Neil, My homework also came across rapes, murders, sinking ships, missing guests and guests kicked off of ships for no apparent reason. All at the hands of the cruise lines and their employees. Based on your advice people should then never cruise on any ship let alone get off in a port. These things can happen on the ship as well as off. One must always be on guard and make safe decisions. If you go back to the original post and the first response by Dave, he said (and I quote), "It is not a good idea to book anything other than the ship's tours when in Jamaica. It is simply too risky, especially for someone who has never been to a particular port". It is that statement that I took issue with.
And so I say again...what is wrong with telling new cruisers going to Montego Bay for the first time that they should consider staying with the tours offered by the cruise line? Specifically since this is "what you took issue with". You make it sound as though booking a ship's tour is always a terrible idea.
A couple years ago, the Carnival tour option for Playa Mia in Cozumel was actually cheaper than doing it on our own. I guess I was being foolish by booking the beach break with the ship?
Normally it's just a very good idea not to make all inclusive or blanket statements like the following...
DO NOT DO A SHIP's TOUR !!!
But some blanket statements such as the following...
[ If you go back to the original post and the first response by Dave, he said (and I quote), "It is not a good idea to book anything other than the ship's tours when in Jamaica. It is simply too risky, especially for someone who has never been to a particular port". ]
...I happen to think are very wise advice that should be followed for the well being of those traveling who meet the criteria that was expressed. You certainly don't have to agree with Dave, me, or anybody else here. You obviously take exception to the advice provided by myself and others who disagree with your post, all in caps I might add, that there is never a good reason to book an excursion with the cruiseline.
Yes, I am also aware that unfortuante things happen in life as you pointed out. On the islands, ask the family of Natalie Holloway. On the ship, on our highways, in our hospitals. Basically there is a chance that you'll be at risk anywhere on the planet at any given time. I concede that point and agree with you. There are decisions that may mitigate the risks of everyday life. Have proper insurance for your home, car/s, life and health. When vacationing, have proper travel insurance. Wear a seatbelt in your car when you dirve and put infants and children in car seats. Don't drive drunk, wear a helmet if you ride a motorcycle, etc. Although there are those in society who disagree with all the above advice, they are common sense measures to provide some sense of security in a dangerous world. that is exactly what the advice Dave gave provides. A common sense approach to provide a measure of safety that is not available if you go outside the established channels with built in protections.
By all means, book all your excursions with outside vendors. Just don't advise others to do the same and object when someone (or many someones) point out the flaws in the advice from a safety and security perspective. Each cruiser can make their own decision based on this lengthy thread. Some will undoubtedly agree with you, just as there are some who think travel insurance is wasted money. The folks who listen to the warnings in the other posts will be well served.
