Jamaican Independence Day and Booking Date

[ashakm]

Ok, you guys are great! I originally told you that I would be getting married at RIU Negril. However, now that I have seen all of these posts about ROR and have read reviews and looked at pictures, I have fallen in love with the ROR and really want to have my wedding there in July or August '08. All of the dates that I want are booked though. I put in a wedding request for July 26, 2008, but 8 days later, instead of receiving a confirmation email, I got an email saying the date was no longer available. THe only date that seems available (that works for us) is August 2nd. I heard that Jamaica's Independence Day is August 6 and that it is not wise to travel there the 1st week in August because they celebrate all week and it would be very expensive for traveling and lodging. Do any of you know anything about this?

 

Asha

[marie87]

Hi Asha!

 

I'm from Jamaica and Independence Day is a big thing just like it is in the states. Yes, travel and lodging would be slightly higher than the usual summer rates. Another thing - ATI (a series of parties in Negril) happens every year during the first weekend in August so that's another reason why travel and lodging rates go up. If it was me, I would have my wedding date regardless but the choice is ultimately yours. Talk to the wedding coordinator at ROR if you want more clarification. You should also talk to the airlines and hotels and see if they can work something out for you.

[ashakm]

Hey Marie! Okay, another question. I know that when we celebrate Independence day, it is almost an all weekend thing. Do you think that the celebrating in Jamaica will change the normal atmosphere of the resort for August 2nd weekend, the August 9th weekend, or not affected them at all?

[marie87]

Probably not. 99.9% of the people staying in the resorts are tourists and the staff wouldn't want their vacation to be interupted. You'll mainly find the Independence Day celebrations in the local communities.