There are many excellent reasons why tourists should avoid Jamaica. Levels of violent crime, including robbery, gang gunfights, and murder, continue to rise at dramatic rates. Many areas in and around Montego Bay (our port of call) are especially afflicted. Both Canada and the USA warn their citizens in strong terms about the risk levels here.
LGBTQ2S people are particularly at risk, due to hateful local attitudes. Historically, the police have ignored or even tacitly supported violence against these communities.
All of which gives me more than ample reason to simply stay on board.
It seems a pity, in a way. Montego Bay, with its backdrop of dramatic mountains, and foreground of sparkling waters and swaying palms, is a far prettier place than Falmouth -- the north shore cruise port where we docked the last time a cruise I was on made a port call in Jamaica. Even with the presence of working cargo docks, the scenic attractions aren't impaired to any great degree -- as you can see in these pictures taken from the ship's decks.
It also amuses me to note that Montego Bay is at least completely upfront about what awaits you when you step inside the Cruise Terminal -- much more so than many Caribbean ports!
So what did I gain in company with the others who stayed on board this morning? I got to sit through all the alarms of the Crew Emergency Drill, that's what! Oh, what a thrill! This one took the crew right through all the steps of the procedure clear up to the order to abandon ship. If you were sleeping late, and got woken up by the first alarm signal -- that is, after the announcement that this was all a drill for the crew -- you could quite easily get yourself into a War-of-the-Worlds state of panic. When I came back to my cabin after a long sit on the outer decks, it was to find a sign stuck into the keycard slot in my door stating that the room was evacuated. Every cabin had one by that time.
It's certainly good to know that the crew are being properly and frequently drilled in safety procedures. There's a drill like this, of some sort or other, on every cruise I've ever been on. The lessons of the Titanic, where no one among the crew or officers was prepared and no one knew where to go or what to do, have not been forgotten.
And, of course, I got a nice sunny morning out on the sundeck by the Ocean View Pool at the stern, several swims in an uncrowded pool, another delicious pizza and Strongbow Cider for lunch, and a long and restful afternoon nap. Truly, there is a time for everything.
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