Falmouth, Jamaica

After reading multiple reviews on how the Jamaicans are "pushy", it would be nice if the ungrateful, entitled, snotty group of Americans and others would put things into perspective. This country is extremely poverish. The people who live there likely make their livelihood off of tourism-that is it. The competition is high amongst their countrymen. So when the opportunity arises for them to make little money off of us "wealthy" Americans and others, I don't blame them. So while you are enjoying your $1000.00 plus or minus per person cruise and sleeping in air conditioned rooms, eating wonderful food, and drinking....perhaps you will think of them.

So my wife and I spent a day in Falmouth, Jamaica. It was interesting. If you plan on leaving the port area and going into town, be ready for an experience. Not for the timid. I wanted some real jerk chicken so thru research I found Peppers Jerk center, so that’s where we went. Maybe a 10 min walk from the pier. Food was ok, pork jerk better than the chicken, imho. The green sauce was fire!! Loved it. At Peppers, we met Elvis, who, unbeknownst to us, was gonna be our tour guide for the day. After we ate, Elvis walked us thru the neighborhood, took us to a store where the locals shop, and was able to give us an insight to some of the local agriculture in the area. One point Elvis wanted us to know is that the money being spent at the pier area, within the “walls” does not help the local economy as much as a direct purchase from a local shop. Which honestly sucks. So even though it was a little sketchy, I’m glad we ventured out. So if you plan on walking into the town of Falmouth, Jamaica, don’t go alone, stay aware, be friendly and you should have a good time.

Falmouth is a neat little port. The area near the pier includes a planned retail development with fairly typical tourist souvenirs, small eateries, a generic Margaritaville and the like. The day I was in port there was a lovely group of kindergarteners touring the development in their school uniforms. They reminded me of my old days in Catholic School. Beyond the development is a small typical developing world downtown area. It is not touristy although there are a very few souvenir shops on Falmouth Street directly across from the Port Entry. Since the downtown is not touristy it's a good area for people watching. Most Jamaicans in the downtown area are going about their normal day, relatively indifferent to the presence of the ships in Port. I found a nice little Park called Waters Square. There are some shaded areas where you can sit and watch the towns people. When we were there, it appeared that school was just getting out. So all the school kids were parading through in their uniforms. On the left side of Albert George Market which is a historical building is a restaurant with a very nice staff. They serve typical Jamaican dishes like oxtails, goat stew, jerk chicken Etc. Also there’s a very tiny little Pub across Falmouth Street selling beer, Spirits, sodas. It's very old timey and the proprietor is playing Blues music. You will know it because it has a cement bench in front of the small Pub. As for all the danger that everyone sites, the several blocks around in the port area was quite tame and guarded by several tourist police. Some have talked about this great intimidating fence. That's total nonsense. The fence is very basic. The only visible guardian of the fence are two ladies who checked for your sea pass cards. One thing of note when you’re exiting the terminal is they have these placards that describe the history of the region. It's worth pausing to read through them to give you a basic idea of the history. Once you cross the street several taxi cab drivers will try to get your business. If you want to taxi use a taxi, if you don't say no thank you and keep moving and is also likely at as you're walking down the street someone will ask you if you need help or if you want to hire a guide. Again the answers are simple yes or no and keep moving. Firm no's work. If one is interested in other cultures and burned out on the same old drinking and Beach experience, the town is a neat place to spend the day going in and out of local shops and people watching. Again keep in mind that most of the stores in the downtown area Are Not Tourist shops at all but are selling provisions and clothing to Jamaicans.

Royal Caribbean spent good money building this port. It is absolutely gorgeous and amazing. For people who may be scared to venture off into the city, this place have everything right in port. It's bricked and closed off. Lots of shopping. When you are ready for a drink and a cool dip, go right over to Margaritaville. They offer drinks, lunch and even have a pool with a waterfall bridge and a swim up bar. Definitely will go back.

Did the Dunn River Falls at this port. Everyone should experience this excursion once in their life with family and friends. Some of the best and happiest photos of the kids were taken while on this excursion.