Caribbian or Bahamas...does anyone have any experience or recommendations?

[Patrick IL.]

We are in the very early stages of planning a trip, like next mid- May. It would basically be 4 adults, youngest will be 20 at the time. DD is pushing on Jamacia or something along those lines but dead set against a cruise. Thinking about those all inclusive deals for like 7 nights. Has anyone done these? Where did you go? Suggestions on anything? We have never been out of the continental US

 

[bsnyder]

Patrick, I went to Atlantis once, on business, and it was fabulous! I'd go back for a vacation there in a heartbeat.

It's been years since I went to Jamaica, and I don't think the all-inclusive we stayed at it still in business. But I did love the concept of an "all-inclusive" vacation....no worries, mon!

 

[Nutsy]

They both sound lovely..................but no I have never been, only seen pics in tv..............looks real lovely tho......

 

[Penny2]

Hate to burst your bubble, but Jamaica is one of my least favorite places. It is the ghetto of the Caribbean....even though we stayed at an all inclusive, we still went out on excursions.....at times I didn't feel safe, although I can't pinpoint exactly why. We thought we had 'we want drugs written across our forehead', we got approached so many times! Choose your all-inclusive carefully because there are some that cater to the hedonist in us and can be quite risque'.

We were in Grand Cayman last year and I would go there again in a heartbeat, though. Beautiful water, lots to do...but very expensive.

Remember, though that the weather in the Caribbean in May is very hot and can be rainy as well.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Bahamas would be my choice. I've heard negative things about Jamaica. As long as you were at a nice all inclusive resort and didn't leave the grounds it would be ok but I've been told Jamaica is not the safest place for tourists out around on their own. Haven't been to either but used to work in a travel agency and that's the scoop I got.

Good luck with your planning.

 

[Crush]

Take a Disney cruise. They'll get you there. And then if part of it isn't fun, you can always get back on the ship.

Don't think of a Disney cruise the way you think of any other cruise line. It just isn't the same. REALLY. I promise. You'll love it SO MUCH more.

I've been on two Disney cruises and can't wait to go again.

 

[DopeyRN]

Hey Pat...we went to Jamaica and stayed at a Sandal's resort. We absolutely LOVED the resort...stayed at Sandal's Dunns River. I am not sure I would go back to this one again tho. There are some negatives about Jamaica. The Sandals resorts are for couples only, so if it is you, DW and your grown kids, this is not your option. Something else to consider would be Sandal's Beaches resorts. There are a few of them...the coolest looking one is Turks and Caicos (sp?). Atlantis looks phenominal...both Atlantis and Beaches are expensive.

I agree on the Disney Cruise...just went in March...loved it...wish I could go back.

 

[Wagamama]

have you considered Antigua? I've never personally been there but have heard nothing but great things about it.

 

[NHAnn]

We liked Aruba and the US Virgin Islands better than the Bahamas. And Bermuda is wonderful (though it's NOT Carribean and it would be not as hot there in May as it would in the Carribean). Have not tried Jamaica (after reviews from friends and advice of a long-time travel agent friend)....feelings similar to those posted above!

We did do an all-inclusive in Aruba and throughly enjoyed it...the all inclusive we did on Grand Bahama Island was not as good as far as food and off-resort activities, but the room and the beach itself were nicer.

What kinds of activities and amentities are you looking for... for daytime/recreational (water, sports, local attractions, shopping ??and for nighttime...clubs, shows, gambling? ) It can vary widely from island to island and resort to resort.......
I've used a site called where2stay.com as well as Fodors for ideas and information.

With a couple of young adults I'm leaning toward suggesting Aruba.......it has something for everyone.

Have fun planning!!

 

[Kitty 34]

I went to Jamaica when I was 21 and loved it so I would lean towards that, Patrick!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

My DH and I visit Jamaica every year and we love it. Our last trip was in Dec. and we stayed at Sandals Negril. But as another poster mentioned Sandals are for couples only. There are the family oriented Beaches resorts. DH, DS, and I have been to the one in Turks and Caicos and it was wonderful. There are a few in Jamaica, one called Grand Sport is for the younger sport oriented crowd, I believe. There is also one called Royal Plantation which is more upscale. I am told you receive a flag when you arrive, and when you're laying at the beach or pool, just wave your flag and someone will come serve you. As for safety, the Jamaicans in my opinion are friendly but you have to be sensible. JUst as you wouldn't walk down your city street alone at 2am is the same for Jamaica. Though my husband and I are not much for sight seeing we have taken a few tours and other than the Jamaicans being extremely pushy, I have never felt unsafe. Have fun!

 

[Bildmouse]

I would definitely pick the Bahamas over Jamaica any day! We've been to Jamaica twice and you definitely don't feel safe outside of your resort unless you are with a group on a tour. We stayed at a Radisson in Nassau which was all inclusive and really loved it. We took a side trip to Atlantis which was also a lot of fun. I'd love to stay there someday.

 

[Ranatra]

Sounds like you're getting some good advice.
My choice would be either Aruba or Cancun. Also, A good friend of mine went to Atlantis and raved about it! I'd have to check that out also. Good Luck with your decision!

 

[WDWLVR]

Patrick,


Any particular reason why not a cruise. I definately think cruising in the way to go. You get to see a variety of islands and you only have to unpack once. Plus with DCL you have the wonderful ship and all it has to offer.

I've really loved all the islands we have visited, but I don't think I'd like any of them enough to stay a full 7 days. I'd rather have the variety.

 

[amid chaos]

Beaches at Turks and Caicos.

 

[Patrick IL.]

DD does not do well with cruises, hates that enclosed or "trapped" feeling, she is more of a beach/pool bum...also she struggles with motion sickness. Thanks for all the great advice so far!

 

[jel0511]

I'd stay away from the Bahamas like the plague. I'm not a fan of those islands, even the Atlantis doesn't do it for me. There are several all-inclusives located nthe Caribbean that will be good for your group. Beaches in Turks and Caicos is a good choice, as well as a few located on Barbados. I'd stay away from Jamaica, even on an all-inclusive resort for safety reasons. There are also some located on St. Lucia, but I have no personal expereince with them. My favorite way to vacation to the Caribbean is we rent a private villa on St. John. We (only a family of 4) usually get a 3 or 4 bedroom home with a private pool, and it's the BEST!!! St. John has some of the best beaches in the world, and staying in a private villa is just so relaxing. You can eat breakfasts in, and slowly meander your way around the island. We don't cook, except for the brakfasts, but sometimes we've grilled some steaks for dinner. Also, with the location of St. John, you can take either a charter boat (think excursion here) or a ferry over to the BVI's which are also beautiful. St. Thomas is only a ferry ride away(You fly into St. Thomas) for WONDERFUL shopping. If you want any further information about renting a villa, let me know.

Edited to add: I've been to SEVERAL of the Caribbean Islands (All of the USVI's, BVI's, Antigua, Bahamas and Bermuda (though neither in the Carribean), Barbados and the Caymans) and St. John is truly paradise!!!!

 

[Big Dude]

I'll be going back to Jamaica in July with my family (DW, DS13, DD12, DS4) There are many options to choose from. You have your super resorts like Sandals, Beaches and the like but we opt for an All Inclusive that, I feel, gives the best bang for the buck. The place is called Sunset Beach Resort and Spa. It is not a 5 star resort but it is not a hole in the wall either. If you compare it to a sort of DisneyWorld scale, it is not the Yacht and Beach Club but it is not off site either. It would kind of be like a Fort Wilderness.

Jamaica, like anywhere else in the world, has their bad seeds. I would not walk down a dark alley in Kingston at night any more than I would walk down a dark alley in Chicago, New York or even Orlando. If you are aware of your surroundings and make the right contacts, you will have the time of your life. I am not a big tourist trap type of person so I opt for different kinds of tours. I visit locals in their homes or at a community center. I like to visit local schools and churches. To find out what it is like to live there.

Here is a link to a trip report I took this past March.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail or PM me. I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Adam aka Big Dude

 

[NurseKim]

DH and I stayed at The Iberostar Bavaro in Punta Cana Dominican Republic. It took our breath away. We flew non-stop from Boston, all-inclusive, 24hrs food and drink, taxes, tip, transfers for $2400 for the both of us. Have fun planning!

 

[Blondie]

Several family members have been to Sandals/Jamaica and loved it, but they never really left the resort, so I can't comment on security/safety issues.

We've been to the Bahamas, and we loved it! We stayed on Cable Beach and never left that area. We never even made it to the famous "Straw Market." Great hotel, great food, nice people.

My SIL went to Cancun several years ago and said the people there really treated them like crap, they seemed very envious of the tourists, it was so bad she said she'll never go back! She felt very unwelcomed.

One place I want to vacation before I die is Tortola in the Virgin Islands.