that Falmouth is a colonial port town and the travel to other

sites is too far. There are still many areas of Jamaica that are not places

I would just take a cab to. The issue with Haiti is yes your going to a private

island; but the people who work it are from the area.The cholera out break

has been reported in the Domincan Republic, and the death toll in Nov was

up to 1600+. This is only the reported cases. We have to remember that

these are poor islands that now are suffering more becasue of the recession.

Good Luck!

[bajathree]

I recently drove through the town which is "bracing" for cruise ships and tourism and all I saw was an ugly, neglected rural town.

 

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101230/letters/letters5.html

[bus man]

There is little wonder right now why the Eastern routes are bringing such a premium to the Western when it comes to Oasis/Allure

 

do us a favor Royal....stick with Cost Maya till this gets straightened out and Falmouth is really ready to accept passengers;)

 

I agree. Actually, I'd go a step farther. Given that plenty of people don't like Jamaica, AND plenty of people DO like Costa Maya, it seems like even when Falmouth is up and running, RCI ought to have one of their Oasis-class ships continue to stop at Costa Maya when on the Western run, and have the other one serve Falmouth. This way, people for whom this is an issue either way would have a choice, and could pick the itinerary that best suits them.

[bajathree]

Dec 30th travel Weekly article.

 

http://www.travelweekly.com/article3_ektid226446.aspx

[Captain Jake]

I myself like Labadee... But I can tell you...the perception of most visiting Haiti is:eek:......you ask why:confused:All one has to do is turn on the news to see how bad things are just on the other side of that fence......lots of people have issue sipping drinks and parting while just miles away people are suffering, starving and dying in the streets.

 

So True

:cj

[link99]

FYI from tour located in Ocho Rios

 

"Access from Montego Bay is facilitated by the new North Coast Highway with a scenic driving time of 80 minutes from the Donald Sangster International Airport and a 110 minute drive from the Montego Bay Cruise Ship Pier."

 

Sounds about right. We did this drive by taxi from Airport and was about an hour fifteen minutes. ( Not on a Cruise that trip)

 

So my guess is about 45 minutes to Ocho Rios from Falmouth.

[link99]

Historically Falmouth is one of the oldest towns in Jamaica (its not new or purpose built) and yes they have been slower than they should have been to fully 'capitalise' on this new business, but the people are determined and will get there. If in the town you'll have a very rich experience of markets and vendors, as they go about their daily business.

 

.... it actually makes sense for RCI to invest in Falmouth due to its location... as some of the attractions are either in Mobay or Ochi.. also both cruise ports at Mobay and Ochi get full quite often (other ships stop here too as well as RCI), which means missing the port.. which some people will ALSO complain about.

 

The excursions offered by RCI are by major tour operators, some of which have opened up a whole new tour operations IN Falmouth to accomodate cruisers and are already operating.... Chukka Caribbean being one of the biggest, if not the biggest.. with all the usual.. river tubing/rafting, ATV, zipline tours etc etc

 

Montego Bay is NOT an hour away... its more like 30mins tops on the HIGHWAY.. and I can assure you that there are NO rickety old buses or potholed/bad roads in either direction going from Falmouth to Mobay or Falmouth to Ochi.. the highway is NOT new. Ochi can also be reached in under an hour.

 

This is a new destination and as with all destinations.. each person can choose to stay onboard, explore the town a bit or take an excursion... What I cant understand from some of the posts on this thread is how some persons can critically judge a place without even being there? Also for those who have been here before years and years ago... it has CHANGED so much ....in even 5 years, that your perspective may be a bit off the reality now... however, this in no way belittles your previous experience and is said not to cause any offence;)

 

Like a few posters have said, I would keep an open mind.. Jamaica like most places has its issues, but is still a great place to visit.

 

And before the flaming starts.. yes I live here, have lived here for 6 years now (originally from the UK)... No I dont live on the North coast... I live and work in Kingston. I dont work for RCI or the Jamaica Tourist Board or anything to do with travel or tours! I actually dislike Ochi as I find it to be very un-Jamaican, when a cruise ship comes into port. I am relatively new to cruising, but am now addicted... and love CC.

 

 

If anyone would like any info/has questions about the ports or towns, I will certainly do my best to answer honestly.:D

 

I will take you up on your offer of Info.Thinking of taking a cab from Falmouth to Mystic Mountain. Do you think this is possible.

 

Are there cabs willing to go back to Falmouth at the end of the day? I know cabs do not have an issue going to Mobay or Airport because their is good chance of getting another fair,but maybe they will be reluctant to go back to Falmouth because there is less chance of getting another fair. Any Thoughts.

 

I for one am looking forward to this port. Actually the only reason I booked Allure so early is because of Falmouth. Getting tired of Haiti and Cozumel

 

I think this port will be a good middle ground for going to ether of the major tour spots. And if I recall there is a new all inclusive resort right outside of Falmouth.

 

Look at it this way you get to see a new port in its original state before it becomes another ST Thomas Mall. Everyone knew this port was on this cruise so it is decision time. Get out there and have fun or stay on the ship.

[DebJ14]

I will take you up on your offer of Info.Thinking of taking a cab from Falmouth to Mystic Mountain. Do you think this is possible.

 

Are there cabs willing to go back to Falmouth at the end of the day? I know cabs do not have an issue going to Mobay or Airport because their is good chance of getting another fair,but maybe they will be reluctant to go back to Falmouth because there is less chance of getting another fair. Any Thoughts.

 

I for one am looking forward to this port. Actually the only reason I booked Allure so early is because of Falmouth. Getting tired of Haiti and Cozumel

 

I think this port will be a good middle ground for going to ether of the major tour spots. And if I recall there is a new all inclusive resort right outside of Falmouth.

 

Look at it this way you get to see a new port in its original state before it becomes another ST Thomas Mall. Everyone knew this port was on this cruise so it is decision time. Get out there and have fun or stay on the ship.

 

 

Not true - when we booked our Voyager of the Seas Jan 16 cruise back in June Montego Bay was on the itinerary. They changed it on us.

[hancogran]

Everyone knew this port was on this cruise so it is decision time. Get out there and have fun or stay on the ship.

 

NO... not everyone knew this port was on the cruise. :confused: When we booked, Montego Bay was listed as our port in Jamaica. Had we known back then that we were going to be the guinea pigs for new Falmouth port, I think we would have changed our cruise. :( The closer we get to sailing, and the more I read about how this port is not really ready sort of puts a damper on things. It won't spoil our cruise but it's just a bit disappointing. Happy cruising!:)

[bajathree]

Boy...the Falmouth articles are pouring out in the last couple days.....here is another from USA Today. John Tercek, vice president of new business development for Royal Caribbean says that the port is ready to safely accept ships, but that the retail areas are still under construction. However he say's...."We'll be able to deliver a good experience for guests visiting in the interim," he said. "By the time the big ship comes, our project will be done."

 

What I find interesting is that Royal is now sounding like they are sending out a bit of a warning about the "readiness" of the town of Falmouth itself....Tercek explained that the actual town of Falmouth, next to the port, is a "vibrant town of local Jamaicans that live and trade. It's not a tourist destination yet. It's a 300-year-old town. It's not going to change overnight."

 

So once again it's sounding like Falmouth, at least for now, offers little more than just being a transportation hub to transport passengers to Ocio Rios or Montego Bay.

 

USA Today Article:

http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2010/12/falmouth-jamaica-cruise-port-readiness/136712/1

[Bakincakes]

Boy...the Falmouth articles are pouring out in the last couple days.....here is another from USA Today. John Tercek, vice president of new business development for Royal Caribbean says that the port is ready to safely accept ships, but that the retail areas are still under construction. However he say's...."We'll be able to deliver a good experience for guests visiting in the interim," he said. "By the time the big ship comes, our project will be done."

 

What I find interesting is that Royal is now sounding like they are sending out a bit of a warning about the "readiness" of the town of Falmouth itself....Tercek explained that the actual town of Falmouth, next to the port, is a "vibrant town of local Jamaicans that live and trade. It's not a tourist destination yet. It's a 300-year-old town. It's not going to change overnight."

 

So once again it's sounding like Falmouth, at least for now, offers little more than just being a transportation hub to transport passengers to Ocio Rios or Montego Bay.

 

USA Today Article:

http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2010/12/falmouth-jamaica-cruise-port-readiness/136712/1

 

 

Jamaicans aren't known for their "speed" at getting things done.

 

And some may not be happy that their 300 year old town is being converted into a tourist haven.:(

[angelsil]

I've actually been to Falmouth, as part of an all-inclusive land vacation in Trelawny Bay. We got horrendously bored at the resort, rented a car, and made out for 'real' Jamaica. It's an old town, easily walkable, and we had a nice afternoon wandering around without escort.

 

For those expecting a very tourist-oriented experience like Ochi, you won't find it in Falmouth currently. Of course you also won't find touts bothering you every step of the way. At least not when I was there. I actually wanted to stop in Falmouth on our cruise this year, because I'm sick to death of the other ports, but we ended up rescheduling for Liberty.

 

PS.

The port is close to the Martha Brae rafting excursions, which is a good recommendation if you're looking for something to do during a Falmouth stop that is guided and different from the usual Mo'Bay and Falls type stuff.

[odettemcf]

I will take you up on your offer of Info.Thinking of taking a cab from Falmouth to Mystic Mountain. Do you think this is possible.

 

Are there cabs willing to go back to Falmouth at the end of the day? I know cabs do not have an issue going to Mobay or Airport because their is good chance of getting another fair,but maybe they will be reluctant to go back to Falmouth because there is less chance of getting another fair. Any Thoughts.

 

I for one am looking forward to this port. Actually the only reason I booked Allure so early is because of Falmouth. Getting tired of Haiti and Cozumel

 

I think this port will be a good middle ground for going to ether of the major tour spots. And if I recall there is a new all inclusive resort right outside of Falmouth.

 

Look at it this way you get to see a new port in its original state before it becomes another ST Thomas Mall. Everyone knew this port was on this cruise so it is decision time. Get out there and have fun or stay on the ship.

 

@link99 Taxi's run the routes between Falmouth and Ochi and Falmouth and Mobay as a main way people go to work and get around etc (using the highway). For this reason you will have no issues in getting a taxi throughout the day and night.

 

There are also several all inclusive resorts around Falmouth, which offer day passes to access their properties; which cater to both individuals and families.

 

I havent been to Mystic Mountain, but I hear only good things about it... I really want to go, but just havent made it there yet... Hope you have fun!

[link99]

@link99 Taxi's run the routes between Falmouth and Ochi and Falmouth and Mobay as a main way people go to work and get around etc (using the highway). For this reason you will have no issues in getting a taxi throughout the day and night.

 

There are also several all inclusive resorts around Falmouth, which offer day passes to access their properties; which cater to both individuals and families.

 

I havent been to Mystic Mountain, but I hear only good things about it... I really want to go, but just havent made it there yet... Hope you have fun!

 

Thank you for the info odettemcf. I see the beginnings of a plan taking place now. Have a wonderful New Year.

 

Sorry to hear that some of you had the port changed on you. I was not aware of this. I still think if you do not get off and look around the town you will miss out on seeing a more tranquil and historical side of Jamaica. I would wager that some of the historical sites their you will get to see for free or at a low cost.

 

When this port catches on the prices will surely double for any activities in the town. If my Mystic Mountain Plans do not come together then I plan on exploring the town and having a few hopefully cheep red stripes on a beach near by.

 

Irie

Have a Great New Year fellow CC'ers

 

I stand by what I said earlier see it while you can because it wont last.

[bajathree]

Well one thing I can tell you.....Royal is really on the line next week.......because within hours of docking in Falmouth there will be a ship load of passengers blogging away what their experience was.