Ocho Rios, Jamaica - is it safe??

[debra816]

Reading different forums, I've heard people talk about Ocho Rio, Jamaica port and how dangerous it is in that town. Is it really dangerous there, I've heard, they just stayed on the ship for safety sake. If that's the case, it is a loss to my trip, because I count on decent ports to venture out and tour, etc. So please let me know if it's OK to get off the ship and venture out or at least shop near the port of call. Pls let me know. Thanks much!

[SCIROCCO]

Debra so far I havent heard anything since I read about Ten Cruise Members getting robbed on the Banana Plantation Tour, Just dont let it spoil your cruise or what you want to do, I would go in a group, Jamaica is like any country you can always be accosted or robbed it just depends on where you go, I wouldnt walk around in the middle of the Town! If your approaced just do what Chucsta said and I agree, No Thanks Mon, I be fine and keep on with your buisness, and dont take all your money and leave your expensive Jewelry in the safe and your passports as well, take copies into town, Enjoy Jamaica its a Beautiful Country and More good People than bad! Good Luck and just be aware of your surroundings

[elfed]

Hi Debra,

Have heard of very few problems in the North of Jamaica (Montego Bay and Ocho Rios) But by and large it it is better to go with a group of people such as a ship's shore excursion than venture out on your own. We have been to Jamaica a few times and are going again in November. There is a BIG problem with poverty like a lot of the Caribbean therefore it is common to be constantly asked to buy things by the locals. Some folks would call this being hassled. Being polite and a pleasant, but firm "no thank you" usually works. If this sort of thing makes you feel uncomfortable then it's best to remain aboard. However Jamaica is a lovely Island and it would be a shame not to see any of it.

Regards,

James.

[radiofreebcj]

I worked on 2 ships that went there, and I lived there for 2 years when I was a kid. It can be a very dangerous place...I'm not going to lie to you.

- Don't go up to Shaw Park alone. Go in a group.

- Find a good taxi driver, ask the JAMAICAN bar staff if they know anyone good.

- Avoid eye contact...use your peripheral vision.

- Be streetsmart. Don't carry cash, documents or passports.

- Don't tell people you're american, and don't try to look american.

- Take off the jewelry...all of it (especially gaudy wedding rings that give you away).

- Don't be afraid...be aware. Paranoia helps nobody. Be aware and smart.

- Don't let people push you around, or tell you that you owe them something.

- Don't veer off the beaten track...you WILL get robbed. I guarantee it.

- Pay for a beach chair, and tell people who heckle you to get lost.

- If all ese fails, go to Port Antonio, a town that hasn't been ruined by ships and tourists. That's where the real Jamaica is. It's not in Ocho Rios. If you want to see the real Jamaica...spend your day there instead of that horrible place that I spent far too much of my life in. Everything I learned about the dark side of people, I learned there. My family was almost killed on my 10th birthday, in front of all my friends...the cops won't help you.

- If you get busted for anything...buy tickets to the Policeman's Ball...it's a bribe, but it'll work. They're just that corrupt.

Sorry to bum you out, but the last time I visited Ochie, my best friend had a knife scar across his entire face from a robbery at Turtle Towers (right beside the ship).

Go into Jem Palace and ask for Dilip if you want to see for yourself. Say hi from Jeff in Canada (who lived across the street in primary school).

Or...do what I do when the ship gets to Ocho Rios...stay on the ship. Eventually ships will just stop going there, and it'll pull itself out of hell.