Jamaica Beach Excursion

[elephant98]

I just called Royalton White Sands Resort in Montego Bay and they said it's no problem to just head by cab once we get to the port and purchase day passes at the front desk.

The adult price is $80 and children are $40. Everything is included including activities, the restaurants and alcoholic drinks.

We are definitely doing this. Since DCL doesn't have it available for our sailing on May 10th, we'll just do it on our own.

Update -- I called the Royalton a couple of days ago to inquire about day passes for our upcoming Disney Fantasy cruise that departs in a couple of weeks. The Fantasy will be in Falmouth on September 3rd. The person I spoke with said that day passes are now $100 for adults and $50 for children. Everything is still included. Throw in what is apparently $100 or so for round-trip taxi (according to other reports I've read on this board) and you have a nice, albeit somewhat pricey day in Jamaica.

The Royalton person I spoke with recommended I buy the day passes before I leave for the cruise to ensure availability and hedged when I asked whether I could just wait until the morning we arrive in port to make our decision as to whether we want to splurge for it (not to mention have a better idea of the weather for the day). If I want to wait, she said I should first call the Royalton when we arrive to ensure availability before paying for a taxi. Makes sense.

 

[tinkerone]

Update -- I called the Royalton a couple of days ago to inquire about day passes for our upcoming Disney Fantasy cruise that departs in a couple of weeks. The Fantasy will be in Falmouth on September 3rd. The person I spoke with said that day passes are now $100 for adults and $50 for children. Everything is still included. Throw in what is apparently $100 or so for round-trip taxi (according to other reports I've read on this board) and you have a nice, albeit somewhat pricey day in Jamaica.

The Royalton person I spoke with recommended I buy the day passes before I leave for the cruise to ensure availability and hedged when I asked whether I could just wait until the morning we arrive in port to make our decision as to whether we want to splurge for it (not to mention have a better idea of the weather for the day). If I want to wait, she said I should first call the Royalton when we arrive to ensure availability before paying for a taxi. Makes sense.

i still think the hilton rose hall is a better deal. just checked and the cost of a day room is $128 for september 3rd. for 2 adults and 2 children. thats not each, thats total. its all inclusive as well with drinks and food plus you have the room so the kids can nap if needed or you can shower if you want and its a place to store your stuff. you really should take a look.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Our family spent the day at the Hilton Rose Hall, and we liked it a lot. I wasn't a big fan of their small beach, but all really liked their pools, slides and lazy river. And the food.

We would return there!

 

[elephant98]

i still think the hilton rose hall is a better deal. just checked and the cost of a day room is $128 for september 3rd. for 2 adults and 2 children. thats not each, thats total. its all inclusive as well with drinks and food plus you have the room so the kids can nap if needed or you can shower if you want and its a place to store your stuff. you really should take a look.

Thanks for sharing! Based on past experience at other hotels and water parks, my four-year-old would likely prefer the large children's splash zone and the big slides (if he is tall enough) at the Royalton over the Hilton's impressive lazy river and inner tube slide. But, the day room and the money savings is a HUGE plus in the Hilton's favor. Will definitely look into it.

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

We enjoyed the Chukka Beach Express Port Adventure, even though the weather was gloomy while we were there. I appreciated the security keeping local vendors from wandering the beach and trying to sell to us in our chairs. The sand was so soft and nice, and the facilities were good. Here is a review with photos of my experience - http://www.victoriaonvacation.com/2014/06/2014-disney-fantasy-western-caribbean-Day5.html

We did the Chukka Beach Express last week and also enjoyed it. It was only about a 10 minute bus ride from port. The beach was small, but nice. We actually liked it better than Rum Point. They do have a lunch there, but we didn't try it - jerk chicken and festival(dumplings) was $10, jerk chicken and rice was $15. We stayed for about 3 1/2 hours and then caught the bus back to the port to have lunch on the Fantasy and do a bit of shopping. If you are looking for a relaxing excursion, this is it.

 

[bobdcl]

an update:
so we did the roylaton ( thru DCL) a few weeks ago-- the place is immaculate, beach is very nice.. my older daughter did kayaks, while my little one enjoyed the kids area with slides, etc.. we were there when it was jamaica independence day-- so there was a lot of extra stuff going on.. food was pretty good, not great ( hey-- i'm a NY food snob ) but there was something for everyone-- even my little one who is a picky eater.. we never had a problem with leaving valuables ( camera, etc) in beach bag on the chairs.. the people who work there were very nice and we had a great time.. the beach has guards on each side to keep it private ( from the public beach which is right next door) hotel is beautiful and we would consider going back there for a short stay ( couple of nights)--- all in all very nice excursion-- we left at around 9:00 and were back in the port around 2:30-- well worth the $$$

 

[DisneyKarenG]

thanks for this thread everyone!

 

[elvispursley]

that sounds pricy for a 15 minute ride!

One of the reasons we're not big fans of Jamaica. DH and I honeymooned here nearly 15 years ago and were appalled at how expensive the cabs were! Our resort was literally 2 miles from town and we ended up paying $25 each way every time we wanted to go into town for shopping/dinner, etc. But I digress...