what is happening now in 2022

[jku2]

Never been to Trinidad. We will be there in 2 weeks.  Does anyone know if we can get a taxi or excursion at the dock or do we have to take a ship's excursion?

Thanks for any advice

[PORT ROYAL]

On 2/19/2022 at 4:54 PM, jku2 said:

Never been to Trinidad. We will be there in 2 weeks.  Does anyone know if we can get a taxi or excursion at the dock or do we have to take a ship's excursion?

Thanks for any advice

There are many posts on many threads explaining as to why one must NOT go alone.

A ship tour will have armed guards, the places visited would have been ‘cleared’ prior to arrival by armed personnel.  Then armed guards will protect the areas visited.  Tourist will be shown only the sanitised version of the island, with the tour guides sticking to the Government script.

Consider taking hand sanitizer and plastic gloves and try not to touch, eat or drink anything while ashore.  On returning to the ship clean shoes throughly immediately on boarding.

Shop only within the secure port area.

 

 

[PORT ROYAL]

21 minutes ago, PORT ROYAL said:

There are many posts on many threads explaining as to why one must NOT go alone.

A ship tour will have armed guards, the places visited would have been ‘cleared’ prior to arrival by armed personnel.  Then armed guards will protect the areas visited.  Tourist will be shown only the sanitised version of the island, with the tour guides sticking to the Government script.

Consider taking hand sanitizer and plastic gloves and try not to touch, eat or drink anything while ashore.  On returning to the ship clean shoes throughly immediately on boarding.

Shop only within the secure port area.

 

 

PS

Don’t use your credit or bank card while ashore, only take cash.  
Cloning and fraud is a national sport.

[travelerdi58]

jku2 did you follow what port royal said above or did you go out on your own?  looking for insight on an upcoming cruise.

 

[PORT ROYAL]

On 9/20/2022 at 11:43 PM, travelerdi58 said:

jku2 did you follow what port royal said above or did you go out on your own?  looking for insight on an upcoming cruise.

 

Tried sending a link to UK Government’s advice but blocked by Mods.  So copy/paste

Safety and security

Crime

Trinidad

There is a high level of gang related violent crime in Trinidad, particularly in and around the city centre of Port of Spain, including Laventille, Morvant and Barataria. Crime tends to occur within local communities but can sometimes affect visitors.

You should maintain at least the same level of security awareness as you would in the UK. The motive for most attacks on tourists is robbery. Don’t walk alone in deserted areas, even in daylight, and try to avoid travel beyond major populated areas late at night and before dawn. Don’t carry large amounts of cash or wear eye-catching jewellery. Take care when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Theft from vehicles and property occurs in parts of downtown Port of Spain and other towns/cities. Make sure your accommodation is secure and use a hotel safe to store valuables, money and passports. Take particular care when driving, especially at night, and take local advice to avoid straying into areas affected by gang violence. Always drive with windows closed and doors locked. Crimes including rape and murder, kidnapping for ransom, assault, robbery and theft have taken place in private cars and maxi taxis. You should exercise caution when using informal and maxi taxis.

There have been incidents of violence and fatal accidents caused by drunk driving to and from the airport, particularly on the Beetham/Churchill Roosevelt Highway.