Ocho Rios

[stoneharborlady]

Has anyone done the Bamboo Beach Excursion in Ocho Rios? Would appreciate any comments about it. Is it worth getting off the ship? Thank you, Karen

[MaryPoppinz]

I haven't taken the excursion, but you should definitely get off the ship. Jamaica is beautiful and there are many interesting things to see and do -- find a tour or a private guide and enjoy your day.

[MaryPoppinz]

Duplicate....

[sueandkent]

I agree, Jamaica gets a bad rap here on these boards. When we sailed the Western last fall there were many posts saying "don't bother getting off" and it turned out to be our favorite port.

I haven't done the tour you mention but we did love the beach and the shopping mall where Jimmy Buffet's place is. Great shopping, nice people and good prices.

[Jasmar]

I have recomended Peat Taylor Tours to 4 other couples since I used their services and all have had an amazing time. They are half the price of the cruise tours. Everyone has found them to be very freindly honest and informative. Below is their web site and email. Ask them about the tour you are looking to take and see what they say.

 

 

http://www.geocities.com/peattaylor/contact.html

mailto:*********************

[crusdiva]

Has anyone done the Bamboo Beach Excursion in Ocho Rios? Would appreciate any comments about it. Is it worth getting off the ship? Thank you, Karen

Hi Karen,

I just did this excursion and enjoyed it very much! It's a private beach right off the ship. I was told it was a Princess exclusive - but then we were the only ship in port that day! We were met by a lovely young woman who gave us our wristbands and escorted us to the beach. It's a very short walk. Once there we were shown to loungers - in shade, sun or under the trees. There were Bali beds and picnic tables as well. The staff was wonderful. They bring everything to you - drinks, fruit, lunch, water - there will be music playing. There is also a "local" dance troupe that performs. I really enjoyed my time there. It's a short walk to Island Village from there.

Here's a link to my pictures...I'd be delighted to answer any questions you might have.;)

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cpebmw/album?.dir=7351re2&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=ht tp%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

[stoneharborlady]

Sharon, Thank you so much, your photos are gorgeous (as always) Looks lovely to me, did you have lunch there? What was on the menu? Thanks again, Karen

 

 

 

Hi Karen,

I just did this excursion and enjoyed it very much! It's a private beach right off the ship. I was told it was a Princess exclusive - but then we were the only ship in port that day! We were met by a lovely young woman who gave us our wristbands and escorted us to the beach. It's a very short walk. Once there we were shown to loungers - in shade, sun or under the trees. There were Bali beds and picnic tables as well. The staff was wonderful. They bring everything to you - drinks, fruit, lunch, water - there will be music playing. There is also a "local" dance troupe that performs. I really enjoyed my time there. It's a short walk to Island Village from there.

Here's a link to my pictures...I'd be delighted to answer any questions you might have.;)

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cpebmw/album?.dir=7351re2&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=ht tp%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

[crusdiva]

Sharon, Thank you so much, your photos are gorgeous (as always) Looks lovely to me, did you have lunch there? What was on the menu? Thanks again, Karen

Hi Karen,

Yes, I ate everything they brought to me! ;)

The food was delicious, Jamaican jerk chicken, broiled chicken, a wonderful cornbread (lightly fried and sweetened). The fruit was out of this world. The young ladies that work there just keep bringing it to you. Plate after plate. They come around and take your plates and glasses and offer to bring more. They offered water, fruit punch, rum punch, mojitos and if I remember correctly lemonade.

Also, there are no vendors on the beach - the young ladies will bring out some t-shirts and beach wraps with the Bamboo Beach logo on it to sell, but it wasn't a hard sell at all.

There are restrooms just a short stroll down the beach.

[stoneharborlady]

Thanks again Sharon, sounds terrific. Only a year to wait!! (Groan) This is not included in the price of the excursion is it? The lunch must be extra?Karen

 

 

 

quote=crusdiva]Hi Karen,

Yes, I ate everything they brought to me! ;)

The food was delicious, Jamaican jerk chicken, broiled chicken, a wonderful cornbread (lightly fried and sweetened). The fruit was out of this world. The young ladies that work there just keep bringing it to you. Plate after plate. They come around and take your plates and glasses and offer to bring more. They offered water, fruit punch, rum punch, mojitos and if I remember correctly lemonade.

Also, there are no vendors on the beach - the young ladies will bring out some t-shirts and beach wraps with the Bamboo Beach logo on it to sell, but it wasn't a hard sell at all.

There are restrooms just a short stroll down the beach.

[Tak8]

Are there any beach toys to use? Water trampoline or jet ski or anything? Do you remember what time the excursion occured? I was wondering if you coud leave and come back or arrive later since the beach area is so close to the ship.

[Amicruzer]

Sharon,

Thanks for the info on The Bamboo Beach Club. It sounds like a great time was had by all. Is is a good place for kids? We are bringing 4 from 5 to 17. Are all the beverages (including alcoholic) included in the excursion price? If so, other than mojitos and rum is there other bar drinks (open bar) included? Can you walk to the Taj Mahal Shopping Center from the Beach Club? How far a walk is it to the ship? Thanks for all you info.

Lori

[stoneharborlady]

Lori, I do know it is just a few minutes walk to the club. They send someone to meet the group and walk you over. I really doubt alcoholic beverages are included, I dont think the cost of this excursion is very much at all. Karen

 

 

 

 

Sharon,

Thanks for the info on The Bamboo Beach Club. It sounds like a great time was had by all. Is is a good place for kids? We are bringing 4 from 5 to 17. Are all the beverages (including alcoholic) included in the excursion price? If so, other than mojitos and rum is there other bar drinks (open bar) included? Can you walk to the Taj Mahal Shopping Center from the Beach Club? How far a walk is it to the ship? Thanks for all you info.

Lori

[crusdiva]

Hi guys!

Everything is included...drinks (alcohol and non alcohol)...food...fruit...all included. It's not so much a "bar" but the girls bring the drinks and food out to you. They'll bring it all day long. Mojitos and rum punch is what I remember (possibly Red Stripe Beer too) as well as water, fruit punch and lemonade.

 

There is no "start" time - one of the employees meets groups all day long and escorts them to the beach.

 

There were some children there but I don't remember seeing any water toys.

 

You are given a wristband and can come and go all day.

 

When you are on the ship facing the port area, Bamboo Beach on the left and Island Village is on the right - both are technically still in the port area. You never exit the main gates.

Island Village is right off the pier. You exit the immediate pier area, where the tours meet and walk about a block down the street. You are still in the gated pier area. There is a great gift shop called Ocean's 11 on your right and Island Village is a little further down on the right. It's a lovely area with winding walkways, shops and restaurants - including Margaritaville.

 

 

It is a 5 minute walk from the ship to Bamboo Beach - and from there you can easily walk to the Taj Mahal. .

[Amicruzer]

Sharon,

Did you go on the Princess Excursion? Because the Princess people tell us soft drinks only and Carnival says all is included? We are traveling on the Caribbean Princess-July 29th sailing and are alittle confused.

Thanks,

Lori

[crusdiva]

Sharon,

Did you go on the Princess Excursion? Because the Princess people tell us soft drinks only and Carnival says all is included? We are traveling on the Caribbean Princess-July 29th sailing and are alittle confused.

Thanks, Lori

Hi Lori,

Yes I was on the Princess excursion. We were the only ship in Ocho Rios that day. ;)

[stoneharborlady]

Thanks again for all the great info Sharon. Cant wait!! Karen

[crusdiva]

Thanks again for all the great info Sharon. Cant wait!! Karen

You're welcome. Keep that countdown moving!:)

[Amicruzer]

Sharon,

Thanks for your info and your patience.

Lori

[crusdiva]

Sharon, Thanks for your info and your patience. Lori

No problem Lori. ;) You're welcome. Have a great cruise.

[raethecpa]

We just got back from the July 1 Western Caribbean, and loved Ocho Rios. We took the Safari Tubing Excursion, which was excellent, and then after we returned to the dock, went back onto the ship for lunch, and still had time to walk over to Island Village for shopping. We were very happy with friendly merchants, who were eager to bargain with us on major jewelry purchases. My husband even tried on a Philippe Patek watch, which we had no intention of purchasing (over $30,000!), but the point is, the shopkeeper was very helpful and friendly.

 

Back on the ship, other passengers said that they hated Jamaica. They hadn't gone on an excursion, but walked along the main street, and then went to the Taj Mahal mall, which they found seedy, run-down, and filled with "pushy Jamaicans." Our expereince was so totally the opposite, it was hard to believe we were in the same city.

 

So, enjoy Jamaica. The scenery inland is gorgeous, with mountains, lush tropical vegetation, and friendly natives if you hit it right.

 

raethecpa

[MaryPoppinz]

Honestly, that beach break excursion sounds heavenly. But, if it's at all possible to do more than just that...I'd encourage you to see Jamaica. At least arrange a guide to show you the spectacular scenery, take you to Wassi Art, and/or have an authentic meal. You might like the short drive to the botanic gardens -- the guides there are sweet, it's not expensive, and the scenery is nice.

 

I would advise you to pre-arrange your activities before you leave home -- your guide will probably meet you within the pier complex, but do try to do something beyond the port gate. :)

[Barva]

I agree with everyone who says to enjoy this stop. It is definitely worth it to get off the ship in Jamaica! I prefer to do the beach day in Cozumel and do other things in Jamaica. Dunn's River Falls is beautiful. The falls in the Enchanted Gardens Resort are spectacular. Coyoba Gardens is lovely. Tubing is not strenous and it was my favorite thing to do in OR. We used a ship excursion on our first visit to OR. We used Marva Shaw (knowjamaica.com) this time (7/5/06) because of recommendations from this board.

 

Whatever you do, don't stay on the ship in Jamaica, you will be missing a great port.

 

Have a grand trip when the time finally arrives! :)

[HB Cruiser]

DH and I are cruising on the Enchantment of the Seas Aug.5-Aug.10. One of our ports is Ocho Rios. We have been to Jamaica twice and have been to Dunn's River Falls, Margaritaville, Taj Mahal shopping and the Enchanted Garden I believe it was. We were looking this time for a nice beach and this one sounds great, DH says he could care less if he gets off the ship so if it's not too far he might go for it. Thanks for the info. I would like to ask the cost of this excursion. Did you book through your ship or do it on your own?

 

Crystal

[crusdiva]

DH and I are cruising on the Enchantment of the Seas Aug.5-Aug.10. One of our ports is Ocho Rios. We have been to Jamaica twice and have been to Dunn's River Falls, Margaritaville, Taj Mahal shopping and the Enchanted Garden I believe it was. We were looking this time for a nice beach and this one sounds great, DH says he could care less if he gets off the ship so if it's not too far he might go for it. Thanks for the info. I would like to ask the cost of this excursion. Did you book through your ship or do it on your own? Crystal

Hi Crystal,

I booked Bamboo Beach through Princess. It was $36. ;)

As I said I really enjoyed it.

Have a great cruise.

[IdRatherBCruisin]

Did you go through the ship excursion? I am wandering what you do with your valuables while you go tubing?

 

Thanks!