Published on Nov, 2024
I recently took the Catamaran cruise in Ocho Rios and was very impressed in a number of ways seeing that I am someone that worked in the BPO industry and had worked for the Island Routes contact centre before.
I strongly believe that Island Routes need to do more to pay their staff better. As a Jamaican I felt a bit awkward about the number of times, tipping was being mentioned.
The staff was extremely professional in how they carried out their tasks and the trip was fun to some degree BUT again, it's difficult to provide a 5 star review to a team that mention tipping for too many times.
As a Jamaican, I recognized that the tour was more geared towards an American audience. The food was horrible. After climbing a 960 feet water fall no one wants to eat chicken tenders and nachos.
The alcohol selection was also off. I am a Vodka and Tequila person with Soda water, that option seemed to be a dream.
I was forced to share food for the tour guide from the Dunns river tour. That was also unprofessional and I should never have been forced into that position.
Again, Island Routes need to pay their staff much better. There is an island wide strike because hotel and hospitality workers are not being compensated properly.
The staff had been professional and good at what they do, but the constant mention of tipping, made me feel very uncomfortable especially seeing that I had limited cash due to being on a water sport activity.
I will do another tour in another parish and I am hoping that it is better else I will choose the competition. The staff is awesome but again, I am sure that Island routes is not paying them well.
This is you are reading this, please tip, it goes a long way.
The phone is horrible as well and is only suitable for white people.
The experience was 1 star but I'll give it a 5 star because of the staff. Adama Stewart needs to do better
Regards,
