Ocho Rios Recommendations

mamakinrocks · #1 (**permalink**) July 18th, 2009, 05:41 PM

Hello!

In my resaerch, I have found alot of negative feedback on this port. It is suggested that a ship or private excursion is the way to go. We will be a group of 6 adults and 6 kids (ages 12-15) on RCCL Freedom of the Seas Aug. 2nd. Has anyone done the Shaw Park excursion (can do w/ and w/o lunch)? Is there an all-incl resort where we could do a one day pass (other than Breezes which req. being over the age of 16)? Mahogany Beach and James Bond Beach have also been suggested. Thanks for any advice!

Trip · #2 (**permalink**) July 21st, 2009, 08:40 PM

Try Beaches Resort...looks wonderful!

http://www.beaches.com/?WT.srch=1&ut..._Beaches_Brand

Russell in MD · #3 (**permalink**) July 22nd, 2009, 06:21 PM

A shore excusion that includes Dunns River falls is almost a must see. You dont have to climb the falls there is a trail along the side that you can hike.

Thats about the only redeaming thing about Ocho Rios for me.

There is also a cool kayak tour that leaves the ship and ends up at the end of the river that is the falls also if the kids are big enough.

R

Joie · #4 (**permalink**) July 23rd, 2009, 06:28 PM

how about Zip-lining....has anyone done that in this port?

mamakinrocks · #5 (**permalink**) July 23rd, 2009, 06:41 PM

Thanks for the info! I will look into the kayaking tour too. What I have managed to gather is that the cost to Beaches is $100 per adult and $50 per child (ages 2-15). This is for a pass from 10:00am 'til 6:00pm. You purchase the passes upon arrival and they cover all of the water sports (not sure if they have wave runners...would surely be extra) such as kayaking, basketball, video games (just what we need in the Caribbean!), all food, drinks (incl. cocktails), etc. The cab ride is 15-20 minutes. Not sure what that will cost. I imagine that the kids would love it.

Moondawgie · #6 (**permalink**) July 24th, 2009, 01:45 PM

Sunset Ocho Rios AI is less cost and includes food/drink/water things. It looks very nice.

jamaicaexpert · #7 (**permalink**) July 26th, 2009, 07:28 PM

the cost of the ride to the resort is 20pp adult and 10pp kids- round trip, u can email me to get more information on how to book a private cab. ENJOY

jamaicaexpert · #8 (**permalink**) July 26th, 2009, 07:41 PM

Mamakinrocks
be advice that u have to book your cab prior to your arrival because if u dont u are going to be hassled by millions of cab drivers.

Enjoy your vacation!!!!!!!!

zydecocruiser · #9 (**permalink**) August 18th, 2009, 11:17 PM

Sunset Jamaica Grande is very near the port, you can do an all inclusive, and they have a water park:

http://www.sunsetjamaicagrande.com/

There are a number of private tour options:

Last time I just got off the ship and walked around - No Problem, Mon!

My pictures: http://www.zydecocruiser.com/free_08/thu.htm

I love Jamaica - been there on both land based and cruise vacations. Yes, some of the vendors can be a little pushy but understand no. How well they understand it depends on how firm your no is.

I think overall, it gets a bum rap.

Oh yeah, here were some taxi prices as of last November:

LisaK · #10 (**permalink**) August 19th, 2009, 02:50 PM

I would highly recommend booking a tour with Peat Taylor he is excellent, very reputable, and flexible.
Dunns River Falls is a blast for all ages, the Original Canopy Tour - zipline is a total blast, river tubing is great family fun, Fern Gully is nature beautiful.
Sunset Beach is a great choice for an all-inclusive, but Jamaica is so gorgeous. lush, and green its almost a shame to just spend the day at the beach