If you have never been or heard of Port Royal (Once said to be the wickedest city in the world) then you should definitely go and find out about it.
Once home of pirates including the famous Henry Morgan, the centre of shipping and commerce and the largest city in the Caribbean. It is one of those places that is almost frozen in time. However, the town is gradually changing and is losing the old look it once had, old architecture now replaced with more modern designs.
Nevertheless, there is still a great number of buildings and monuments that are just as they were after the earthquake in 1907.
I started my trip from Kingston because I wanted to travel in a clockwise position around the country. The original plan was to visit all the attractions in each parish but it didn’t take me long to realize that I was biting off more than I could chew.
Port Royal was my decided attraction to visit in Kingston as I didn’t remember much from the last time I went there which was some sixteen years ago.
The day started off a bit rocky as one, I got up late and two, I still had freelance projects working on.
When I eventually got out of the house, the enthusiasm that I felt while planning the trip, came back in full swing.
Transportation
I wanted travel as local as possible so using public transportation was my preferred method. I am living near Cross Roads so I took a route taxi from there to Parade, Downtown Kingston then the #98 JUTC bus to Port Royal.
Waiting for the #98 JUTC bus to get ready.
While in Downtown, I met someone my mother taught in school a couple years ago. It just so happens that he lived in Port Royal and was very elated to show me around the area. According to him, my mother treated him well so he wanted to return the favour. Treating people well does pay off in the long run in some way.
It takes some time to get there as you have to wait a while for the bus to arrive then the drive there, so walk with a book or something to occupy your time. It takes even longer when it’s raining.
The bus dropped us off at the entrance to the community just before the round-about.You can come off there if you know where you are going or you can come off at the final stop in the small town and ask your way around. The locals are very friendly and is always willing to help.
The Other Side of Port Royal
I got a free, personally guided tour from the friend and his uncle, who showed me the side of Port Royal I didn’t know existed. We had to walk past a little kids area directly through the community to see the other side near the beach.
They told me that some of the houses near the beach were second homes for some of the privileged of society who would come there on weekends for bonfires on the beach, gatherings or just to relax.
The Other Side of Port Royal
I even got history lessons and stories of pirates like Blackbeard who was living in Jamaica. Yes, that same Blackbeard, the one from the movie, “Pirates of the Caribbean”. He has an interesting past.
Traveling Through Time
After walking along the beach to collect shells, I then decided to head off to explore what I had originally plan to do.
Fort Charles was a long way from my location. I was so caught up collecting sea shells, I lost track of the time. Not being very familiar with this section of Port Royal I was lucky to not be alone.
As I walked toward Fort Charles, things started looking more familiar. It was just as I saw it sixteen years ago.
Cannons from the Past
Brick walls towering over you, while cannons point in your direction as you walk through the fort, still in their defensive positions. Old and seemingly broken but will kept.
The tour begins as you enter into the fort. The information received by the tour guide was very informative and he captured our attention with his creative use of language and very animated personality.
Room for Improvement
Although traveling through time and refreshing my memory of Port Royal’s history was quite an experience, I found some area of improvements that could be implemented to enhance visitors experience.
Selling Merchandise
Although pictures are worth a thousand words, I believe a souvenir is worth even more. They can get some branded souvenirs to sell. Key rings, Pens, pencils, picture frames, t-shirts, maps, toy pirates and treasures, cloth bags, water bottles, bracelets and so much more could be added to the store to remind people of their trip to Fort Charles and Port Royal.
Museum Entry
There was no accurate reading of who enters or leaves and it could cause some issues if there is nothing to protect the operators if something happens to a visitor. Having a Barcode reader of some sort would allow them to know who has exited the premises and who hasn’t. If it’s too expensive or not a feasible solution based on how many people visit, they could have at least a waiver form that people sign before they get in.
Enthusiast Tour Guides
I got a very jovial guide but there were times when I heard some guides that were not as enthusiast. Some even sounded like they had swat the content for an exam, was sitting the exam and was trying to say as much as possible before they forget. I get that they have to repeat the same information everyday but at least trying to be creative with the information makes a difference. The could have a tour guide training for employees to assist with their enthusiasm.
What was the Cost to Travel to Port Royal?
This trip was a good one. I spent a total of $1,650 JMD. That is about a little over $10USD. The fare from my home to Port Royal and back was $400 JMD($3.50 USD), food was $850 and the entry to explore Fort Charles was $400 JMD ($3.50 USD). It was a greater experience and cheaper than any party I’ve ever attended.
Plan Your Trip to Port Royal
I found so many things at Port Royal to explore. Although I did a lot, there were still quite a few things I didn’t get to experience. I recommend speaking with the locals when you get there, sit with them eat, be merry and ask them to show you around or even better, travel with a local. I can guarantee you will have a great time.
NB: Be smart about your travel. Be aware of your surrounding and don’t leave your things unattended. Although, nothing might happen, remember you just met them.
Tour Hours: Sunday – Saturday 9:00 am – 4:45 pm
Exceptions: Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day
Admission – $400
Telephone: 1(876) 967-8438
Email:fortcharles@jnht.com
Website: www.jnht.com
This article is part of my 14 Parish in 14 Days series.
