Speaking of shore excursions, here's some info. They are priced higher than if you did them on your own, no doubt about that, and you don't always get to spend as much time at a particular spot as you might want. Those are the main "cons". But having to not figure out the logistics of taxis, buses etc is a huge "pro" for me. The ports that ships dock at aren't always the nicest places, and some are actually a bit sketchy. The last thing I need is to get lost in an area that isn't safe and/or has no decent signage or trustworthy taxi drivers. It's all a matter of common sense and being in your own comfort zone.
Princess Lines offers a lot of different options in each port, from $34 up to $300, depending on what you choose to do....from casual beach days right up to expensive helicopter rides. I chose the ones I thought were going to be fun for us, and i decided that at home, before the cruise, so I could research them at my leisure, and I booked and paid for them before we left the house, that way I knew I would get the ones I want, plus I didn't want to stand in line at the shore excursion desk on the boat, that's a waste of time, and also they sell out quite quickly. In Jamaica I chose a relaxing day at a private beach, which included free booze and food! 151% overproof Jamaican Rum! Ya, mon! (Ok, that was just dorky, especially considering I'm not even a drinker. 😜)
First view of Jamaica when I opened my curtains at about 6:30.
This is the port area of Falmouth, Jamaica. It was actually a beautiful port, with a lot of shops, restaurants, bars and open area markets. It was nice for the folks who didn't take a tour, there was a lot to do.
Look at our ship looming over the port!
We met our tour guide and boarded the small bus, there were 17 others with us, so it was just a nice sized group. It was an hour drive through some small villages, and into Ocho Rios, where all the resorts are. Our tour guide was this tiny little girl with the biggest smile, who was constantly falling into fits of giggles as she tried to get us to learn various words and expression in her lilting accent. After an interesting drive we were at the Bamboo Beach Club.
The beach was wonderful. Lots of lounge chairs to relax in, lots of shade (or sun, if you're so inclined), a little open air market with crafts and hand made items.
The water was as warm as you'd expect, and was loaded with colorful fish that swam around your feet
Here I am in Jamaica!
We were given lots of local foods to try, as well as lots of rum drinks. The rum was 151 overproof and was served freely. I had a sip, it was revolting, even mixed with fresh juices, however not everyone agreed with me and tipsyness and dancing on the beach ensued. Steven had one rum drink and a Jamaican beer later on. I mean, it was only 10 AM! I had mango juice as one drink would have laid me out. I'm a lightweight and hate the feeling of not being in control.
Spicy sausage and pineapple.
Collard greens and fried plantain, not as gross as it looks, but close.
Jerk chicken with some strange deep fried dough ball, sort of like cornbread, SO good!
It was a good day, the food and drinks were perfect, the water was warm, the antics of those that had too much rum were hysterical to watch. I've never had a desire to go to Jamaica, and I'll never go back (not for any bad reason, it's just nowhere I've ever been interested in) but it was a great time.
There was the requisite stop at a souvenir place that obviously is in cahoots with the cruise line as well as with the tour guide because they asked what line you were cruising with, as well as who your tour guide was. It's a common thing, and that's they way the financial ball rolls. I didn't buy anything as I'm just not a shopper, but people were loading up with rum cakes and t-shirts.
Three facts about Jamaica. It was founded by Spanish Conquistadors in 1510 (ok, I know people were already living there, so it wasn't "found" by the Spanish at all. But I'm not getting into political correctness here.)
And two, in this area of the island, the schools are painted in bright colours and the children all wear uniforms, and the uniforms are the same colour as their school. I thought that was a fun fact.
And three, Usain Bolt is from one of the tiny villages we drove through.
So we headed back to our ship for a shower and rest before dinner.
I wasn't tired so I thought I'd check out the library, which was really large with a huge selection of books and games to borrow as well as a section of books that you could keep, if you turned one of your own in. I had finished a Harlan Coben book on the plane, so I exchanged it for The 100 Foot Journey, which was an extraordinary read. I read on our balcony while Steven had a snooze.
We had dinner in the Bordeaux restaurant tonight, I had chilled coconut soup for a starter and Steven had beef satay. We both had a seafood chowder and biscuits for the main, and I can't remember what was for dessert. The live show tonight was an older Canadian comedian, and while he was a bit funny here and there, he was mostly very corny. I was hoping that the rest of the entertainment wasn't going to be as cheesy as he was and the magician earlier.
Checked out the casino for a short while, and in bed by 11:00. The vibration was as annoying as ever, so I popped two Gravol to help me sleep.
Good night!
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