Please suggest "DIS" equivalent for Jamaica

[keenercam]

Can anyone suggest a great website/forum for information on travel to Jamaica? We are so spoiled with the wealth of information available here.

 

[kirbydog48]

Tripadvisor forums

 

[Piglets Mommy]

I second tripadvisor. Also check out the Ports section on Cruisecritic boards. It is geared more towards cruising, but you will still be able to find some fun activites, etc.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

yup, tripadvisor. I haven't been to their Jamaica forum, but the ones I've visited have been great.

 

[keenercam]

Thanks, everyone! I have been frequenting tripadvisor and found lots of helpful posts. I will have to look at cruisecritic.

Any others?

 

[Darcy03231]

Both www.cruisecritic.com and www.cruisemates.com have port sections. Since Jamaica is a port of call there should be some information there.

If you're looking for things to do in Jamaica, www.shoretrips.com has a section about things to do (and the cost if you book it through them).

 

[DawnCt1]

www.fodors.com/forums

 

[BillSears]

I was going to suggest you visit the Caribbean Beach Resort. That's the closest thing to Jamaica in Walt Disney World.

 

[keenercam]

Bill -- it is so funny that you suggested that. The CBR was our first ever "exposure" to anything to do with the Caribbean and we absolutely fell in love with it. I agree it is a great "tester" location before actually travelling out of the country.

I hadn't thought of fodor's either, though I have been reading that guidebook. Thank you for all these great suggestions. We are trying to choose an all-inclusive in Ochos Rios and all the information on those sites is invaluable.

 

[HM]

I hope you are planning on doing an all-inclusive place.

We had a horrid trip to Jamaica in 1990. We stayed at a timeshare near Ocho Rios. It had never been repaired after the hurricane of 1987 (no clubhouse or pool....had to use another places facilities next door). We found that much of the area was just so poor and in bad repair. We had a rental car and did a lot of driving. We found a lot of begging and 'offering advice for money' in most areas we stopped. We were also unlucky to go when it rained just about every day and had for the prior three weeks. We left after four days....got an early plane out.

When we got on the plane we saw quite a few sunburned people, so asked where they had been....an all inclusive resort in Negril. That end of the island had been in sun all week. We vowed if we ever went back...it would only be to that end of the island (though I doubt we'd ever go back). It wasn't very vacation-like to be reminded at every turn how poor the people were and how desperately they wanted our money.

There is of course more to the story (getting lost in the mountains, finding that many activities usually available couldn't run because of the rain and flooding, etc). Just wanted to give you our perspective.

 

[almacdonald]

We got married at the Riu in Ocho Rios. It's a beatiful resort, in a beautiful country filled with beautiful people. You will get out of your vacation what you put into it. Give a little respect and get a lot in return. Oh and we had AMAZING weather too, it rained for like 20 minutes out of the whole week. So, don't let the negative people sway your opinions!

 

[keenercam]

We are doing 5 days/4 nights at the Ritz-Carlton in Rose Hall/Montego Bay and then 5 nights at an all-inclusive in Ochos Rios. While the resorts all seem to have very distinctive personalities, we are still having a hard time deciding. I think we've narrowed it down to:
Sandals Ochos Rios
Sandals Dunn River Falls
Couples Tower Isle
Couples San Souci
Royal Plantation

Does anyone have an opinion on any of these, based on personal experience?

 

[almacdonald]

Sorry, nothing specific about those resorts. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time no matter which one you choose! You have to climb Dunn's River Falls! Try going in the late afternoon (~3pm) on a day where there are no cruise ships in town to have the place to yourselves!

 

[ob_rnkim]

Try this one www dot chris-n-cheryl dot com and click on the message board tab.

We've been to a Sandals resort 3 different times. We love them. We've stayed at CBR twice and Sandals Inn once. Wouldn't recommend Sandals Inn. It doesn't have a private beach. Montego Bay is nice, but the airport is right across the street from the resort. We visited there from CBR. You do have the "beggars", but they aren't allowed up on the beach. The would hang out by the bouys and yell at you though. Overall, it's a great place to stay. Great food, good atmosphere, and couldn't find friendlier staff. We've always gone in Dec., and the weather was always perfect!

Have fun!!

 

[Squirlz]

We are doing 5 days/4 nights at the Ritz-Carlton in Rose Hall/Montego Bay and then 5 nights at an all-inclusive in Ochos Rios. While the resorts all seem to have very distinctive personalities, we are still having a hard time deciding. I think we've narrowed it down to:
Sandals Ochos Rios
Sandals Dunn River Falls
Couples Tower Isle
Couples San Souci
Royal Plantation

Does anyone have an opinion on any of these, based on personal experience?

We stayed at Sandals Dunns River last year and loved it! Many of the accomodations at Ocho Rios are a long way from the beach. I liked our tower suite overlooking the beach at Dunns River. You won't find outstanding food at any Sandals, but if you venture out the local cuisine is wonderful!

 

[CowboyCO]

We are doing 5 days/4 nights at the Ritz-Carlton in Rose Hall/Montego Bay and then 5 nights at an all-inclusive in Ochos Rios. While the resorts all seem to have very distinctive personalities, we are still having a hard time deciding. I think we've narrowed it down to:
Sandals Ochos Rios
Sandals Dunn River Falls
Couples Tower Isle
Couples San Souci
Royal Plantation

Does anyone have an opinion on any of these, based on personal experience?

Ocho Rios is great. Can I suggest the Jamaica Inn? It is very Old-World. Quiet, romantic and 750 feet of the most amazing, private, natural beach I've ever seen. I spent my 10th anniversary here.

Also -- there is a great deal in Montego Bay at the new Secrets Montego Bay - St James. All-inclusive for about $800 for 4 nights through luxurylink(dot)com