Should you cruise to Jamaica or book a stay in Jamaica?

Should you cruise to Jamaica or book a stay in Jamaica?

To cruise or not to cruise to Jamaica?

Cruising is a great way to see many different places in a short time. Most visitors who come to Jamaica now-a-days do so by cruise. If the choice is going to Jamaica by cruise versus not going, then by all means take a cruise. But, if you have a choice, a stay in Jamaica will be more worthwhile. To do otherwise, is missing out on the real deal.

Should you cruise to Jamaica?

8 really good reasons why a stay in Jamaica wins hands down over a cruise to Jamaica

1. Cruise ships are synonymous with massive crowds.

The shops are crowded. The streets in the port towns are crowded. The attractions are crowded. The number of people on the ships is more than many of these towns can really accommodate. How could that possibly be a relaxing experience? How could this possibly give the best impression of Jamaica? Those in the know, such as our guests, avoid the cruise ship port towns and major attractions when cruise ships are in port.

2. The cruise industry helps those select few who have large businesses that cater to the mass market.

The small-time local person who is trying hard to create the best product for tourists will not even be seen or noticed because he or she does not have the resources to attract the attention of the cruise ship organizations. The opportunity for cruise ship passengers to see authentic Jamaica and support the local economy is minimal.

3. The perhaps eight hours that cruise ship passengers have in port is really too short to truly get a sense of an island as diverse as Jamaica.

The tours that are promoted are geared for tourists, make extra money for the cruise ships, and most have nothing to do with the real Jamaica. I even went to a “farm” that wasn’t a true farm but one “created” and packaged for tourists. Our guests don’t go to those types of places. If they want to see a farm, we will take them to a real one.

4. The way the transportation system from the cruise ship works, relatively few tourists go to, for example, the craft market anymore.

As a result, when the vendors see tourists, they see their one chance of making a sale for that day. They are just trying to make a living. Unfortunately, tourists are not accustomed to being asked if they need help every 2 seconds. Training of the vendors has helped; but, the perception of pushy sellers is ever present and yes, cruise ship tourists are more likely to encounter them.

5. There aren’t as many authentic souvenirs as before.

Most items bear the ‘Made in China’ label. Stores cater to the mass market when it comes to the average cruise ship customer. The cheap imports sell better than authentic hand-made local crafts. If you are on a cruise, you probably won’t have time to find some of the really good stuff. That’s the reason we curate unique locally-made items for our guests.

Handmade local Jamaican pottery vases

6. On a cruise, you have to abide by the rules of the ship.

During a stay on the island, you obviously have more control over your time and how you spend it.

7. Since most experiences are set up for tourists, a fairly significant percentage of them tend to be superficial.

One such example is of people on the street dressed up and covered with flowers for tourists to take their pictures. While I admire the creativity of these people to find a way to carve out a living for themselves, that is what Jamaicans (locals) call a “poppy show”, aka silly display to which no one in their right mind should give a second thought.

8. There is always the concern about the environmental impact of cruise ships.

For example, it is unproven; but, there is concern as to whether or not the grey water from the cruise ships that land in the Falmouth port is affecting the bioluminesence at the nearby Luminous Lagoon, a unique natural phenomenon found in only maybe four other places in the world. The lake is not as bright as it used to be. Is this due to the impact of building the harbor, is it due to climate change or a combination? Who knows?

We’d love for you to visit Jamaica any way you can. If you just want to say you visited Jamaica,  a cruise is fine. If you truly want to appreciate what Jamaica has to offer, your best bet is with an actual stay in Jamaica.

Contact us today if you are considering a stay in Jamaica. Get a group together and come visit us. We’ll give you a truly Jamaican experience that will be unlike anything you have imagined.

Til next time. Think and dream Jamaica!

Sherry, Darrell and Darrian

Visit our website: http://www.MakeItJamaica.com

Like AND follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MakeItJamaica

Give us a call:  866.624.7684 (toll free) or 914.709.0457

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About the Author Sherry

Sherry & Darrell, owners of Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica, consider themselves unofficial ambassadors for Jamaica. They look forward to using their insider knowledge to help guests create priceless vacation memories. Feel free to say hi!

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About the Author Sherry

Sherry & Darrell, owners of Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica, consider themselves unofficial ambassadors for Jamaica. They look forward to using their insider knowledge to help guests create priceless vacation memories. Feel free to say hi!