Caribbean Vacations

sluce · October 20th, 2006, 02:04 PM

I have never been to the Caribbean and want to go in Feb for a long weekend with my 13 yo daughter. Any suggestions of places that will be warm, beautiful and have some site seeing would be great. I am planning to spend up to 3k for both of us for 2/14-2/19.

Thanks!
Sluce

LynnieD · October 20th, 2006, 02:18 PM

Well, not sure where you are coming from in the country--but Atlantis (Paradise Island) is very nice from what I hear (I have not been there personally). They have a dolphin program that the guests can participate in (for a fee of course) and swim w/the dolphins, etc. It's a nice resort, clean, safe. (My friend was there recently and loved it). It's also a casino...

I have personally been to Puerto Rico (though years ago), 2 of the Virgin Islands. So if you would like any info on those locations, I'd be happy to tell you what I remember...

There are so many cool places to go, just depends on how much you are looking to spend and how long you plan on being there.

What a nice mom you are!!

pacific breeze · October 20th, 2006, 02:19 PM

$3,000 for a long weekend sounds VERY overpriced unless you're going to St. Bart's or something.

**NoDayButToday** · October 20th, 2006, 02:22 PM

Why don't you check out the various cruise lines? You can very easily get a nice room on a nice line for a 3 or 4 day cruise that goes to the bahamas and usually the cruise line's private island with that amount of money (less even).

sluce · October 20th, 2006, 02:56 PM

I am not a cruise fan (Tom or passenger lines) so I am looking more for an Island. The dolphin thing sounds great!

Grimmlok · October 20th, 2006, 03:00 PM

Don't go to Jamaica.. they hate and kill the gays and you can't have real fun without a gay.

Cruise ships tend to be rife with horrible Norwalk virus's and whatnot.. plus yer stuck on a bloody ship.

I suggest a 5 star hotel in the Dominican Republic, i have a number of friends who've gone for like 900 bucks for a week and said it was gorgeous.

I've never been anywhere tropical or carribean myself, however. *sigh*

Laurent · October 20th, 2006, 03:01 PM

Been to the Bahamas twice. Beautiful and both times I was barely off the boat before I was offered some "quality" bud.

Lobelia · October 20th, 2006, 03:04 PM

I cruised in the caribbean, & stopped in the Caymans & Cozumel. Swam with stingrays in the caymans & LIVED TO TELL THE TALE.

Whatever you do, it will be wonderful. I've always loved the ocean, but once I saw the color of caribbean water, I was spoiled forever. Here it's turquoise, over there it's crystal aqua.... it's so gorgeous & mesmerizing...

sluce · October 20th, 2006, 03:08 PM

I just checked out Atlantis in the Bahamas and they have packages for about $2500. not including air or food. The ammenities are amazing though including the dolphins and more.

Lob - am happy you survived the stingrays!

**NoDayButToday** · October 20th, 2006, 03:10 PM

Atlantis is considered one of the most expensive hotels in the Bahamas, I'm sure there are other nice resorts where you could get a better deal and stay under budget. I'll have to look around though.

LynnieD · October 20th, 2006, 03:14 PM

Yea, Atlantis is pretty pricey, but perhaps if you go through a Travel Agent or other (like BJ's or Sams Club) you could save a bit. Or like the other posters have said, there are some really great other islands and resorts/hotels out there as well. I don't think you could go wrong anywhere you end up.

Sojiita · October 20th, 2006, 03:32 PM

My parents went on a cruise to the Caribbean and Central and South America and they said they will NEVER go again. They said the stark contrasts between extreme poverty and extreme wealth was very upsetting to them. They also were constantly accosted by beggar children..in some places there weresoldiers with machine guns everywhere(especially Columbia)..and even though they are Christians(the sane kind)..they were outraged at the way the Churchesin some areas were lavishly decorated with gold and jewels while the surrounding neighborhoods consisted of people living in hovels. Many people in their group were just heartbroken by the poverty and the lack of virtuallyany kind of a middle class.. Just tourists..lots of poor people..and a few wealthy indigenous people exploiting all the rest(kind of where the US is headed

).

Why not Puerto Rico? It has everything the other islands have..has a good economy where there is at least a better level of fairness..??? Lots of history in old San Juan..beautiful beaches..mountain rain forests..?????? And Ricky Martin is there so you will have a gay like Grimm said!! LOL (plus if you are an American your money is staying in the US..same with the lovely Virgin Islands..another not so bad place(St. Thomas especially)

LynnieD · October 20th, 2006, 03:35 PM

^^Same goes for Mexico and a lot of the islands. Sucks. Aruba (though not in the Caribbean) is not really like that, and allegedly safe (except for that nasty Natalie Holloway thing). Jamaica is notorious for the beggers and crap.

Sojiita · October 20th, 2006, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynnieD

^^Same goes for Mexico and a lot of the islands. Sucks. Aruba (though not in the Caribbean) is not really like that, and allegedly safe (except for that nasty Natalie Holloway thing). Jamaica is notorious for the beggers and crap.

^^My parents did like the ABC islands They however reneged on their promise to get me some nice liquors in Curacao!!

LynnieD · October 20th, 2006, 03:39 PM

THOSE BASTARDS!! I would disown them immediately!! I mean, would it have killed them to bring back a few cases of really cheap liquor for their wonderful son??? Geez!