Caribbean Islands? Help me!

[MickeyMark9]

Okay, laugh all you want. I'm 29 and have never been to the Caribbean. Also, I'm new to DVC and was wondering this: if you had one week to go anywhere you wanted in the Caribbean (that's on the DVC list), where would you go? Better yet, what are your top 3? To give you an idea of what I liked (based on the photos & amenities), Marriott's Ocean Club in Aruba looks great, and the Harborside Resort in Atlantis looks cool too (although I am looking for on-site beach access). The Hyatt in PR has a river pool, and a swim-up bar...very nice too. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[JimMIA]

This is a rather non-DVC suggestion, but if I had a week and had never been before, I'd book an Western Caribbean non-Disney cruise. That would take you somewhere in Mexico (Cancun, Cozumel, etc...possibly both), probably to Jamaica or Grand Cayman (possibly both), and a private island owned by the cruise line.

Miami is the largest cruise port in the world, and there are a lot of cruise consolidators here. I've never used them because we've been able to go "Friends & Family" for next to nothing, but many people speak very highly of them. There are three BIG cruise lines here (Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival), plus several other good smaller lines.

Just glancing at some of the offerings, I see seven day cruises from about $700 per person (a few even less). Realistically, you'll want to pay a little more than that, because those are inside, lower deck cabins, but you should be able to get something great for less than $1,000 per person. The later you book, the more you save because cruise cabins are just like airline seats -- they have a very finite shelf life, and when the ship sails, that revenue is gone.

Good luck and have a great trip.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Baby steps.... First, Caribbean Beach Resort WDW, then Vero Beach, then the Cruise to Castaway Cay, THEN the Caribbean Islands. Unless, this is your honeymoon, in which case go now. Atlantis.

 

["Got Disney"]

I love the Disney Cruise ...we have been on 6. If you do the Disney cruise(even if you have no children) you can get a taste of some caribbian ports and than go fly back there next time.

There are so many fun places that I can't just pick one...but if I had to I would say "The Grand Caymen Island" the beaches are beautiful and the water is to dye for...

St. Thomas is also great and they have one of the best Beaches in the world...Megans Bay Beach...and great Duty free shopping and is my DH's favorite...mine is the caymens..

Are these on the DVC and can you use them on your trip...well that you need to check out. But if you dont want to use the pts than check out either of these.

Have a great time....also a non Disney cruise will be cheaper but i'ts not Disney and as mentioned even without kids it is a great cruise and they keep the kids so busy that you dont even see them...and there are also adult area...no kids aloud. Also there private Island "Cast away Cay"(in the Bahamas) has an Adult only beach that is great ....

We just came back from 5 days at WDW and 10 day Christmas Cruise through the Caribbian and can't wait to go back again!!!
Enjoy the sun!!!! you'll havv a great time!!!

 

[homedad]

They have a resort on Provo in Turks and Caicos, Grace Beach is written up in travel mags as a top beach in the world and the island itself is on the slow side, ie no casino's, no cruise ships etc. If you like laid back it may be a consideration.

 

[Dumbo]

Make sure you factor the cost of airfare into your decision. Airfare to the Bahamas is a lot cheaper than airfare to Aruba.

Dumbo

 

[Dean]

Royals in Cancun, Reef Resort Grand Cayman, Westin St. John, Harborside Atlantis, Marriott's in Aruba would be my short list for this question. I would be reluctant for PR due to the variables with the hotels/resorts there. There are other good choices that are maybe a notch below.

 

[disneybride96]

I would go for a cruise also... it gives you a taste of different islands. Personally, I love the Eastern itenerary hands down! Totally different feel than the western. (European Influence Carribean vs. Mexican Influence Carribean) IMO...skip the bahamas (except castaway cay) at all costs!

 

[arubalisa]

During our visits to the island in both September (off off season) and December, the Ocean Club in Aruba was packed to the gills.

First timer to Caribbean? IMHO, would check out a cruise with minimum of days at sea and maximum number of ports to get a feel for which type of island you would like. There are vast differences!

If worst comes to worst and you hate the Caribbean, at least you have the shipboard experience for amusement!

 

[maureenann]

They have a resort on Provo in Turks and Caicos, Grace Beach is written up in travel mags as a top beach in the world and the island itself is on the slow side, ie no casino's, no cruise ships etc. If you like laid back it may be a consideration.

Have been going to Provo for years, it's beautiful. Grace Beach is, in fact, one of the nicest beached i've been to. Won't be going back, it's becoming way too developed. But, the Ocean Club (there are two on the beach) is wonderful, I've heard good things about the Grace Beach Resort also (but they don't allow kids). Provo was my favorite place on earth..