Caribbean Honeymoon destinations

butterfly234

Hello!

I am in the middle of planning our honeymoon for November & we will be flying into nyc. We want to go down to the Caribbean for 5/6 nights & then come back to NYC for 4 nights over Thanksgiving.

Can anybody tell me what their honeymoon plans are preferably in the Caribbean! I need inspiration I am finding it difficult to find good value for money on 4+ star resorts there.

Looking forward to hearing from you!!

Faith

Just FYI - November is still hurricane season in the Carribbean. The season peaks from August to October, though, so it might be alright.

Preset No.3

Take a flight down to Orlando or Miami and take a cruise for 5/7 days that will take in Coco Cay, Nassau, Freeport, and even Cozumel in Mexico. The cheap way is with Carnival so if you can do it go with Royal Caribbean.

SarahMollie

Have you looked at Cuba for something a little more interesting?

butterfly234

Thanks for the replies. We have just started looking into Cruises from Florida.. maybe a 5 day one. Cuba is also an option.. I don't know much about it though.

esforum

Dominican republic, dominican republic, dominican republic or cruise and see multiple islands.

We stayed in Punta Cana for 1 week, cruise from Puerto Rico for 6 nights and then stayed in Puerto Rico for another week. Should have cruised first and then spent 2 in Punta Cana, was much better for the same money

SarahMollie

I've heard the Dominican Republic is extremely dangerous if you go outside the resorts at all. This alone would put me off. But if you're the type to stay in the resort and have no interest in getting out to explore, then it probably wouldnt bother you.

Keane2baMused

The crime rate is very high which is something to consider. Unless as the previous poster mentioned you are prepared to stay within the resorts then you wouldn't have to worry, but you could do that in somewhere a lot closer to home so it would be a bit pointless (I think anyway)

SarahMollie

Yeah I think people are attracted to how cheap the all inclusive resorts are in these countries. I'd expect the same standard to cost a lot more in Europe.

However I think there are definitely safer places to go to than the Dominican Republic. A colleague of a friend of mine was robbed and stabbed when he went past the flags for his hotel beach in DR. He was out for a jog and didnt notice he'd left the resorts official territory. It was all superficial enough but still a horrible experience.

I think you get what you pay for and there is a reason its cheaper.

esforum

eh the crime rate is actually low, where are you getting that information from? Its one of the safer destinations in that region, true theres pickpockets etc like everywhere but other than that, very easy place to wander around once you can speak with people and not be a gormless fool.

Try Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, etc and you will see crime beyond the hotel. Theres a reason why DR is one of the most popular places for people from the US to move to / retire

amdublin

Mexico - cancun or riviera

This is my recommendation for best value for your money.

smarty_mcfly

I've been fortunate enough to have gone on 3 caribbean cruises and highly recommend them - would suggest going with Norwegian for the best all around experience but Carnival (party cruising) does have one of the most beautiful islands in the caribbean on its itineraries (Half Moon Cay )

if you do decide to go the cruise route, www.vacationstogo.com usually has the cheapest prices.

SarahMollie

esforum wrote: »

eh the crime rate is actually low, where are you getting that information from? Its one of the safer destinations in that region, true theres pickpockets etc like everywhere but other than that, very easy place to wander around once you can speak with people and not be a gormless fool.

Try Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, etc and you will see crime beyond the hotel. Theres a reason why DR is one of the most popular places for people from the US to move to / retire

I've been to Cuba, its extremely safe. Probably because its a communist dictatorship and the people are extremely controlled however.

Also, I never said the DR was the only dangerous place in the region, I think its well established that Mexico and Jamaica both have issues (again if you leave the resort).

I've also met the guy who was stabbed in the DR, its not some random friend of a friend story.

This is travel advice from the UK govt. Pretty reliable source I'd say.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/dominican-republic/safety-and-security

NIMAN

We did Cuba for our HM.

It was a place I had always wanted to see, and I must say I enjoyed it a lot. Especially Havana, where we spent the 1St four days. Fantastic city, deep sense of history about the place, lovely people.

Then went on to one of the all inclusive holidays resorts, and to be honest outside of the hotels there isn't a lot to do, bar the odd catamaran trips, day trips etc. You have to remember that around the local villages and towns everyone is very poor.

I'd thoroughly recommend Cuba, especially before its full of McDonald's and Starbucks.

SarahMollie

I'd recommend it too. I felt really safe in Havana (well aside from crossing the road - they drive like maniacs!) and its such a fascinating place, great value and beautiful in a slightly tragic sort of way.

I'd recommend it for the more adventurous traveler only tho - we met a few Brits while we were there who despite staying at the fanciest hotel in Havana were basically hating it because "nothing was up to standard" - its a communist dictatorship under sanctions - what do you expect! We mentioned one of the really tourist bars (Sloppy Joes) that we described as "boring and sterile" and they asked for directions to it!

We went to Trinidad between Havana and Varadero - it was really the highlight of our trip. Really artsy place and so laid back. Its a world heritage town and its just so different. The resort was actually our least favorite part of our stay - we felt like the whole environment make adults behave like children, and we were just really bored.

I think we learned that we are not suited to lazing around the pool 24/7!

esforum

SarahMollie wrote: »

I've been to Cuba, its extremely safe. Probably because its a communist dictatorship and the people are extremely controlled however.

Also, I never said the DR was the only dangerous place in the region, I think its well established that Mexico and Jamaica both have issues (again if you leave the resort).

I've also met the guy who was stabbed in the DR, its not some random friend of a friend story.

This is travel advice from the UK govt. Pretty reliable source I'd say.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/dominican-republic/safety-and-security

A, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/safety-and-security but you say Cuba is a very safe place. Countries issue security advise about every country plus lets be honest, the number of 20, that was two tour groups by the same gang, have you been to Dublin city centre lately? Lot more than 2 muggings on tourists every day. Also note that our own government doesnt think crime is something to worry about (https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/dominican-republic/) but does feel the need to warn about Cuba (https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/cuba/)

B, none of that changes that the DR is a safe country. People get mugged, raped and murdered in the UK to actually a higher level than the DR.

C, Have you been to the DR? I appreciate you have a friend that was assaulted but again, theres many attacked and hurt in Dublin, London, etc. Theres thousands of English speaking people living in the DR without any issue.

Look Im no looking to argue over countries, its a beautiful region of the world but its unfair to label a nation based on a few incidents. Especially without being there yourself

Keane2baMused

I also know someone who had a terrible experience in DR. Without going into it not a hope I would go.

esforum

I was spat on in Cork, its a terrible place

I know someone pickpocketed in Rome, terrible place

I know someone raped in London, crime city so it is

My wife had her phone stolen in Barcelona

etc......

If you wont go somewhere because someone had a bad experience, very few places left.

Keane2baMused

Aaand I know plenty who had the crap bet out of them in Dublin.

Thats not the point really though. The point is travelling thousands of miles away to a country where it is known to have not only one of the highest crime rates ( less serious stuff like robbing you blind). But has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

Statistically you have a higher chance of being mugged, beaten or stabbed than you do in Cork, London, Rome etc.

dw2016

Hi,
Has anyone any views or info on jamaica re things to do, weather wise for oct, safety outside hotels, nightlife etc?
We are plannig on going to new york for a few days and then on to jamaica or some other carribean island for some sun if the budget allows.
Thanks in advance.

Mesrine65

Aruba is the quintessential Caribbean island for me, all sun and sea & stretches of powdery white sand.

The humidity is low, the temperature is almost constant at about 27°C & it seldom rains, but when it does, it's usually only a short shower.

Aruba lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt & all EU citizens can visit visa-free for 30-60 days.

First Choice Airways flies charter flights from London & Manchester & KLM flies to-from Amsterdam direct.

http://www.aruba.com/

esforum

Keane2baMused wrote: »

Aaand I know plenty who had the crap bet out of them in Dublin.

Thats not the point really though. The point is travelling thousands of miles away to a country where it is known to have not only one of the highest crime rates ( less serious stuff like robbing you blind). But has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

Statistically you have a higher chance of being mugged, beaten or stabbed than you do in Cork, London, Rome etc.

The whole of the Americas has high crime and murder rates. As does Africa, DR is somewhere in the middle of those nations statistically but I would be wary of some stats. Ever see a film called 'Tropa De Elite'? Excellent film about the Brazilian police which as an aside, looks into their stat keeping. Amazing how some 3rd world nations are apparantly very very safe statistically.

But anyway, like I said, if you wont travel outside Ireland based on danger, you wont have a huge amount of options. Having lived in the DR, I consider it fine. You dont wish to visit it, thats fine as well. Plenty of countries on the globe that offer similar experiences.

esforum

dw2016 wrote: »

Hi,
Has anyone any views or info on jamaica re things to do, weather wise for oct, safety outside hotels, nightlife etc?
We are plannig on going to new york for a few days and then on to jamaica or some other carribean island for some sun if the budget allows.
Thanks in advance.

I would advise against leaving the resort for 2 reasons, one being crime. Not only targeting you but getting caught in the middle of stuff, secondly theres few nations in the world where there is such a stark contrast between 'tourist' and 'resident'. It would probable take the shine of your stay

SarahMollie

esforum wrote: »

A, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/safety-and-security but you say Cuba is a very safe place. Countries issue security advise about every country plus lets be honest, the number of 20, that was two tour groups by the same gang, have you been to Dublin city centre lately? Lot more than 2 muggings on tourists every day. Also note that our own government doesnt think crime is something to worry about (https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/dominican-republic/) but does feel the need to warn about Cuba (https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/cuba/)

B, none of that changes that the DR is a safe country. People get mugged, raped and murdered in the UK to actually a higher level than the DR.

C, Have you been to the DR? I appreciate you have a friend that was assaulted but again, theres many attacked and hurt in Dublin, London, etc. Theres thousands of English speaking people living in the DR without any issue.

Look Im no looking to argue over countries, its a beautiful region of the world but its unfair to label a nation based on a few incidents. Especially without being there yourself

Admittedly I've not been, nor do I have a particular desire to go. I'm not really into resorts personally and I'm not sure why you'd go otherwise. There are just other places in the world I'd rather spend my time and money on.

I don't think you need to have visited every country in the world to have an opinion.

Also, this forum is asking about honeymoon destinations - not everyone is going to be an adventurous traveler especially for a honeymoon. This will be the holiday of a lifetime for some, who perhaps are not used to going to far flung destinations, where you have to consider the natural consequences of vacationing in luxury alongside abject poverty.

I did feel the "white guilt" factor myself in Cuba (and also parts of Asia and Africa that I've visited previously). I went with my eyes open but some people are very upset by it.

dw2016

dw2016 wrote: »

Hi,
Has anyone any views or info on jamaica re things to do, weather wise for oct, safety outside hotels, nightlife etc?
We are plannig on going to new york for a few days and then on to jamaica or some other carribean island for some sun if the budget allows.
Thanks in advance.

Bump this up! Anybody?

anewme

The bodyholiday in St Lucia is a fantastic resort. There's a great mix of singles and couples. It's quite a small resort (I think around 150 rooms) so you get to know the people who are there at the same time as you. Would recommend.

Michelle_b

Jamaica has all inclusive resorts and few touristy places to see but advised to stay with your tour groups and at night around resort but resorts are fab and have everything. Dunns River falls is supposed to be a must see. Capital I think is where major crime is. Ochio Rios is supposed to be lovely and has good bars. There is cruise ships there every day in Falmouth. I will say this a lot of Americans I used to meet had told me that they didn't like Jamaica. However I had friends travelled there often and only place they avoided was Kingston, capital. They always had great fun. My choice is Mexico, Puerto del Carmen is lovely and lots of all inclusives to very high standard. Also have diff tourist stuff to do like tulum, ruins and caves etc. I love Mexico- playa del Carmen (quieter, lot of honeymooners and couples and tours directly from hotel daily you can choose from) cancun( busier and partyish) and Cabo ( pacific side partyish and good fun) all good- all inclusives - food, accommodation and gorgeous beaches and entertainment at night. Shopping town centers, bars and nightclubs. Caribbean islands all have safe places and areas stay out of at nightfall. Hotels will advise you. Trip advisor.. Look at hotel reviews too. Only other advice is hurricane season.October is still hurricane season and can affect everything if storm is on the way....hope I have been some help

helimachoptor

dw2016 wrote: »

Hi,
Has anyone any views or info on jamaica re things to do, weather wise for oct, safety outside hotels, nightlife etc?
We are plannig on going to new york for a few days and then on to jamaica or some other carribean island for some sun if the budget allows.
Thanks in advance.

We went to Couples Negril (4 years ago in July)
Very nice resort, food and drink were top notch, weather was very good

There are a few resorts in the area, you're pretty safe once youre within the resort markers, however outside of the resort is ridiculously poor.

A friend of the family and his wife were held up at the sharp end of a Uzi about 8 years ago (outside their resort) they'd gotten lost and ended up basically wandering into a shanty town.

In summary, if you are staying in the resort/ doing escorted excursions you wont have any issues

dw2016

Thanks guys, we were planning to hire a car to explore the sites and maybe sample the night life outside of the resort but that seems not the thing to do!
Don't mind doing the excursions during the day instead but would there be enouweregh going on in the resorts at night to keep you entertained?we're thinking of staying 7 or 8 nights.

helimachoptor

dw2016 wrote: »

Thanks guys, we were planning to hire a car to explore the sites and maybe sample the night life outside of the resort but that seems not the thing to do!
Don't mind doing the excursions during the day instead but would there be enouweregh going on in the resorts at night to keep you entertained?we're thinking of staying 7 or 8 nights.

we stayed for 10 nights, plenty to do with lots of different entertainment put on

We made friends with 2 american couples, one of them asked did we want some swinging action :P

dw2016

helimachoptor wrote: »

we stayed for 10 nights, plenty to do with lots of different entertainment put on

We made friends with 2 american couples, one of them asked did we want some swinging action :P

That's good to know!so our plan is new York 5 nights and on to Jamaica for 8 for some Sun and fun! Can't wait

Ps I think we'll leave out the swinging seen it is our honeymoon!ha ha