Caribbean - HELP!

[LurkerLisa]

I need help! I know that this sounds crazy, but my teenagers want to try something other than Disney for a trip in June. They say that they want to try the Caribbean. What??!! I don't know a THING about that part of the world.

I'm hoping that someone on the DIS has been someplace that they could tell me about.

1. There would be 2 adults and 2 teens.

2. A good beach is most important.

3. Can you drink the water, or is it a problem like in Mexico?

4. I don't want to go to a place where the residents hate me (a friend said that Jamaica was nice, but she didn't feel safe outside the resort)

5. If it's going to cost as much as Hawaii, should I just go there?

What else should I care/worry about

Thank you in advance for any help/advice that you can provide!

Lisa

 

[MoniqueU]

I have been to Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic and Bahamas.
Of those, Turks and Caicos had the nicest beach but not much to do outside of watersports and such. Jamaica I had the most fun (at the resort and off in Negril cliff jumping) Dominican Republic you did have to worry about the water you drank. Dominican was ok but the food at our resort was the least favorite of the 4 I have been to. Water was great and I had a good time though I would just pick a nicer resort next time. Bahamas I would not go back to unless I was staying at Atlantis. Loved Atlantis, thought the Bahamamian people were a bit snooty and the crowd there was YOUNG as in 18 and down to Party sitting in the hotel pool all day drinking beers and not getting out to pee. Just not our cup of tea and I wouldnt want my kids in that enviornment.
All of them I thought the beaches were better by far and away then Hawaii. I am about equal distance from Hawaii and the Caribbean being on the West Coast and I would pick anywhere in the Caribbean to return to before I would pick Hawaill. I only went to Oahu but I just wasn't all that impressed. I stayed at the JW Marriott Ihilant Resort with a Private jacuzzi on my patio. While the service was top notch and the hotel was beautiful I just feel I get so much more for my money in the Caribbean. I could be the only one that thinks this though.

Edited to add I stayed in all these countries, didn't just visit them on a cruise and see the port. Jamaica to stay in is very different to stay in then it is to get dumped off in a ship. I have been there 3 times and would not hesitate to take my kids.

 

[noseybuddy]

Atlantis is nice in the Bahamas. You don't even need to leave the resort. Only need a few days there. Eating is a bit pricey, but they do offer a meal plan. The slides are great fun. Nice beach with water sports. Very nice resort.

I love hawaii. Ohau has so much to do. Actually it isn't too bad cost wise. Go on Expedia.com and look at the vacations they have to offer. I have been there but my DH and teens haven't That is on my list for the next trip that i plan.

A cruise is always fun for teens. Royal Caribbeans Freedom of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Explorer of seas are great for teens. Depending on what cabin you chose will determine how much your vacation cost.

Hope this info helped.

 

[mickeyboat]

A cruise is always fun for teens. Royal Caribbeans Freedom of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Explorer of seas are great for teens. Depending on what cabin you chose will determine how much your vacation cost.

I second this suggestion. You and your teens won't get bored.

Denae