JAMAICA
DAWNETTE BANKS
Birthday Celebration
Jewel Grande Montego Bay
October 30 - November 3, 2021
Organizer Guide
October 8, 2021
Thank you for the opportunity to be of service to you.
October 30 - November 3, 2021
Your birthday celebration package includes:
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Roundtrip flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica
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Transfers between the Montego Bay airport and Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa
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Four night stay at Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa
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Club Mobay Arrival Service
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Montego Bay Highlights Tour with Lunch at Scotchies
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
October 15 - Travel documents mailed to group via USPS
October 16 - Two week email sent to group
October 23 - First day to complete Travel Authorization Form
October 27 - Three day time frame begins for COVID test
October 28 - Step-by-Step Mobile Itinerary sent via email
TRAVELING TO JAMAICA
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS:
Passports of US citizens traveling to Jamaica must be valid at the time of entry and exit. At least one blank visa page is required.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE:
English, but most Jamaicans also speak Patois.
CURRENCY:
Jamaican dollar. USD widely accepted
TIME:
Jamaica observes Eastern Standard Time all year, however there are no Daylight Savings Time clock changes.
ELECTRICAL PLUGS:
The standard voltage/plug is 110 V the same as in the US.
COVID REQUIREMENTS
JAMAICA
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Travel Authorization Form applications must be submitted within seven (7) days of the intended travel date.
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Negative PCR Test collected within 3 days of the travel date.
Requirements subject to change.
UNITED STATES
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Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test taken no more than 3 days before air travel into the US.
Requirements subject to change.
GROUP (Not Contracted)
Group Guests
Dawnette Evette Banks
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Darlene Collins
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Felicia West
Diane Mitchell Lazare
Kristie Kennedy Ward
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Evelyn Yvonne Banks
Shanea Wilks
Towanda Theresa Davila-Davis
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Gwendolyn Monique Marshall
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Nerina Davila-Sanon
Tiffani Darnise Morris
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Kimberli Johnson
Flight arrival and departure times will be provided upon completion of flight schedule changes.
Hotel Concessions
JEWEL GRANDE MONTEGO BAY RESORT AND SPA
Hotel concessions for a minimum of 5 rooms**:
Social groups will receive the following group benefits when the group meets the minimum number of rooms based on the Travel period.***
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Welcome Beverage
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Welcome Amenity for one designated room
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One complimentary room applicable for Jewel Grande
All resort comps are assessed approximately 2-4 weeks after travel and are paid via refund to the designated reservation and original form of payment.
Complimentary passenger/room value must be based on adults in the lowest room category booked and for the shortest length of stay within the group. Value does not include taxes, gratuities, etc..
Some restrictions may apply.
Exceptions may be made at hotel’s discretion in which we can apply the comp credit to one of the reservations prior to travel date. Complimentary will apply for 10 rooms or more unless the hotel has a different policy. See hotel’s concessions information above for hotel-specific minimum room requirements.
Hotel’s complimentary value is at their discretion and Vacation Express does not have control over the value. Only those reservations booked through Vacation Express will count toward any complimentary eligibility.
Any eligible group inclusions must adhere to the conditions set by the hotel such as minimum passenger requirements, valid booking/travel dates, etc. and are subject to the hotel’s discretion. The hotel reserves the right to modify or cancel group inclusions at any time.
*For every 5 paid traveling Apr 16 – Dec 20 (Travel completed)
**Concessions are based on Double Occupancy.
***All supplier’s concessions and the full value of these concessions are subject to change and are at the discretion of the hotel. Value of complimentary room determined after travel.***
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Happy Upcoming BIG 5-0!
For your celebration, Ebony Vacations is pleased to provide the birthday cake for your sister and you. The cake will be delivered to the restaurant where you will host your birthday dinner on November 2nd.
You may go here to view the Jewel Grande restaurants. Please let us know your selection as soon as possible so we may arrange your reservation.
Relax beachfront in a private cabana(s) with your girls for only $99 per day. This option comes with a stocked Igloo cooler with beers and sodas along with a cabana concierge that is responsible for getting you food from the resort's restaurants and bars.
Consider a group photoshoot session to remember your BIG 5-0! Details are attached to the email accompanying this guide.
JAMAICA
Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean islands and the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean Sea.
Situated 90 miles south of Cuba, 600 miles south of Florida and 100 miles south-west of Haiti, Jamaica is approximately 146 miles long, 51 miles wide, and has an area of 4,411 square miles.
The capital, Kingston, is the largest city and is located in the south-eastern part of the island.
The island's name, Jamaica, is derived from the Arawak word Xaymaca, which probably means "land of wood and water" or "land of springs".
Jamaica is a land with a very distinct personality, so much so that much of its culture has filtered down to some of the smaller islands of the Caribbean; everything from the music to the fashion and lingo.
Jamaican culture has also gone international seen in the most significant way on the entertainment scene with international musical acts being influenced by Jamaican Dancehall and Reggae.
Aside from music, some of the other things Jamaica is known for are sports, amazing beaches, its abundance of waterfalls, and so much more.
Although the island’s ethnic make-up is predominately of African descent, Jamaica is a culturally diverse country. The population of approximately three million people is made up of African, European, East Indian and Chinese heritage. The island’s motto is “Out of Many, One People”, an ode to Jamaica’s multi-racial and multi-cultural history.
The vibe of the island embodies the famous words of Bob Marley, “every little thing is gonna be alright”. Come to Jamaica and feel the vibe. Once you’re there, you’ll know why Jamaica is the heartbeat of the world. Ya, mon!
INFO TO KNOW
While we do not feel anyone in your group will be wearing camouflage, please be aware wearing camouflage is illegal in Jamaica and is subject to punishment by fine and/or arrest.
Vendors, shop owners, and timeshare salespeople can be annoyingly aggressive even going as far as blocking you on the street. Be firm when telling them you are not interested and move on.
The sale and purchase of 2 oz of marijuana is legal in Jamaica, however do not purchase it as locals have warned that it is a lot stronger than that available in the United States and can cause serious adverse effects.
If you purchase alcohol on the island, pack it in your checked bag as the 3.4 ounce rule still applies at the airport. If you do not have a checked bag, purchase alcohol at the airport ...unless you have a layover.
JEWEL GRANDE MONTEGO BAY RESORT
Imagine a place where you can get away from it all. A tropical island paradise where the only time you’ll lift a finger is when you’re ordering drinks.
From a world-class full-service spa, two sparkling swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, private beachside cabanas, to gorgeous Montego Bay accommodations.
Lavished with an array of amenities, Jewel Grande is the ultimate all-inclusive luxury resort in Montego Bay Jamaica. Butler service (shared) is available in most suites.
As this is an all inclusive resort, guests receive wristbands at check in that MUST be worn during the stay. Wristbands also open the room door.
Blending luxury accommodations and exotic attractions, Jewel Grande brings your vacation fantasies to life no matter how long you stay.
Indulge in our breathtaking beaches, diverse dining options, limitless libations, numerous water sports and extravagant accommodations in one unparalleled package.
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Unlimited access to all 12 restaurants, eateries and bars
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
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Beach and pool concierge service
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Unlimited spirits, popular beers, and wines, plus room service
PLEASE NOTE: Some services may be suspended and restaurants closed due to COVID-19.
CLUB MOBAY
Savor the thought ...being treated like a true VIP moments after stepping off the plane in Jamaica!
Enjoy the warmth of Jamaican hospitality and luxury with the Club Mobay Fast Track and Personalized Meet and Greet services with VIP Lounge.
With the VIP Arrival “Meet and Greet” Service you will be:
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Greeted upon disembarking the plane by a dedicated representative with a sign bearing your name
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Escorted and expedited through Passport Control and customs
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Accompanied to the Club Mobay Arrival VIP Lounge where you can relax while your representative locates your transfer.
The Arrivals lounge features:
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Comfortable seating
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
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Complimentary snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
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Private restrooms and changing facilities
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Newspapers and magazines
IMPORTANT: Members of your group are arriving at varying times. Guests are assigned to shared transfers to the resort based on their flight arrival times and are only allowed to board transfers to which they are assigned. While members of the group are permitted to wait in Club Mobay for others in the group they are not permitted to board transfers to which they are not assigned. (Remember to tip your Club Mobay escort as well as your transfer driver.)
HIGHLIGHTS OF MONTEGO BAY PRIVATE TOUR
You will visit St. James Street, the main street in Montego Bay, and Sam Sharpe Square where you can capture amazing photos of Montego Bay and its surrounding areas.
Experience authentic Jamaica where the locals live when you visit the residential communities of Montego Bay.
The Hip Strip is the most famous tourist area in Montego Bay renowned for its restaurants, souvenir shops and bars including the popular Margaritaville Bar and Restaurant as well as Jamaica's beaches like Doctors' Cave.
You will have lunch (included) at Scotchies for an authentic Jamaican Jerk meal.
On the menu at Scotchies:
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Choice of quarter chicken, fish or pork
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Rice and peas
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One festival (similar to cornbread) and
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One drink.
NOTE: It is customary for each person to tip the driver $5 as well as $5 to the tour guide for a three to four hour tour.
THINGS TO DO
Thank you so much for the opportunity to help you plan your birthday celebration. We wish you and Darlene an amazing experience creating precious memories with your family and friends.
Should you have questions or concerns, Cher is ready to assist at cher@ebonyvacations.com or 937-554-2209 or contact our client services department at travel@ebonyvacations.com.