New to Forum and Negril

Hello Everyone,

Just want to start by saying all the trip reports are awesome!

We will be headed to Negril on March 16 to the Riu Palace. It wasn't my first choice, but it's the wifes dad's 65th birthday and thats where he wanted to go.

8 people total in our group, thinking of booking a cab from the airport instead of the bus our travel agencey has set up. Any advice?

This will be my first trip to any island and my wifes first time on a airplane.

My question is what do we need to bring to a AI? sunscreen, bug spray, etc... Just dont want to miss anything that we really need there.

Staying from March 16-23.

Any help will be great thanks!

Smart move choosing Negril, but continue with ur smartness and get off the resort and see the real Negril. The road is full of great restaurants, bars and the greatest people on earth... Jamaicans ! My go to places are Pewee's, my home base for over 30 years, and another great spot is the Canoe Bar. I've used Jinx Daley for my transportation needs for 20 plus years. Great guy to have as a friend down there. His number is 1(876)564-2792. You can also text him. He's taken us on some great day trips too ! Remember, it's easy to run out of time and miss the greatness of Negril.

We used Rocky's Tours when my family came. He was pretty good.

I'd suggest doing the pub crawl.

Id just go with the flow... then once you arrive at RIU and get all settled in... grab the mrs. & peace the F out! Since your arriving on a saturday- tell everyone to meet you at 8pm at Seastar for th show.

That will give you a little space and them a little nudge to leave the resort

have fun man

I think the best advice we received was to take half the clothes and twice the money! But seriously, do try to get off the RIU property and at the very least do the Pub Crawl and take a walk along 7 Mile. Take LOTS of sunscreen - I'm fair and Midwestern and use 30 the whole 10 days I'm there and still get a nice, even tan. Definitely take bug spray, especially if the little buggers like you! We keep trying more natural stuff without Deet, and found some we really like through LL Bean. For the all-inclusive experience, if you plan to drink, I'd also recommend taking some insulated mugs - saves having to go back to the bar to refill the tiny plastic cups they give you.

As for the private transfer for your group, it would be worth it if you plan on a) stopping for jerk, drinks, etc along the way and b) might want a driver while you are in Negril. Lots of great recommendations here - we have driver we've used for the last 7 years and would highly recommend him. Let me know if you want his information.

Just keep reading up on this forum - so much good advice, wonderful people and just plain love of Negril! Also - feel free to ask your questions - no such thing as a stupid one!!!

Hi Scott. You will have a blast. I have have to agree with the others. Get off the resort and explore.

With 8 people you may want to consider taking Chicken's Magic Bus. He's very reliable and a great guy. He's been a good friend since 1991 and we highly recommend him. You can check his website: chickensmagicbus.com. for his email & phone number.

Attachment 22347

As others have mentioned do the One Love Bus Crawl it is a blast. Lenbert will pick you up and is very prompt on the time he says he will be there. You can contact Lenbert at bananaznegril@hotmail.com and the crawl is on Wed and Fri only. It is a blast and you tip at the end of the ride (be generous) :D
And also get off the reservation you should be able to walk to the Office of Nature for a nice lobster meal close by but a walk down 7 mile beach is a nice experience also with plenty of places to stop grab a drink or food.

Bring lots of small bills for tipping - I give my bank an order a week or two before I go and make sure to ask for lots of $100 JA bills. Small bills can be hard to get at the AI's. Enjoy Negril :)

Hey Scott,

My husband and I made our first trip to Negril in Jan 2010 for a destination wedding at the RIU Negril. We are not AI people....this was our first AI vacation ever....we had a great time but that was because of the people we were with. We went off the resort and fell in love with Negril!

As soon as we got home I started planning our next trip back....we have been there twice since and going back for our fourth time in April.
We stay in a small family owned spot on 7 Mile Beach and love it!
I always feel safe and well taken care of.....so much so that we are taking our 2 daughters, their husbands and our grandson with us this year.

I would definitely hire private transport form MoBay to Negril....it's like a personal tour, way better than the big bus thing!

Have a great time....get out and enjoy the real Negril

welcome scott,
you have come to the right place for info...listen up and take notes...haha....negril is amazing....after checking out the beach, you have to get down to the cliffs....have fun

Welcome to the board Scott. Defiantly get out of the hotel as much as you can. Its way to secluded up there.

Hiya Scott.....Did the Riu Palace 5 times...Great great beach,no shortage of chairs. The jerk chicken hut on the beach is Very cool,just bring the jerk to your beach chair & eat with your hands. The main dining buffet there is Very good and big but room to sit in private.Bring a big mug with a lid for drinks and don't be afraid to tip the bartender "discreetly" it will go a long way.....Why do you think I went back there five times?You will enjoy it there.

Definitely get a Bubba mug for AI drinks. They're everywhere - Walmart, Canadian Tire - anywhere that sells travel coffee mugs. Bug spray is a must. There is a local one that's good that you can get at the pharmacy in town, near HiLo - Bunny's. It works. Chris at the Seastar swears by overproof rum spritzed on, but that's just wrong for the rum. It does work, though, so I am told! Seastar for the Sat night party is a super idea - call the Seastar and they will pick you and all your party up. I think it's a USD5 cover charge for just the show, and about $18 or $20 for the all you can eat buffet and show. Good show! Fun place. Lots of boardies meeting and hanging out there.

Enjoy your stay. Even if you have liquid sunshine. Not many people here will disagree with me - you're in the best paradise on earth- so explore it; learn it. You'll love it.

Sure you have seen the ads, but really - Once you go, You know!

Now we all expect a trip report, dude. So take notes and pictures!

Welcome aboard. It's a great ride on here!

I agree with get away as a couple. Make resv for the groupe on pub crawl. Leave the bling at home pack less clothes bring more cash enjoy.

Thanks for all the info!

Negril is a fantastic choice. I understand that RIU is a fantastic resort but I concur with the boardies telling you to get off the resort and visit real Jamaica. So many great places so close to RIU. Bring sunscreen, bring bugspray (you might never need it) and also bring your basic common sense and street smarts. Wandering around Negril requires about the same basic safety concerns as visiting any major city. Just pay attention, know where your wallet is, and most of all don't fear the street hustlers. Jamaicans by nature have a quick wit and a great sense of humor. I see so many tourists trying to avoid the Jamaican street folks and that just never works! It is easier to make friends and be courteous. Everyone wins.

Hi Scott, I will be there the same exact dates as you, albeit at couples swept away. I will be doing the pub crawl march 20th. It would be great to have a "boardie" go on the same tour! This is also my first time.

Hopefully will be able to go on the tour. Where are you staying?