Caribbean Vacation Zone

Just go to any of the OTHER Bahamian islands. There’s 29 "Family Islands". Eleuthera is beautiful, it has pink sand and very few people outside of the cities on either end (they’re moderate size towns). But oustide of New Providence and Grand Bahama islands they are all nice, the people are friendly, and you’ll have a good relaxing time without a bunch of tourists all around.

My fiance and I are trying to plan a caribean wedding. We are wondering where the prettiest all-inclusive resort would be that we would be able to take our entire wedding party including children. We want to make sure that everyone has a great time and that it is still very romantic. We are thinking sometime between this aug-dec. We also want to know if there is a good site to go to book everything.

So that you keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. I highly recommend Barbados. St. Lucia is another option. Barbados is rarely affected by that and basically out of the belt.

There are at least three locations for Almond Resorts in Barbados and two in St. Lucia. They are all-inclusive.

http://www.almondresorts.com/

For St. Lucia, there are at least three Sandals locations, you could even consider the one in Antigua which only has one.

http://www.sandals.com/

Barbados has this boutique hotel which received a Travellers’ Choice 2009 by tripadvisor – so that’s a winner!

http://www.littlearches.com/ – Although I’m uncertain if it is an all-inclusive one. But you could give it a shot and find out.

I used to tan about 10 years ago, but I quit to give my skin a break for a year, and just never went back. I will be going on a cruise to the Caribbean in October and I am going to get a really good base, so I don’t burn. I know beds have changed, and the salons won’t give me prices on packages unless I tour their facilities. What kind of beds are they going to push on me and are they stronger, quicker or are they worth it?
Ok, I have been using self tanners for several years. It is better to tan gradually than to burn once in the sun, especially that far south. So again, I am asking about tanning beds, little girls running to mamma for the answer, please go play with you Paris, Britney, and Lindsay dolls.

Really you dont need a stronger bed unless you tan easy. Slowly working up a tan it the best way and you keep it longer. I tan for 13 minutes in the super beds. there are also 11 minute beds that have higher UV and darken you quicker but if you haven’t tanned in a while i do not suggest this because you could possibly burn and that isn’t good. As far as prices go i really cant give you much info on that different places charge different for each bed. And your salon will not try to PUSH you for a bed you do not want. When you talk to them tell them you haven’t tanned in a while and your looking to build a base tan for a trip your going on they will give you different options that they have for you.. Make sure you get a good tanning lotion i use some stuff called Bohemian http://www.tanforless.com/Designer-Skin-BOHEMIA-Age-Defying-Dark-Tanning-Triple-Bronzer-p-2494.html.. Also make sure you moisturize every time after you tan this will help you keep your tan longer.. Also your question about are the stronger beds worth it?? Well it really depends it is worth it if your looking to tan in a short amount of time but if you have a few months to kill then you should just do the regular super beds they have you shouldn’t need to pay 15 or 20 extra for something you can just build in time.. I really hope i could help. Good Luck

My wife & I have never taken a cruise, and we’re looking to take one next spring sometime. She’s wanting to go to the Virgin Islands and some other eastern Caribbean destinations. Anyone have any suggestions on a particular destination and/or specific cruise line?

I have been on about 20 cruises with five different cruise lines and cruised all of the Caribbean routes and Mexico. Here’s what I recommend based on my experiences.

There are two factors to consider when planning a cruise (1) what activities are on ship and the demographics of the other passengers, and (2) what port stops will be made that I will enjoy.

I have been on Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity and Princess. All of these are good cruise lines. Royal Caribbean cruise line has some of the best on board activities including on various ships, ice skating or roller blading, mini-golf, table tennis, rock climbing wall, basketball court and on the new Freedom class ships, Liberty, Freedom and Independence of the Seas the flowrider where you can body surf right on ship. There are always pools and hot tubs and many ship have a Solarium (a cover area) with a pool and hot tubs for adults only. This is in addition to the regular pool and hot tubs for everyone. Some ships have water slides.

All of these lines have ships have great gymnasiums with a variety of equipment. The RC’s Freedom and Liberty have THE best gyms I have ever seen on ships.

You did not say where you live but you can cruise to the Caribbean from as far north as NY City. And, the Caribbean gives you many more options for itineraries, for departure ports (cruises go to the Caribbean from as far north as NY City and then all over Florida, plus New Orleans, Houston (Galveston) Texas, and Mobile, Alabama. So the Caribbean offers many more departure ports, ships, dates and options. And, for example if you want to go on the cruise lines newer ships your best bet is to go Caribbean out of Port Canaveral, Ft Lauderdale, or Miami, Florida.

The main things that you want to do is book very early and by that I mean 9 to 12 months or more in advance so that you can get the best price. All you need is a $250 to $300 deposit per person to book and hold your reservation and then you just pay it in full by 70 days beforfe the cruise. Also in the Caribbean you want to try to stay away from the hurricane season which in June through the end of October. Secondly, look for the specials that will be listed on each cruise line’s web site. Let that help determine when and where to go.

There are really three basic types of itineraries for the Caribbean. Western Caribbean cruises typically go to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and a private cruise line island. If you go to Cozumel there is the opportunity to buy a tour to see Mayan ruins, if that’s your interest. Its considered the best place to go for scuba and snorkeling. If you go to Jamaica the two main attractions are a river raft float trip (not rapids) and the Dunn’s River Falls climb. If you go to Grand Cayman you will likely want to go to 7-Mile Beach or do a swim with the dolphins/stingrays tour.

Cruises to the Eastern Caribbean typically go to St Thomas, St Maarten, a private cruise line island and maybe another island like Tortola or Puerto Rico. If you want to do a lot of shopping then pick a cruise with St Thomas as one of the port stops. St Maarten is also mainly a beach and shopping stop.

Most Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises have a private island stop where the ship takes food ashore for an all day beach party with games and entertainment. All of the cruise lines have what they call their private island and you can have a great day on these islands; only ship’s people on them for the day. Royal Caribbean has THE best private island I have ever been to at Labadee, Haiti. Its a huge place that has multiple beaches and many activities. RC’s ships the Freedom and The Liberty which do both the Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries both have stops at Labadee.

The Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries typically start in Puerto Rico and go either to Aruba, Curacao, and St Thomas and St Maarten, OR they go to the southern Caribbean islands like Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, St Lucia and maybe St Thomas and/or St Maarten. For the most part these latter islands are very much alike but nice to see. The main difference between these two Southern Caribbean itineraries, aside from the different islands, is the Aruba cruise has two "at sea" days with no port stops, while the other has a port stop about each day.

My favorite cruise line is Royal Caribbean but you cannot go wrong with Celebrity, Princess or Holland America. If you are looking for a real budget cruise and a party ship go on Carnival. If you want to basically be informal the whole cruise go on Norwegian. Finally, while you are looking at cruises pay attention to the ship and when it was launched. The best cruises will be on the newer ship, those launched about 2000 or later. That’s my experienced opinion and advice.

If all of this does not answer your questions just go to a travel agent, like an AAA or American Express office, and they will answer your questions and help you book at no cost

Can anyone suggest which is the best country for a week vacation in the Caribbean? Or the worst?

I highly recommend Barbados, it’s by far the best country/island I’ve ever been to.

I have been there 6 times and planning on coming back soon.

There are a lot to see/do in Barbados. Don’t forget to check out Rockley Beach known as Accra.

The route taxi/public transit is only 1.50 BDS per way.

As for its capital, Bridgetown, there’s duty-free shopping especially at Cave Shepherd which offers from books to gifts/souviers (sp?) to jewellery to clothing.

Food is a bit different to your taste, the only restaurant that’s well known recognized is KFC. That’s right, there’s NO McDonald’s and others. KFC there is somewhat different than in U.S.A., Canada… For budgetting, I’d suggest do groceries to save rather than on fast food. As an alternative to McDonald’s or something, there’s Big John’s/Chefette’s (sp?).

Other than Accra (Rockley Beach), check Miami/Entreprise beach in Oistins. There’s walking distance.

As for accommodation, if you’re budgetting, I’d highly recommend Pegwell Inn Guest House in Upper Welches, as it’s walking distance to a plaza, post office, beaches, etc.. The lady there is very lovely. That guest house is cheapest compared to others.

On another note, there are also Cave Shepherd store(s) outside the capital for your convience.. Sandy Lane beach is cool, too.

And no great white sharks around Barbados. You cannot resist those beautiful clear water and white, sandy beaches.

As for attractions, if interested, you can check Altantis Submarine, Jolly Roger, Animal Flower Cave, Harrison’s Cove. It might take a little of your money here and there, but it’s worth it. There’s also Barbados Muesum, so on as the list goes on!