I've added some background music to play as you read. If you don't like it, just click it off.
One Love
One Love, One Heart
Let's get together and feel all right
As it was in the beginning (One Love)
So shall it be in the end (One Heart)
Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Falmouth, Jamaica - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When Royal Caribbean built their latest super mega ships, Oasis of the Seas
and Allure of the Seas, they needed some Western Caribbean ports
that could accommodate them. One way to accomplish this was to partner
with the Port Authority of Jamaica, to build a port that would deliver their
shared vision for Falmouth, Jamaica's
rebirth. Together, they brought the town's historic sites to life and integrated the
culture and authenticity of this destination into a superior guest experience.
Once complete, the port's master plan will have 120,000 square feet of retail
shopping and two berths capable of servicing the line's Oasis-class ships.
Located on the island's North side between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Most
tours and excursions currently offered at either port are available from Falmouth.
The port opened in February 2011, but they are still working on the shopping plaza
that offers cigars, liquor, and jewels, among other bargains.
Cindy and I did some "mostly looking" shopping before we hopped on a tram for a
short trip around the city. There was a drastic difference between the newness of
the port plaza and the ramshackle homes just outside it's gate. To say the least,
it was depressing. I only took photos of some of the nicer places. The churches
were in the best shape.
When we returned to the new dockside shopping plaza, I purchased some Cuban cigars
for John, David, and Don, whose pasttime was smoking on the balcony of the Royal
Suite. Cuban cigars aren't illegal in Jamaica or on the ship, so all they had to
do was smoke them before we went home. Apparently I did a good job picking out
a brand that fit within my budget.
When you cruise several times on the same cruise line, you start to build up points toward
some little perks. For Royal Caribbean, you become a member of the Crown and Anchor Society
and you get a booklet of discount coupons for some of the things onboard that cost extra. One
of those coupons was for Johnny Rocket's, a '50s style soda fountain and burger joint. My
coupon was buy one milkshake and get one free. Anyone who knows me, knows I wouldn't pass
that one up. So Cindy and I went. She got a chocolate malt and mine was a vanilla milk shake.
There are small jukeboxs at the tables where one could play great oldies. When certain songs
played, the "soda jerks" came out front and danced. This time it was to "YMCA."
Have you noticed that we do a lot of eating? You can't help it when you're on a cruise. And
since everyone went their own way, I don't have photos of where they went or what they did.
If I had to guess, John, Bruce, David, and Don found a convenient bar. But, almost every
night we met up at dinnertime.
