Needing Advice on Whether Getting off the Cruise at Ports W/ My 7Yr Old Is Safe

I'd feel safe if you stick with the cruise groups. They are professional and have a lot of safeguards in place. They won't let you get into the sketchy areas. I took a trip to the Caribbean and got off at every port with my 4 and 1 year olds. It was no problem at all.

I haven't been to any of the ports you listed, but have been on several crusises including last year taking our then 26 month old daughter.

I never felt unsafe at any of the ports and we did not do the group things, but for the most part had done our own research and took cabs on our own to various beaches, etc.

M.,
Hi I am a Travel Agent out of Flower Mound and a grandmother of 10. If you go on a tour from the cruise ship you will be fine. You did not say what ship you are going on so I don't know what excursions will be offered. Your husband and sons should enjoy the Dunn's River Falls hike. Relax and have fun. Should you have any other questions feel free to email me or call me.
Thanks
N. Cox
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If you decide to stay on the boat, they used to offer 1/2 price at the spa while in ports.

I've never been to Jamaica, but you should feel just fine in Cozumel and Grand Cayman, especially if you're doing the shore excursions provided by the cruise line.

I HIGHLY recommend swimming with the sting rays in Grand Cayman...it's AMAZING and your daughter will love it.

We did the same cruise in August, 2008. In Montego Bay, we did a tour that we booked from the ship. We swam with the stingrays, The crew was great and it was the most fun we had at any port. They people in Jamaica are very laid back and friendly. After the tour, we all went to Margarataville - it was myself, my husband and two boys ages 11 and 10. They did warn us to be cautious if we decided to go off on our own. If you are still concerned, you can always stay on the ship with your daughter. Pick one port and choose a tour that you can all do together. You'll have a great time!

I do not recommend getting off in Jamaica. The last time we went on a cruise, we stopped in Jamaica.We climbed the falls with the cruise. My husband was "approached" by 6 guys who walked him into a corner and asked for money. He was made to go out of the way. There were hundreds of people there and no one helped in anyway. It was scary. I am sure there are other people that have had positive experiences in Jamaica, but I won't take another chance to find out! Cozumel and Grand Caymen were really fun and I do not think you would have a problem. Have a good time.

I have been to these same ports on a cruise a few years ago. There are parts of Jamaica that are seedy and questionable, but as long as you stay with your cruise tour you should be fine. I went on a horseback riding excursion alone (the others in my family did not want to do this), and I felt perfectly safe.
Good for you for exposing your children to other cultures and travel. They will carry these experiences with them for a lifetime.

Don't let "Nervous Nelly" keep you and your daughter from seeing some beautiful sites and having your own adventure!!!

I've never been on a cruise (not the crusing type here) but I have been "on my own" with my daughter as a toddler until now when we travel sometimes. We often tag along with hubby when he heads to a nice place for conferences, etc.

Just this past Oct., I stepped outside my box in AZ when my daughter wanted to go hiking in the mountains. We got a little sidetracked on the trail and our 3 mile hike ended up around 8 miles but we had a great time and still talk about it.

My brother and his wife go on cruises all the time and take their children everywhere (13, 10, 2). They love cruises.

Jamaica is beautiful. I lived there one summer, except I was not on the tourist side, I was in Kingston which was not the place for tourist. We did experience a wonderful time.

Enjoy!

You shouldn't have any problems. I was a single mom when my son was this age. We went on a cruise almost every year because it was fun AND safe. In Jamaica, the Duns River Falls is a fun excursion and very safe. It's also fun to go to Negril -- a great beach. We always met other people from the cruise on the same excursion so we weren't typically alone. We had fun hanging out with the people we met during the rest of the cruise. In Grand Cayman the String Ray island tour is a blast! Have a great time!

M.: Good question! I've been to Jamiaca once and it was ok. We did a river raft tour which was nice but they try to sell you trinkets and stuff and you just feel bad for them. And when we strolled through shops that were right at the port and seemed safe we were constantly asked to buy things. One person did offer us drugs. If you go, skip the shops, stay with a group or hook up with another family. Personally, I would have loved to spend my day on the ship in the spa or just chilling by the pool that would not be as crowded. But your daughter may want to get out. Good luck - just use caution.

M.-

I can't speak to Jamaica, but if you had any concerns about Grand Cayman at all I did want to ally those. We've been there twice & I would feel totally safe going all over that island without my husband. GC has a very, very low crime rate. It is very laid back and beautiful. I second going on a stingray excursion but I would go with one of the smaller boats. You'll get a better experience. We went with Captain Ron Ebanks both times. LOVED it. We did the full day trip that also went to some gorgeous coral reefs and out to Cayman Kai for lunch. Have fun!!!