Anyone been to the Caribbean?

[Alexa]

Hi everyone!

Only 3 1/2 more months to go until our wedding!! eek I can't believe how the time has just flown by! We're starting to think about our honeymoon. Has anyone been to the Caribbean? If so, which island(s) would you recommend? We've been to Cuba (no problem from Canada!!!) but we'd like to try somewhere else. We're thinking about the Mayan Rivera in Mexico, but I'd appreciate any suggestions/advice. I just want to avoid taking many flights and a bus ride or something like that....need something pretty accessible.

Thanks grouphug

:) Alexa

[liz2]

I'm addicted to cruises, esp. on Royal Carribean. The executive chef and head waiter worked beautifully with my IC and diabetic diets.

[Jeanne]

Hi Alexa-
When I got married three years ago, we honeymooned at the Sandals Resort in Nassau Bahamas. The resort is 5 diamond AAA rated and is a 10 minute cab ride from the airport. Because it's all-inclusive, you don't have to leave the resort if you're not feeling up to heading into town and the many, many buffets make it easy to find IC safe food: white rice, plain fish, etc. Also, since every restaurant you go to is part of the resort, they have to pay attention to your dietary needs when ordering. Another bonus was the pools are freshwater so no problems with chlorine sensitivity. Anyway, it's not cheap, but it was the perfect choice for me and my IC "high-maintenace" issues! I looked at so many places before deciding where to go, so check out Sandals since they also have resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia (not all of them are so close to the airport and have the shorter plane ride to Nassau). Anyway, congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!
Jeanne

[darlene]

Alexa, I have been to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Cozumel Mexico, St Thomas, St John, Martinique, St Marteen, The Dominican Republic, Dominica, St Lucia, Grenada, Guadalupe, Barbados, and Puerto Rico. A cruise is a good way to go, because they will cater to your dietary restrictions. The cruise food is probably safer to eat, because they get inspected for food safety. I am going on a RCL cruise next month, and have chosen one with what I consider a fairly IC friendly itinerary. By that I mean the availability of restrooms. As you might expect, I have had to go hours without restrooms on the less developed islands. That was very painfull. I have been on Caribbean beaches that didn't have restrooms. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

[jaime15]

Darlene maybe we've met before on a cruise? hi

Alexa: I've always went with Royal Carribean to, Cozumel, mexico; US Virgin Islands; and to Jamaica. Just make sure if you go this route and sign up for their itinerary tours make sure they do have a restroom available. When we went to Jamaica our first tour had a bathroom on the boat getting there and at the beach. But the second one didn't on the boat or the submarine. And I felt awful the whole time. Couldn't enjoy that one til we were back on the island and getting a restroom! eek
No matter what you decide you'll have fun!!
Jaime

[Amanda]

I have only been on one cruise, on Royal Caribbean last year. Ten days in the Southern Caribbean. It was absolutely wonderful.

Amanda

[SueP1]

I have been on a few cruises, and to quite a few of the islands. It depends on what you like, as a lot of them are similar. I thought Aruba, the Caymans,or Barbados would be nice to go back to.

[Alexa]

Thank you SO much for all of your replies -- great tips and advice!! I really appreciate it!

I've heard AMAZING things about the Sandals resorts, but they are pretty $$$$ What time of year did you go? We're going in July. Do you think the heat would be unbearable at that time?

We were thinking of a cruise, but I think we're going with an all-inclusive resort instead since all we want to do is lie on the beach and relax. When we went to Cuba, the beach was a 2 minute walk from our room, so the bathroom was always accessible! :) Hopefully we can find that again!

Thanks again.....any more suggestions/advice always welcome!!!!

Warm hugs,
Alexa

[Maureen]

Hi Alexa,
We were in Playa de Carmen across from Cozumel last July. It was Hot!! but great for just swimming and relaxing. We had a geat time and lots do do especially if you like to snorkel. We also visited the ruins. I am actually thinking about taking a last minute trip at the beginning of May with my daughter as a graduation present.

I do not recommend the Dominician Republic. We had alot of problems there with the locals.

St. Marten is really nice but if you go there rent a car. There are so many great beaches to explore. Great place to buy jewellery and perfume!

Aruba is one of my favourite islands. The people are really friendly. You can walk around at night. We used to take the public transportation everywhere.

Maureen

[Flore]

Hi Alexa

My husband and I took a crusier (??), and we visted, Nassau, St Thomas, Puerto Rico, Labadiee, and this trip was one of the best of our lifes

I went with my hussband to Jamiaca (Casa de Campo) and is beautifull

But I´m mexican, and I think Cancún, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel are the best!!!

[poetgirl]

Alexa,

My husband and I went to Puerto Rico on our honeymoon, which was beautiful. We had a great time. We stayed at the Westin Rio Mar Beach Resort, which is about a 30 minute drive from the airport. They may even have a shuttle from the airport to the resort, which is a better choice if you are not going to do much sightseeing elsewhere during your stay. The resort is lovely, the service is excellent, and the culture is warm and embracing. http://www.westinriomar.com/ They even have a casino! I'm half Puerto-Rican, and that was my first time visiting PR, and I felt so very much at home.

There are bathrooms adjacent to the pools and beach. You can either relax on the beach or go sea kayaking/sailing or play tennis or golf (if you're up for it.)

[Alexa]

Thanks for your advice/tips/opinions. I think we're either going to Mexico (Caribbean side) or to Bermuda. Still haven't decided, but at least we've narrowed it down! Thanks again everyone grouphug

:) Alexa