What's your favorite port of call?

DaCruzNut · November 23, 2003

My favorite "port" is actually two ports, close to each other, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

I know a lot of you will disagree, and have no great love for Jamaica, but for me it's a different story.

Living in South Florida, I have a lot of close contact with Jamaicans, at work and on a personal level. Jamaicans are a proud people, just as we are proud of our country, and have a beautiful island to be proud of. They consider Bob Marley to be just a step below G-d, and revere him throughout the island. When a bunch of us American tourits descends on them, and treats them as inferior, in their own home, they, rightfully, take offense and "give it back, Mon..."

When I visit, I give them a big smile, a little Patois, and wear an old, faded, Bob Marley t-shirt. I get treated like a best-friend!

Forgetting the walk up Dunn's River Falls, which is interesting and a "must" on your first visit, there are so many things to see and do, on the island.

The river rafting on the Martha Brae, or Rio Grande, is one of my favorite things to do, in any port. The slow, leisurely, glide through the forest, on a raft built for 2, watching the tropical foliage, birds, and other animals, along the way....

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...and the ride from the port, a little over an hour, gives you a look at the "real" Jamaica, as you pass through the countryside, and small towns. You can see the Blue Mountains on one side, and the sea on the other.

If you're a Bob Marley fan, and love his music, you can immerse yourself for a few hours on a trip to Nine-Mile. They take you in a "60's" bus, complete with a roof full of (artificial) fruits and veggies. The inside is totally decorated with "Marley," and the sound system probably cost more than the bus. You then get to tour the homestead of the Marley family, where Bob was born, and spent his early years. Bob Marley's crypt is here, in a specially built "temple." WARNING: As you get off the bus, at Nine Mile, there will be a number of Rastas, selling the "holy weed." They will tell you that you must partake, if you are going to the Marley House....

(P.S. They ask $0, but will take less....)

Next time your in Jamaica, try joking with the native people, and being "fun," and see what happens.

Pammie · November 24, 2003

To date all I have loved all the ports of called I have been to. I can't say I like one more then another.

Pammie :)

tanlamb · November 25, 2003

I only have one cruise under my belt and am looking forward to my second one coming up. So far my favorite islands are Grand Cayman for the beautiful blue waters and Cozumel for the fantastic shopping....but I am willing to try any other islands that you want to throw my way!!!! Even the worst Caribbean island must be better than the cold, bitter winters of Nova Scotia!!

BruinSteve · November 26, 2003

Venice, Italy...

Coolest "Sailaway" you'll ever see...

...not to mention great food...

gymbrat33 · November 27, 2003

St. Marteen. I especially love the beach at Everything Cool, and the shopping. It is such a relaxing atmosphere.

anna · November 30, 2003

Grand Cayman used to be at least at the top of my list but last week there were 6 ships in port. It was impossible to move in the down town area. Entirely too many people. We did go to the Beach Club which was wonderful but it took almost 2 hrs to get back to the ship due to the masses of people. I think I'll move Aruba to the top now.

sailinglisa · November 30, 2003

Hawaii - my favorite port was Maui! Just loved Lahaina and was able to access the northwest part of the island without any difficulty - especially Kaanapali.

Alaska - my favorite so far is Skagway - so much to do from there.

Caribbean - Costa Rica. The port of Limon is not beautiful, but the interior of the country is absolutely beautiful!

And in a class all of it's own is the Panama Canal - the sheer majesty and scope of this project is it's own testament.