Any Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Brides out there?

[Bonnie]

Hi ladies, I sent my documents through Canada Post (think it was registered mail).  It was only $18.  I called FedEx and they wanted $110 or something crazy like that.  Anyone getting married in early March 2014?

 

 

[dutchess]

I used ups. My friends leaving tomorrow to go to our resort. Shes getting married Thursday. I should have gave to her lol.

There is no fedex in oshawa. Only a ups

Vinette told me not to srnd through mail cause it can take 3 months if it even ever gets there. She said the post office is also really far so they must be sent courier. I sent it yesterday and its already there!

[acw271011]

wow have they changed the rules? it used to be you could scan and send by email, then bring your originals with you when you get there. that's all we had to do, and we were both divorced.

Hi ladies, 

I'm currently planning my August 2014 wedding from the UK but my cousin and girlfriend want to travel from Las Vegas - Does anyone know of any travel agents US based or if it is possible/ advisable to book a package from Las Vegas ? Thanks for your help, 

Liz

 

take a look at the company that hosts this site - Wright Travel and Tammy. They're US based and will definitely be able to help out for a Las Vegas departure!

[Bonnie]

I sent my documents over the xmas holidays and they received it within 2.5 weeks.  So not sure why there telling u it will take 3 months....just an fyi for further brides you don't need to waste the extra money on the courier.

[acw271011]

Also wanted to share some other useful tips that we passed on to our guests flying into Jamaica

 

TRANSPORTATION

I know some of you asked about Transportation from the Airport to the Hotel. I would suggest booking with Jamaica Tours Ltd.  They have a stand at Montego Bay Airport and conveniently take you from the airport to the Hotel. Jamaica’s roads are certainly not the best in the world. Although the country has made much improvements on the roads in recent years you can still see plenty of giant potholes, narrow roads, local drivers whizzing by you while they tell you all about your B….clots (if you don’t know what this I am sure you will understand when you arrive). I would suggest not to rent a car for these reasons as well as the fact of Taxi’s being inexpensive in Jamaica.  

 

There are two type of Taxis in JA. Charter (aka Tourist) and Route (aka Local) Taxi. You can visit the following link to learn more about taxis in Jamaica, JAMAICAN TAXIS. The cheaper of the two is Route Taxi’s where you can travel 20 miles for $100 JMD (about $1 US Dollar). It will just look like a local's car, which is precisely what it is. The licensed ones usually have the taxi signs spray painted on their front fenders. Seldom will you find one with a taxi sign on the top, because not many do this. The color of the license plate will tell you. A red plate will tell you that it is for transportation, while a white plate will tell you it is a private vehicle. The yellow plate indicates a government vehicle (like a police car or ambulance) and the list continues. Although the route taxis generally run from the center of one town to the center of the next town, you can flag a taxi anywhere along the road. Walk or stand on the side of the road and wave at passing cars and you'll be surprised how quickly you get one. I would suggest using this method while you are in Runaway Bay for the people that like adventure and want to experience the real Jamaica. If you are uncomfortable with this then the Charter (Tourist) taxi is the way go. Whichever method you choose remember to establish a price before entering the car and that everything is negotiable. Rarely do you go with the first price they give you. Simply walk away and you will see the price magically drop. If you would like more structure I can you provide you with a list of prices you should pay based on your destination.

 

CURRENCY

 

At the time of writing this email the current exchange rate is $1 US dollar to $104.53 JA Dollars (I know this is horrible for JA L). I would suggest either using ATMs in Jamaica to take out Jamaican Currency (the method I use since I hate carrying around large amount of cash). Or bringing US dollars and converting them to JA dollars at a Cambio. Lastly you can just simply use US dollars if you plan on not venturing outside of the tourist areas since all tourist areas accept US & JA dollars. But if you planning on venturing out and hanging out with the locals I would suggest using JA$ since you will be quoted a  much better price when you use JA$.

 

SIGHTSEEING

 

There is a great deal of things to see and do in Jamaica. You can visit this site to get an idea of some of the things, JA Sightseeing. Do not pay much attention to the prices since everything can be negotiated. Once you had a chance to look thru you can visit this survey to pick out what you would like to do or see while you are in Jamaica and we can possibly organize a group outing. Survey

 

COMMUNICATION

Since you will be in another country roaming charges on your American phone will be high if you use it in Jamaica. If you would like to use a local cell phone in Jamaica I would suggest bringing an unlocked phone that is GSM capable. In which you can buy a SIM card (~$15) with minutes for local and US calls or buy a cheap phone  (~$50US) at a local JA cell shop (i.e.: Digicel) to use while in Jamaica. Another alternative is to just use apps like Tango and Skype to make calls using Wi-Fi at the Hotel.

 

 

We used another guide when we were there that we had recommended to us. he was excellent and very reasonable and will work with you on tours, etc. we had our pictures done at a park off the resort. he drove us there with our photographer, waited while we did our pictures then drove us back to the resort. he also took us into Ocho Rios for the day so we could shop. he recommended stores and an open air market as well for souvenir stuff. we also didn't know it at the time but he followed us at a distance for some of our shopping so that we weren't harassed or anything. he was really great! the resort knows him well too so that was additional reassurance for us. his name is Michael Spencer. I know I posted his contact info earlier on this thread but if anyone is interested I can get the information

[soontobeawalsh]

We used another guide when we were there that we had recommended to us. he was excellent and very reasonable and will work with you on tours, etc. we had our pictures done at a park off the resort. he drove us there with our photographer, waited while we did our pictures then drove us back to the resort. he also took us into Ocho Rios for the day so we could shop. he recommended stores and an open air market as well for souvenir stuff. we also didn't know it at the time but he followed us at a distance for some of our shopping so that we weren't harassed or anything. he was really great! the resort knows him well too so that was additional reassurance for us. his name is Michael Spencer. I know I posted his contact info earlier on this thread but if anyone is interested I can get the information

I would love to have his info passed on if you dont mind!!

Thanks so much!

[acw271011]

Hi. His name is Michael Spencer and it's Spencer Tour and Taxi. The email is [email protected] and there are 2 phone numbers: 876-842-0527 or 876-326-5436  We thought he was great! Good luck!

[newsiebride]

Thanks for the info on the tour guy! I really want to plan a day trip to Dunn River Falls...does anyone have any advice as to another location we can go to after the falls on the same day?

[soontobeawalsh]

Thanks @@acw271011 for sharing the info!!!

 

@@newsiebride I also really want to do a day trip to Dunn River Falls!  It looks like so much fun

[LinzWarr]

Hey just sent my documents by courier to resort. 80 bucks! Lol was not expecting that!!

Same thing for me.. I was very surprised by this cost

Since fb might be a little more popular I've created a group called "Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica - Brides". Lets use that to share info as well! Thanks I'm getting married in August this year and can't wait! 

I cant find the group.. can you post the link?