Courtney Taylor?

[NYCruiseNoob]

There are many first post and last post (total 1 post) recommending this tour group. Is someone advertizing????? actually 4 out of 5 posts from the one above have only posted once ever. H

 

Well, in my case I am brand-new to cruising (this was our first), and I have never been to Jamaica before. But there's a first time for everything, right? I felt good enough about my experience with Courtney that I wanted to give him a good review here. There's nothing in it for me. But when I was doing MY research before our cruise I appreciated all of the reviews I saw here, so I wanted to do my part as well.

[tallcva3344]

Well, in my case I am brand-new to cruising (this was our first), and I have never been to Jamaica before. But there's a first time for everything, right? I felt good enough about my experience with Courtney that I wanted to give him a good review here. There's nothing in it for me. But when I was doing MY research before our cruise I appreciated all of the reviews I saw here, so I wanted to do my part as well.

 

Thanks, I will research with that in mind.

[sandycec]

I am planning on booking a trip with Courtney Taylor based on all the nice reviews he has received on this forum. But it looks like he has few other people working for him (http://www.wix.com/courtneytay/jamaicajh#!about). Anybody has any experience being in a tour where the main person/guide wasn't Courtney himself? We are a young couple and I plan to book a private tour for just the two of us to see few places including Dunn's river falls. I just wanted to be assured of safety along with getting a memorable experience out of our trip. Any comments by experienced people from this forum would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Redsparow1]

We used Courtney for our recent trip to Jamaica. We had 4 seniors in our group and a toddler, so we had a full range of ages in our group. Courtney was very responsive via email and was ready and waiting for us when we arrived at the port. He had a nice van, even though we didn't give him very specific details on an itinerary he gave us a great tour of the island on the fly. He is very knowledgeable about Jamaica and a consummate professional. I would definitely recommend you ditch the ships and give Courtney a call or email.

 

courtney_tay@yahoo.com

[txapps]

Hello All, We family of 3 went to Jamaica via Dec-11 RCL Mariner of the seas from Galveston. We have used Courtney Taylor tour while we were in Jamaica and Courtney was our guide. Courtney was on time at the pier and drove to Dunn's Falls and later did the city tour. We left all our stuff in the car while we did the falls and Courtney took care of our belongings. We had the best time and Courtney is the very reliable. He made us feel Jamaica is a safe place and I would always use Courtney in future.

[Colorado Kat]

We used Courtney Taylor in June for a private tour and had a wonderful time. I had specified in my emails that I would appreciate it if we had Courtney himself, and we did.

 

Very courteous, friendly, and helpful. Steered us to a good shop when we wanted Blue Mountain Coffee to bring home. If you can afford it, a private tour is the best!

[Miran22]

Hi,

 

I returned not too long ago from my trip on Carnival Valor (December 2011) and had a blast with Courtney as our tour guide in Montego Bay, Jamaica. From previous posts, I kept reading great reviews about him so I emailed a week prior to our trip to find out his availability. Courtney responded within the same day and came up with a wonderful itinerary for 3 people in Montego Bay:

Rose Hall Great House

Sight Seeing in the Mountains

Drive Through City of Montego Bay

Shopping

Lunch at a Jamaican Authentic Restaurant

 

We actually did a lot more than what he initially outlined for us so he definitely gave us our money's worth. We all had a memorable trip! I highly recommend Courtney Taylor as a private tour guide if you do find yourself visiting beautiful Jamaica. :)

Here is his information if you’re interested:

 

Courtney Taylor Irie Tours Jamaica

web: http://www.jamaicairietours.com

Tel: 1 876 475 1476

[sandycec]

Following some reviews of Courtney Taylor I emailed him about a private tour of Jamaica (just me & my wife). Courtney promptly responded to my emails. I was a bit apprehensive as this was my first time to Jamaica as well as my first cruise ever (CUE: It was our honeymoon!). I did ask Courtney to make sure he would be our driver for the day but Courtney responded saying that though he can't guarantee he will try his best. As it turned out, he didn't make it but he sent Marvyn Gayle to be our driver/guide for the day. All of the help desk staff at Falmouth's information desk seem to know Courtney Taylor & his guides for we were directed to him easily (Falmouth is a big open port and with 1000 people walking around I thought this was very neat). Marvyn assured us right from the beginning about the day's trip. He was very flexible with the itinerary and offered some suggestions but was willing to go wherever we wanted to. It turns out that we are not swimmers and we were there for seeing more of the country. So I asked if we could do both Ocho Rios and Montego bay in a day. We first went to Discovery Bay where we stopped for a half hour. Marvyn had a local guide explain to us about the historical significance etc of that place. Then we went to Dunn's river falls. He came down with us to the ticketing center and showed us how to get down and come back avoiding the market where the sellers are apparently too aggressive. We enjoyed the Dunn's falls and took our time. We didn't climb the falls but did stay there for over an hour. Marvyn then took us to Fern gully and showed us some roadside artists performing some tricks like firebreathing and another person dressed up in flowers for photo-op. There was also a point in the hills where we got a beautiful view of Ocho Rios (near where Mick Jagger has a summer house!). We went into Ocho Rios town, ate at a restaurant there and did some shopping before heading out to Montego Bay. He was telling lots of stuff about Jamaican history, about the people, their way of lives all along the way. At times, he did talk a lot but I have to say I really enjoyed his narration & enthusiasm. When he saw a crowd gathered along the beach, he found out what it was for and it turns out there were a group of manatees swimming along the coast and we got out of the car in the highway and were able to see them! Absolutely thrilling experience. He showed us all the resorts, the Great House, some plantation fields along the way (we didn't stop just pointed out and slowed down for us to take a good look). At Montego Bay we visited the road where Margaritaville is located and did some shopping and sightseeing before heading back to Falmouth. I would highly recommend Marvyn Gayle purely for his enthusiasm and making sure we had a great day at Jamaica. His email ID is marvyngayle@yahoo.com. I did not get his phone number though. Hope this helps.

[lish3]

We had a private tour with Courtney in December 2011. I contacted Courtney after reading many positive reviews on Cruise Critic. Courtney responded promptly to my emails and answered all my questions. On the day of our tour Courtney met us promptly at the port (Falmouth). We had a long ride to Ocho Rios but Courtney kept us entertained by telling us some of the history of his country. We tubed down the white river and Courtney remained with us until we were checked in and escorted by the tubing guides to the river.we almost chickened out due to the rain but were very glad we didn't. We joined a group from another ship and ended up singing holiday songs while we floated down the river. Courtney picked us up immediately after our tour and told us not to worry about getting his van wet. We had planned to go zip lining but changed our mind due to the weather. Courtney said "no problem" with our change in plans. We asked him to find us someplace for hot coffee because we were cold and wet. He took us to this little " hole in the wall" place that sold souvenirs . A lady made us fresh coffee in the back of this tiny shop. It didn't look very appealing but we tried it anyway and it was THE BEST cup of coffee I have ever had!

We had a delicious lunch at Scotchies before heading back to the ship. Courtney even obliged when I asked him to pull over suddenly so I could feed some poor skinny dogs my leftovers! We are very grateful to Cortney for making our day enjoyable in spite of the weather. I would definitely recommend booking a tour with him.

[stefanny28]

We used Courtney when we were in Falmouth in Jan 2012.

We were a group of 8 and had reserved with Courtney only a few days before.

 

We had Mellow as our driver and we had a wonderful day. Mellow took us sightseeing in Montego Bay and shop around for Blue Mountain coffee.

 

We will not hesitate to use Courtney/Mellow again if we go back.

[belgian]

Our family of 4 (2 boys 10 & 14) used Courtney over the X-mas holidays on our cruise which docked at Falmouth. Trying to beat the crowd, we saw Courtney and recognized him from his website photo. Our e-mail correspondence had been very efficient. We chose Dunns River, tubing, zip line, shopping and Jerk chicken lunch.

We were lucky enough to be his only group for the day and were on our way 15 minutes within us getting off the boat. Dunns River was great, especially for the kids who had never been. We did not take a guide and were quite fine. Tubing and zip line weren't such great value, nice and some great scenery in between spots but a little over priced for 4 people. (We skipped the zip line and only the kids went) By this time we were hungry and went to Scothchies which was also a highlight (even for the kids) Skipped the shopping (kids were happy) and were back to the boat with a 1 ½ hours to spare.

One little thing that I noticed; was anytime it came to paying for an excursion or lunch, Courtney was always close by, felt like he “had our backs” We’d use him again for sure, I think he'd take you anywhere time allows.

[tray]

I see that YOU have been a member for many years but the other 11 I speak of have not. It's highly suspicious that all these posters join CC solely to praise this tour operator.

 

It is very possible that many of these first time posters have been using CC to read and learn about cruising, tours, etc without posting...I know that was how I started on CC. I think it is cynical and a put off to newbies to be so negative....and it's really not necessary. JMO

[thinkers2332]

When we went with Courtney last year we were with him for the whole day. We started just after docking around 9am and didn't get back to the ship until around 4pm. He customized our tour for us--my mother was with us and so we didn't climb the falls, but went and saw them and then went to the gardens and out to lunch, shopping and then to Margaritaville. He was wonderful and offered to set us up with anything we wanted to do. I would highly recommend doing a tour with him. We tipped Courtney, around $35 for the day and I think we tipped the guide at the gardens maybe $10. Very fun day!

[tallyho8]

We just got back from Jamaica and a tour with Courtney Taylor. We were disappointed. :( There were 6 of us and we booked what was supposed to be a 3 hour private sightseeing tour but we wound up crowded in a van with 14 people packed like sardines.

 

He drove us to a place and let us out to wait for him while he drove another couple to a raft tour and came back in an hour. Then he drove us to the Rose Hall where he let another couple out for that tour and we had to wait about an hour for them. Then he drove us back to pick up the people who were rafting.

 

After wasting about 3 hours waiting on other people we didn't get back to the ship for 6 hours and missed other things we had planned.

 

Listening to people gripe about the uncomfortable seats and the heat the whole way didn't make the tour any better.

 

We are going back to Jamaica in April and I am searching for a better tour this next time.

[doxsin]

We also just got back from Jamaica with a tour by Courtney Taylor and we had a great time. Courtney wasn't able to be our driver, so he sent one of his other drivers' Marvelous Marvin (M&M) who was very knowledgeable, funny, attentive to our wishes and friendly.

 

M&M was at the dock when we arrived @ 9, we thought it was a private tour for the 4 of us, but when we got to the van, there was another couple, but it all turned out great. There was plenty of run in the van for the 6 of us.

 

M&M took us for liquid refreshments (ice chest in van) at the local gas station, went to Rose Hall Great House, sightseeing in Jamaica Hollywood(stopping and explaining to us varies flora and vegetation), shopping, lunch at Scotchies for local jerk - pork and chicken, it was Excellent and then to a locals beach, where we spent about 1 1/2 hrs. At about 4 it was time to head back to the ship. M&M was great, he made us laugh and we felt very safe while in Jamaica with him.

 

Courtney met us at the terminal to meet us and thanked us for touring with his company. We had an excellent time in Jamaica and will definitely book another tour with Courtney Taylor, when we return.

[charlottegirl]

Our tour was HORRIBLE!! We were fearful the entire drive. The driver could barely keep himself from falling asleep and the van was frequently crossing the center line. My adult son sat in the front seat on the way back to the boat in effort to keep him talking so that he would stay awake. The vehicle was much less comfortable than we expected and did not even have a working speedometer. We went only to Dunn’s River Falls and had to stop for gas on the way back—TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL.

Our unexpected tour guide Marsha, while informative, had an attitude from the start and was quite annoying. She became downright hostile toward the end when we refused to stop for lunch as we just wanted this tour to be over. When we said we would like to pick up a hat and some cigars, she took us to an out of the way dump of a store which specialized in jewelry—we had passed many finer establishments along the way which we would have been happy with—this is NOT what we were expecting.

The final straw was when we were informed as we were 10 minutes from the boat that the cost would be $4 more per person because we had been picked up in Montego Bay rather than Falmouth due to the weather. Really?? We started our tour 2 ½ hours late—that should surely have made up the differential. It was not really the money as you are talking $28, it was the principle!

Prior posts are correct in that he was very prompt in responding and quickly confirmed our private tour for 7. As I had read on other posts prior to booking that it was imperative that Courtney be your actual driver, I confirmed that with him and had the e-mail confirmation in my hand and he still pulled the switch on us substituting another driver and saddling us with a tour guide we had not requested--think twice before booking with him.

We have booked tours throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean and have never been even slightly disappointed. On this tour WE WERE HUGELY DISAPPOINTED !

[Happybird]

How did your excursion with Courtney Taylor go?

[jamiemaes]

We booked a tour with Courtney Taylor in Jan. It was awesome-the highlight of our trip. My self,husband and 2 daughters (21 and 20)went to Mayfield Falls. Courtney was our driver and he brought beautiful and very fun Tamaka as out guide. They were both great-Tamaka is from one of the small towns near the falls-she was a wealth of info about the mountains and Jamaica.

 

It was a little over an hour drive but very interesting. The falls were wonderful-one other couple there. We had a guide and photographer with us,ended up buying Cd with over 160 photos on it.

The falls were beautiful and we all loved the trip. On the way back, we stopped at a roadside restaurant for jerked pork and chicken, oh and Red Stripe Beer. Was very good and also cheap!

Then a quick trip for some shopping and back to ship with plenty of time!

I would highly recommend both Courtney Taylor and Mayfield Falls

[jjdog]

We booked a tour with Courtney for the day arriving in Falmouth in January.

 

My wife and two kids (6 and 8 YO) had a great time with Courtney and he helped us enjoy Jamaica as much as possible with a limited amount of time.

 

He is a true professional with a lot of pride in what he does.

 

I was confident he was looking out for our best interest which really helps you relax.

 

 

I am a first time poster, but simply feel that Courtney deserves to be recognized for the great job that he does and I hope he continues to succeed in his business so we can use him again next time we are in Jamaica.

[pamawi]

We just got back from a cruise that included Montego Bay as a cruise port. I had read good things about Courtney Taylor on Cruise Critic and had made some inquiries with him prior to the trip but didn't book him in advance because I couldn't get my group to agree about what we wanted to do. He was very responsive on email and not pushy about trying to get us to committ in advance. He told me that when we got to port, we could ask for him and if he was still available, they would point us to him in the taxi area. I contacted him via email the first night of our cruise and he was still available so we confirmed with him we'd use him. We did ask at the terminal info desk for him by name and the lady escorted us out to the taxi area directly to him. That was nice. I didn't realize that he drove 90 miles from Ochos Rios where he lives to meet us in Montego Bay. I expressed that we were unsure of exactly what we wanted to do but knew we wanted to do Martha Brae rafting, beach time, lunch and maybe horseback tour. We hired him for $35 per person for 5 people to stay with us for the day. Considering the price of gas in Jamaica and the distance to the Martha Brae, we felt that was a decent price. He did let us know in advance that we would have to pay admission to the rafting ($30pp), for lunch and admission to the beach $5 and if you want a chair $5 and umbrella $5. He gave us tips on avoiding pushy vendors, told the Martha Brae rafting captains to steer us clear of the vendors on the river bank so we could get through faster and get on with our day. He warned us that vendors will try to put something in our hand and then expect us to pay for it. Decided that we'd rather skip horseback and have more beach time. He handled the chair/umbrella rental for us so we could start enjoying the water as soon as we got there. I felt like he was looking out for us and it definitely made me feel safer. He was very professional and polite. He pointed out all the sites and talked about the culture, religion, industry, etc of the country. He would have taken us all the way to Dunns River Falls but we weren't comfortable going 90 minute each way trip on a third party excurision. I'll save that for a cruise that actually docks in Ochos Rios.

Edited February 20, 2012 by pamawi

[pamawi]

Here are some pics of Courtney with our group

[thinkers2332]

We used Courtney Taylor in June for a private tour and had a wonderful time. I had specified in my emails that I would appreciate it if we had Courtney himself, and we did.

 

Very courteous, friendly, and helpful. Steered us to a good shop when we wanted Blue Mountain Coffee to bring home. If you can afford it, a private tour is the best!

Private tour is the best and we are the proof of it! you will get your money's value

[tallyho8]

Private tour is the best and we are the proof of it! you will get your money's value

 

Strange, only 4 posts in 2 years and they are all about Courtney Taylor.

 

We thought we were booking a private tour for 6 until we wound up packed with 14 people in a small van going places we didn't want to go.

[Spoiled Rotten]

We booked with Courtney Taylor via e-mail the quick and detailed responses told me they understood customer service!

Our Guide Errol Bowen ROCKS! He was humorous, knowledgeable and very perceptive to our needs and wants. There were 7 in our group and he treated us like we were VIP’s. I kept thinking to myself wow how come we are getting the 5 star treatment.

If you are a little leery of Jamaica because of stories you may have read then hire Courtney Taylor and ask for Errol he will help you to fall head over heels in love with Jamaica like we did. :D

[Tamerella]

We recently visited Falmouth, Jamaica (via RCCL) and we booked Courtney Taylor to take our group around Montego Bay. We have previously booked with him when we visited Ocho Rios in the past so I knew, without a doubt, that it would be another fantastic day. I wouldn't book with anyone else when going to Jamaica.

 

We arrived at the Falmouth pier and Courtney was waiting for us with a smile and a "hey mon"! We had a group of 10 and Courtney really showed us a great day.....going to Rose Hall (for a quick stop....it was beautiful) and then to Montego Bay for some beach time and Margaritaville time. Yum! On the way back to the ship, we stopped for some of the best Jerk food I have ever had (at Scotchies restaurant).

 

Our entire group had a fabulous fun-filled day and that was thanks to Courtney! We were happy and IRIE....and felt safe the entire day. I would not hesitate to book with Courtney in the future and I ALWAYS recommend him to other people who will be visiting Jamaica!! From the pre-cruise communication with Courtney to the day in Jamaica, Courtney Taylor is absolutely the best!! :D