We weren’t schedule to arrive in Ocho Rios until noon so we had some time to kill this morning. I went to the gym and attempted to get a machine but it was packed, so i walked the deck for 30-minutes.
We pulled into Jamaica around 10:45 and I was off the ship around 11:20 and headed to meet the folks from the Jamaica Tourism Board. We didn’t dock at the regular dock but like an industrial type dock next to the regular cruise pier. They showed me around Ocho Rio’s and then we went over to Falmouth (45-min. ride). Details on the excursions to come soon.
A lot of people are afraid in Jamaica and don’t want to get off the ship but I really didn’t feel threatened walking around. I was offered ‘smoke’ a couple of times but all you do is say no and keep walking, it’s not like the people are going to twist your arm. People need to exercise caution anywhere they go. I mean if you wouldn’t get in a car with a complete stranger in your hometown, why in the hell would you do it in a far away island? Just my thoughts.
I got to see parts of Jamaica that I never knew existed and realized they have an abundance of resorts there. The roads are in excellent condition and a lot of road side markets. The markets were mostly set up for the locals once you got out of the downtown area. Parts of Jamaica remind me of a sleepy little fishing village. 30% of the population on the island of Jamaica work in some way with tourism.
Once back on the ship I sat on the balcony and watched the sail away. We were tracking west so we rode to coast and my side of the ship had the picture perfect view. The show was a lot of singing and dancing from the 80’s and 90’s. The dancers were spot on through the singers were, eh, all over the map. Still better than me because I can’t sing!
Only two of my table mates showed up for dinner. They served a pumpkin bisque, sliced pork, and cheese plate. Again, all was very good. There really aren’t any complaints that I have on the food aboard Costa Atlantica.
I’m calling it an early night because I want to be one of the first people off the ship in Grand Cayman tomorrow.
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