Will DCL follow suit???

[OKW Lover]

We've stopped in Falmouth a couple of times on both DCL and RCL ships. We've actually enjoyed this port, especially as compared to our experiences with other Jamaican ports.

 

[quickcat]

RCI is not canceling Falmouth. The information which started with a politician (think it was a mayor) was incorrect. RCI is repositioning Allure for a few months when it moves to Miami to make room in FLL for Symphony.

By the was Falmouth is fine if you go on a ship's excursion. We've also done the Heritage Walk on our own (which was excellent). The guide came into the port area to pick us up. We were perfectly safe/fine. It isn't unusual to be offered drugs/pot - just say no and keep on going...just like in Nassau!

Good to know! I thought it was very odd that they would pull a few ships only. Repositioning makes much more sense

 

[JW9DVC]

We've stopped in Falmouth a couple of times on both DCL and RCL ships. We've actually enjoyed this port, especially as compared to our experiences with other Jamaican ports.

Did you go outside the port gates?

 

[OKW Lover]

Did you go outside the port gates?

No, we didn't. That's what I like about Falmouth, no need to do so.

 

[JW9DVC]

No, we didn't. That's what I like about Falmouth, no need to do so.

Then you really didn't visit Jamaica, we didn't go out of the gates either. It's not nice on the outside of it.

 

[KashasMom]

Then you really didn't visit Jamaica, we didn't go out of the gates either. It's not nice on the outside of it.

We've had 3 great days in Falmouth - outside the gates - with 1 more coming up.

 

[hanscarlet]

What's worse Jamaica or Bahamas?

From my observation, this disboards community page has been tolerant and somewhat decent in its opinion of the Bahamas, not sure the same can be said for Jamaica, (often mixed reviews).

We've been to the Bahamas a lot and so far, knock on wood, haven't had any issues, but never been to Jamaica so can't offer a comparison opinion (hence my question). The article that cruise law news posted implies that Jamaica is inferring that the pull out is due to itinerary change and not a safety issue which would be consistent with PP's claim. I also wonder if this is a move to continue the push to Cuba over Jamaica, if Cuba is proven safer than Jamaica, then Jamaica may be in trouble because I'm guessing there will be a lot more interest from American travelers going to Cuba than Jamaica.

 

[OKW Lover]

Then you really didn't visit Jamaica, we didn't go out of the gates either. It's not nice on the outside of it.

Right. I've visited Jamaica several times in the past. Before there was an walled compound gate areas. Didn't like it at all. Hence not leaving the port area in Falmouth. At least in Falmouth's port area its clean and you aren't harassed (despite what the story says) by people trying to sell you stuff.

 

[TestingH2O]

What's worse Jamaica or Bahamas?

From my observation, this disboards community page has been tolerant and somewhat decent in its opinion of the Bahamas, not sure the same can be said for Jamaica, (often mixed reviews).

We've been to the Bahamas a lot and so far, knock on wood, haven't had any issues, but never been to Jamaica so can't offer a comparison opinion (hence my question). The article that cruise law news posted implies that Jamaica is inferring that the pull out is due to itinerary change and not a safety issue which would be consistent with PP's claim. I also wonder if this is a move to continue the push to Cuba over Jamaica, if Cuba is proven safer than Jamaica, then Jamaica may be in trouble because I'm guessing there will be a lot more interest from American travelers going to Cuba than Jamaica.

Great observation.

 

[cruiser21]

What's worse Jamaica or Bahamas?

From my observation, this disboards community page has been tolerant and somewhat decent in its opinion of the Bahamas, not sure the same can be said for Jamaica, (often mixed reviews).

We've been to the Bahamas a lot and so far, knock on wood, haven't had any issues, but never been to Jamaica so can't offer a comparison opinion (hence my question). The article that cruise law news posted implies that Jamaica is inferring that the pull out is due to itinerary change and not a safety issue which would be consistent with PP's claim. I also wonder if this is a move to continue the push to Cuba over Jamaica, if Cuba is proven safer than Jamaica, then Jamaica may be in trouble because I'm guessing there will be a lot more interest from American travelers going to Cuba than Jamaica.

I'll walk around Nassua alone. I would not walk around Falmouth alone or with another person. I didn't say the port at Falmouth. I meant outside the gates. We did a tour around Falmouth on a train. It was pretty depressing.
I would never go to Cuba for all kinds of reasons. I'm not even sure what the rules are on that anymore.

 

[mevelandry]

What's worse Jamaica or Bahamas?

From my observation, this disboards community page has been tolerant and somewhat decent in its opinion of the Bahamas, not sure the same can be said for Jamaica, (often mixed reviews).

We've been to the Bahamas a lot and so far, knock on wood, haven't had any issues, but never been to Jamaica so can't offer a comparison opinion (hence my question). The article that cruise law news posted implies that Jamaica is inferring that the pull out is due to itinerary change and not a safety issue which would be consistent with PP's claim. I also wonder if this is a move to continue the push to Cuba over Jamaica, if Cuba is proven safer than Jamaica, then Jamaica may be in trouble because I'm guessing there will be a lot more interest from American travelers going to Cuba than Jamaica.

Cuba IS safer than Jamaica.

Canadians have been travelling to Cuba forever and outside of the food choices being poor, Cuba has an excellent reputation! All my friends who traveled to Cuba are obsessed with it and absolutely want to go back.

 

[laceltris3]

I'll walk around Nassua alone. I would not walk around Falmouth alone or with another person. I didn't say the port at Falmouth. I meant outside the gates. We did a tour around Falmouth on a train. It was pretty depressing.
I would never go to Cuba for all kinds of reasons. I'm not even sure what the rules are on that anymore.

I agree with this. And I wouldn't count on a ton of cruises going to Cuba. Most of the airlines who started service when it opened up have cut back or discontinued it completely due to the lack of demand.

 

[mevelandry]

I agree with this. And I wouldn't count on a ton of cruises going to Cuba. Most of the airlines who started service when it opened up have cut back or discontinued it completely due to the lack of demand.

The opposite is happening when it comes to cruising. Also, in Canada, they never cut back. Cuba is very popular.

 

[cruiser21]

I agree with this. And I wouldn't count on a ton of cruises going to Cuba. Most of the airlines who started service when it opened up have cut back or discontinued it completely due to the lack of demand.

I'm sure there are a lot of Americans that feel like I do.

 

[laceltris3]

The opposite is happening when it comes to cruising. Also, in Canada, they never cut back. Cuba is very popular.

6 months ago, the opposite was also happening for American based airlines. I will reserve judgment on cruises given that their booking is much farther out than airlines, typically.

I never said no one wanted to go to Cuba, but I'm not interested in going until there's no Castro and it has some major changes to its government. There are many people who agree.

Edit to add, I don't think Cuba is something that DCL in particular would want to get involved with, and I don't think most DCL cruisers are going to do a people to people cultural exchange, which I understand is the requirement.

 

[Prose]

Norwegian just announced they are adding a second ship to their Cuba sailings, so it must be going OK. It is a divisive issue, but I think there are enough cruisers who want to see Cuba before it gets "touristy" that sailings will continue.

We've been to Falmouth on a DCL cruise. We did an excursion through the ship and enjoyed it. After observing on the bus ride there, though, I would hesitate to wander outside the port area on my own, as a woman (or with my teenage daughter). That is too bad, as we love to feel the local atmosphere. We didn't really enjoy the port area, though, as it was so commercialized. Much of the merchandise in the market there is imported.

The Falmouth rumor seems to have originated with the city's mayor - Royal has said officially that scheduled stops will continue, but they are reducing stops there so they can add other ports: http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-...ot-leaving-Falmouth-but-fewer-calls-scheduled

 

[DnA2010]

Cuba IS safer than Jamaica.

Canadians have been travelling to Cuba forever and outside of the food choices being poor, Cuba has an excellent reputation! All my friends who traveled to Cuba are obsessed with it and absolutely want to go back.

Cuba is awesome! We were treated amazingly by the people there and we were constantly out of our all inclusive.

We did a private horse riding excursion when we docked in Falmouth, and had no issues, then my BIL went out of the dock area and went around and had a great time, no issues with locals

 

[sweetpee_1993]

What's worse Jamaica or Bahamas?

From my observation, this disboards community page has been tolerant and somewhat decent in its opinion of the Bahamas, not sure the same can be said for Jamaica, (often mixed reviews).

We've been to the Bahamas a lot and so far, knock on wood, haven't had any issues, but never been to Jamaica so can't offer a comparison opinion (hence my question). The article that cruise law news posted implies that Jamaica is inferring that the pull out is due to itinerary change and not a safety issue which would be consistent with PP's claim. I also wonder if this is a move to continue the push to Cuba over Jamaica, if Cuba is proven safer than Jamaica, then Jamaica may be in trouble because I'm guessing there will be a lot more interest from American travelers going to Cuba than Jamaica.

Have you been to Cartagena???? The Bahamas are a bunch of toddlers compared to Cartagena. Just sayin.


Have not been to Jamaica yet. Have a Falmouth port stop coming up on a Harmony cruise in October. No itinerary change as of yet. I'm literally at a loss for what - of anything - to do there. 90% of the tours go to Dunns River Falls. I've seen the pictures of the mass of humanity inching their way up. No thanks. Zero interest. Blue Hole might be cool. I dunno. It's just 3 of us ladies together. I could book a private tour but then we're just 3 ladies. Scrappy ladies but ladies just the same. I'd be on-edge all day. Not interested in Dunns. Or beach days. It's a shame we'll be in an island country we've never been to but don't really feel safe enough to get out & see it. At this point I'm thinking we'll just stay in the port.

 

[Dug720]

Cuba is awesome! We were treated amazingly by the people there and we were constantly out of our all inclusive.

We did a private horse riding excursion when we docked in Falmouth, and had no issues, then my BIL went out of the dock area and went around and had a great time, no issues with locals

Cuba is amazing!! I'm just sorry that the lines going now are only going to Havana. I fell more in love with Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos - but you have to have tiny ships to go in there (fathom Adonia held 704 MAX to give you an idea).

 

[TestingH2O]

I'm literally at a loss for what - of anything - to do there. 90% of the tours go to Dunns River Falls. I've seen the pictures of the mass of humanity inching their way up. No thanks. Zero interest. Blue Hole might be cool. I dunno. It's just 3 of us ladies together. I could book a private tour but then we're just 3 ladies. Scrappy ladies but ladies just the same. I'd be on-edge all day. Not interested in Dunns. Or beach days. It's a shame we'll be in an island country we've never been to but don't really feel safe enough to get out & see it. At this point I'm thinking we'll just stay in the port.

We did a Jamaican culinary tour independently and it was great if you like trying new things. You travel in a group of about 15 and have 2 guides. Town is poor, but we've had a great time. I felt completely safe with my 4 year old daughter. Another family on the trip had a 5 and 7 year old. We found them on Trip Advisor. Search Jamaica Culinary Tours.