So Tell me about Jamaica... Is it safe?

[PatsGirl]

Even with all the trouble in Mexico, I'd rather send my kids to Cancun and it's just as cheap as Jamaica. There's a much larger tourist/resort area and less hassle on the beach. I can't imagine 20 year olds staying on resort property for more than a day or two, their curiosity will get the best of them. In Cancun, there are many places they can go, be safe, and be off property. JMHO.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

My friend's DH just came back from a week in Jamaica. He was there on business. When he was not at his hotel he had a bodyguard and a driver (provided by his company) to make sure he was safe.

If it was me, I would be looking at other destinations.

 

[Uuaww]

There are better islands in the Caribbean then Jamaica. Safety wise... 90% of the Caribbean sucks for safety outside of resorts. What she needs to do is stay at a all-inclusive place so when she staggers home with her friends, she will be on the hotel property. It will all be the same for her anyways.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

My DH and I go to Jamaica every year. As a pp stated, Negril and other parts of Jamaica are a far cry from where the cruise ships dock. The locals are waiting for the cruise ship tourists to disembark. Of course, they're pushy thats how they make a living.

I love love love Beaches and Sandals. But Sandals is couples only and Beaches are geered more toward a kiddy crowd.

If your daughter and friends are smart , they will be fine. But that would be the case no matter where they go. I always ask, would you walk down a street in your city at 3am? Then why do you think you can do it in Jamaica.

Stay together, take group tours, and be smart. Rick's cafe and Margaritaville are fun places to visit.

I agree with your post, but I think the problem with Jamaica is I wouldn't walk down the street at 3 P.M.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Having been to Jamaica several times and as the mother of a 19 yo daughter, I would not allow my daughter to go there, period.

There are better islands to go to, Aruba for example.

20 yo's want to go to the islands so they can drink. Drinking leads to bad decision making, add Jamaica to the mix and you could have a recipe for disaster.

just my opinion.

MsA

Things can happen anywhere. Yes Aruba was known as a safe island, but do the words Natalee Holloway come to mind? People have to be smart, stick together and not go off alone,,,,anywhere!

I agree with your post, but I think the problem with Jamaica is I wouldn't walk down the street at 3 P.M.

Of course you are entitled to an opinion, but as I said we go to Jamaica every year. Our family loves it there and we have met some of the nicest people there also. There are a few bad apples in any bunch, no matter where you visit, even here in the States.

It wouldn't matter what Carribean island, but just for the record, I would be nervous if I sent my 20 yo DD and a bunch of her friends to any of them.

 

[DisneyBlonde]

Just to clarify my previous post, when I said that we don't get off the ship when we cruise to Jamaica, it's not because the locals are aggressive selling their trinkets...that happens at lots of ports. It's because there have been reports over the last several years of incidents involving tourists being held up at gun point while on excursions, in some cases an entire van full of people. Most of my information comes from the boards at CruiseCritic.com

I have rarely heard of an incident at a resort.

 

[PghLybrt]

Don't know the make up of the group but just FYI Jamacia is not a safe place for anyone who is gay. It is one of the least gay freindly countries, and one who enforces their antigay laws. For this reason alone I do not go.

 

[kidzmom3]

at one time in the last couple of years the state dept had a travel advisory against going to Jamaica if you were American or British. It has since been lifted. But this info is currently on their website:
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Gang violence and shootings occur regularly in certain areas of Kingston and Montego Bay. These areas include, but are not limited to Mountain View, Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens, Cassava Piece, and Arnett Gardens in Kingston, and Flankers in Montego Bay. Some neighborhoods are occasionally subject to curfews and police searches. Impromptu demonstrations can occur, during which demonstrators often construct roadblocks or otherwise block the streets. These events usually do not affect tourist areas, but travelers to Kingston should check with local authorities or the U.S. Embassy for current information prior to their trip.

 

[kidzmom3]

and:
Drug use is prevalent in some tourist areas, leading to numerous American citizen arrests and incarcerations in Jamaica every year. American citizens should avoid buying, selling, holding, or taking illegal drugs under any circumstances. There is anecdotal evidence that the use of so-called date rape drugs, such as Ruhypnol, has become more common at clubs and private parties. Marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other illegal narcotics are especially potent in Jamaica, and their use may lead to severe or even disastrous health consequences.

 

[Epcot luvr]

Don't know the make up of the group but just FYI Jamacia is not a safe place for anyone who is gay. It is one of the least gay freindly countries, and one who enforces their antigay laws. For this reason alone I do not go.

I believe there is a boycott of the island by many same sex groups. I have met several same sex couples while in JA who do go down time and time again and stay at properties they love and have no problems. I understand why people would not go because of the laws on the books, and especially the homophobic culture when you are out and about. The resorts I have stayed at have been very welcoming to same sex couples. The Jamaican people I have gotten to know over the years are some of the nicest, sweetest people. I think the laws are awful however.

 

[krcit]

When I was 19(40 now) my friends and I wanted to go away. My travel agent would not book Jamaica for us. She said 'I cannot and will not send 3 young girls to jamaica-if you insist on going, you'll have to book it with someone else." We went to Aruba instead and quite honestly were lucky not to end up like poor Natalee Hollaway-we did some very stupid things.

 

[minnie56]

I am a TA-there is a reason that the prices are cheaper to go there.
It is not safe..especially for young ladies. I would NOT let my daughters go there even on a cruise ship! When I go on a Cruise and it stops there..I do not get off anymore.My 2 cents.

 

[Squirlz]

We love it there! We stayed at Sandals Dunn's River this past January. The people are genuinely friendly. We were on a first name basis with everyone within a couple days. We didn't venture out on our own; I really had no desire to. But we did some kind of off site tour every day. Had no problems at all. Had to fend off lots of "vendors", but we were friendly and got no grief.

It's not for people who are uptight. It's a very laid-back atmosphere. But if someone tells you something will get done (no problem mon!) you have their word. We'll be going every year.