Jamaica Mon!!

Just thought I would throw in my twopennyworth about how great it is that VS will be flying to Jamaica - there have been posts about Dubai so I didnt want SRB to think that we dont want the new Jamaica service as well ( you never know he might be a lurker!!)

I love going to the Caribbean at the start of the year when its cold here and very pleasant there - but didnt fancy Jamaica because VS didnt go there and VH use Air Jamaica who are not the most efficient or reliable.

So I say - well done Virgin, the two governments and SRB - Jamaica here we come!!!!!!

[HighFlyer]

Im also pleased about Jamaica!!

I had always fancied going there, lots to see, the Dunns falls, Ocho Rios (sp) and staying at the lovely Goldeneye - and now i can!

Thats great news about Jamaica, since I've got family there.
Do they have any plans to fly to Kingston as well?

Now all we need is Tahiti and we'll be fine!:D;)[8D]

Cheers,
VS045

P.S. I've reached the big 250!Woohoo!!!!!!!!:D

Hmmm...not to sure about Jamaica. Having been there myself and my family coming from other islands, maybe there's some bias in me but Jamaica is a crime ridden island that i don't care for. I'm dismayed VS will be flying there now. It pales in comparison to the other islands.

But the only good thing is when Air Jamaica do their daily cancellation of the flights they have we have an easy way for the passengers to get there.

Originally posted by VS_Lover

But the only good thing is when Air Jamaica do their daily cancellation of the flights they have we have an easy way for the passengers to get there.

That's true i suppose, LOL . I agree with VS_Lover, as Jamaica doesn't really appeal to me. Sure it's a beutiful island, but it's a bit too big (to go around in 2 or 3 weeks) and as VS_Lover it is crime ridden.

I have only visited jamaica once so I dont speak with great authority on the island - however, its one of the key holiday destinations in the Caribbean and from what I have seen and read in various trip reports the tourist areas of the island are fine - and I am sure we all take care wherever we go on holiday as you can just as easily get mugged in Manchester as Montego bay.

There are plenty of lovely beaches and great resorts to choose from and as someone who enjoys Sandals this route has opened up a whole new range of resorts - and before anyone goes off on one - yes we do get out and see the islands we have been on and yes we do go to restaurants other than those in the resort. Anyway you dont have to see the whole island the first time you go and I would agree that going into Kingston is nothigh on my list of things to do!!!!

VSLover - why are you "dismayed" that VS should fly there? Maybe we should be "dismayed" that they fly to China with all its lack of human rights, or to the US with its severe immigration and super- power outlook on the rest of the world,or South Africa with its issues of poverty? or Japan because of all the raw fish and strange food they eat? ( that last one was a joke btw in case anyone gets too serious!!!)

Interestingly VS already flies to a number of islands - which others should they also consider???

[HighFlyer]

Interestingly VS already flies to a number of islands - which others should they also consider???

The Cayman Islands!!!:) - Fab beaches, good diving and snorkelling - and a lil turtle on your passport stamp! What more reasons do you need? LOL

Oh ... and Mauritius gets my vote for non-Caribbean island

Originally posted by MarkJ

Interestingly VS already flies to a number of islands - which others should they also consider???

St.Maarten! good shopping, nice beaches and great plane spotting from Maho beach [8D].

The seychelles is another destination i'd like to see in the future.[^]

I've spent a lot of time in Jamaica and it does get a bad rep as much of the country isnt as bad as Kingston, Kingston is to be avoided if you dont know the city....if you do know the city then you already know to avoid it. Some of the resort areas act as a magnet for petty (and not so petty) criminals though.

One thing to keep in mind is that in some of the resort areas, Ocho Rios and Negril particulary, is that you dont want to go wandering outside the resort you book into. If you want to see something then take an organised tour from the hotel. Also if you want to get to a particular restaurant or other venue, take a hotel taxi and have him wait for you, or with you, whilst you are there.

If you are in Ocho Rios dont go anywhere near the port when the cruise ships are in, its absolute mayhem and a big draw for pick pockets, thieves and drug dealers...sorry to be so blunt but it is.

Ive never set foot in Montego Bay so I cant comment on that town.

If you want a resort only vacation then the island is great, if you enjoy wandering around the local towns, sightseeing on your own or just going off into the sunset as the mood takes you then you may wish to consider other options.

Originally posted by VS_Lover
Hmmm...not to sure about Jamaica. Having been there myself and my family coming from other islands, maybe there's some bias in me but Jamaica is a crime ridden island that i don't care for. I'm dismayed VS will be flying there now. It pales in comparison to the other islands.

But the only good thing is when Air Jamaica do their daily cancellation of the flights they have we have an easy way for the passengers to get there.

Jamaica is not THAT bad, the northern bit of the Island is nice.
Montego Bay, Ochco Rios, Negril, etc...
I'm so fed up of Jamaica getting bad rap, yes you have to proceed with caution with your valuables, but it's the same everywhere you go.
Even America you have to be cautious.

[mitchja]

We were robbed in Barbados with other holiday makers getting their bags statched at knife point. The local police were at our hotel almost every day taking insurance statements.

I have deemed never to go back there as long as I live so crime can and does happen anywhere.

Regards

I had my expensive swatch watch stolen by a security guy at EWR. [:(!]

[Decker]

Originally posted by Odessey
expensive swatch watch

[?][?][?]

Hahahahaha - good one Decker!!

:D:D

[HighFlyer]

Ouch!

I was quite up for a trip to Jamaica till i read this thread .. is it really as bad as that??

Antigua and St Lucia are kind of looking more appealing LOL

It depends what you want to do on your holiday, If you like exploring places (by the sounds of it you do HighFlyer ) try and avoid towns or villages. If you are just one of those people that wants to stay in the hotel and chill out, then there is nothing to worry about.

Originally posted by Odessey

Originally posted by VS_Lover
Hmmm...not to sure about Jamaica. Having been there myself and my family coming from other islands, maybe there's some bias in me but Jamaica is a crime ridden island that i don't care for. I'm dismayed VS will be flying there now. It pales in comparison to the other islands.

But the only good thing is when Air Jamaica do their daily cancellation of the flights they have we have an easy way for the passengers to get there.

Jamaica is not THAT bad, the northern bit of the Island is nice.
Montego Bay, Ochco Rios, Negril, etc...
I'm so fed up of Jamaica getting bad rap, yes you have to proceed with caution with your valuables, but it's the same everywhere you go.

Like i said earlier my family are from other islands - Tobago and St Lucia to precise and we all look down on Jamaica. It's local rivalry like with England and Scotland.

I like this board but most people take everything that's written so seriously. You people should adopt the Caribbean attitude and lighten up.

[Decker]

We really enjoyed our trip to St Lucia in March and it was a lot friendlier than in the '80s. Naturally we're disappointed by the effect the change in trading relationships between the UK and the islands has had on the island's economy.

Originally posted by Decker

Originally posted by Odessey
expensive swatch watch

[?][?][?]

90 quid isn't expensive?

[preiffer]

Just in on email from VS:

News Article

Starts in July '06:

The flights will leave from Gatwick on Mondays and Wednesdays and you'll be able to book with us shortly. So start planning your trip and keep an eye out here for more information.

Thanks Paul...I didn't get one [V][:(].

Sorry but I agree with VS_Lover...found it a very intimidating place and was also sorely disappointed at Sandals Dunns River. They must have taken the brochure pics in the '80s and never updated them - it was so dilapidated [:(]

Wel lSandals DR has just re-opened after a multi million £ refit and refurb and its got a new name - so I agree with Jacq that SDR was a bit run down - but I still love Sandals and havent had a bad holiday - in fact Im off to Turks and Caicos Beaches in March for a week - out via Miami - looking forward to it as the tickets have just arrived - Hurrah!!!!!

Also agree with Jacq that Jamaica can be a bit intimidating!!!

Ok ok, but hey at least they admitted it needed it. The waiters had holes in their white gloves [:0] and the tiles weer all falling off in the swimming pool. Bloody fab staff though [8D] Played pool wiht us til 3am but then we were getting them free rum and cokes on the all inclusive

Mark...can you get any more mentions of that trip in...go on, sure you can try

Jacq x