Riu Ocho Rios in Jamaica is a very nice all inclusive resort. Definately worth looking into.

 

I know most people on here won't be allowed to go, but if you ever get a chance to see Cuba, take it. As a non-terrorist suspect, that is. Beautiful weather year round, awesome people and has a lot of history. Place I went to was in the SE part of the island, they haven't been hit by a hurricane in 50+ years. All-inclusive, only thing you pay is tips, and excursions. Resort had 3 pools, a hot tub and a cold tub. And awesome food. And just about all the channels they have are from the US, so if you want to watch TV, there will be something familiar. Two weeks worked out to be $2200 CDN, and it was definitely worth it.

 

As a US citizen, the best (maybe only?) way to get into Cuba is via small aircraft from the Turks & Cacaos islands. VERY cheap and safe way to see some amazing sights. I think it is $50 or less per person, you get to see some cool museums, eat, hang out, then fly back.

 

Wow, thanks for all the input! I think we are almost ready to pull the trigger and put some money down. We've pretty much decided to do a Couples resort on Negril Beach (either Swept Away or Negril). It seems I can read reviews all day long and as normal, there are folks that either love a place or hate a place, had a great time or not, food was fantastic or they ended up loosing weight. It may end up being a cost thing between those two places - plus which room type is available.

It was a tough decision about cruise or a resort. We decided on the resort this time because we had heard some folks talk about the all inclusive resorts and how much they liked them. I think you must pick the right resort (no kids being high on my priority list) that has what you're looking for - relaxed atmosphere, privacy, romance, activities if you wish, nightly entertainment without having to go to town, etc...

When we cruise for the first time, we want to do the Alaska cruise up from Seattle so we can see the coastline on the way up. Would love to cruise up, and ride the Ultra home from there - Now that would be ideal!

 

well if you had said mexico i suggest the myan riveria , the holet is gran bahia principei , on the akumal side. although kids are alowed , we didn't see much and thought the package was about $600.00 underpriced. the beaches where awesome ( ohh and topless ) the hotels was great and right between playa and cancun, so always things to do. i would stay away from "adult only" as 9 outa 10 times they are either 50+ or swinger resorts.

 

Zookeepr,
so where did you go?
Tell us about it.

 

All,

I had thought this thread was dead and gone but here's an update. We ended up going to Couples Negril (Couples.com) for 7 nights. We both enjoyed ourselves to the fullest. I had a "basic" PADI card and upgraded it to a Open Water certification while there - it was extra but I hadn't dove in over 20 years and didn't feel confident without the refresher course. Dove 4 times to a max depth on one dive to 90 feet.

The wife is a non-swimmer and enjoyed peace and quiet while sitting on the beach and using the red-flag service they had. Raise the red flag, staff comes and takes your drink order - and delivers it to you!

The rooms were great and the food even better!

I know we'll do this again before we do a cruise simply because I can imagine our "expenses" bill when we left the ship (drinks - excursions - tips - etc....) would be as much or more than the initial tickets. Plus when you cruise, your time at different areas is limited to a day or less normally.

In fact, we loved it so much that we are becoming repeateres this September with two or three other couples. 160 days and counting....

 

September, huh? Do you get a discount with more couples that book in a group?

 

No group discount that I am aware of. They are offering 1/2 price for that time of year so it was a pretty good deal. None of the upgrades this time but know all will be great. A lot more scuba diving (no additional cost) and maybe parasailing as well.

We know that September is in hurricane season but with trip insurance and the resort's hurricane policy, we feel confident we are only risking loosing $100 to $200 max IF there is a hurricane when we are supposed to be there.

Being a couples only all-inclusive is a different atmosphere then at Sandals, Hedoism III or Beaches (so I'm told). Ages range from 21 to 75 with the norm being around 35 to 45. A lot of young folks go there to get married or as a wedding gift from friends and family as well.

I'm sounding like a sales person - sorry!

If anyone knows any hosts where I can post a bunch of vacation pictures for free, I'll load up some shots for your viewing pleasure. I'd hate to use the DTR site to do that and think the admins wouldn't look to kindly to it. However, I am posting two (pending approval).

 

That is a very nice place!
www.photobucket.com hosts them for free.
I might have to think about going there! I'll have to tell the woman she better start saving! Lol.

 

Thanks Marine

Let's try this: http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u...1174933785.pbw

There are a few more from our trip. Enjoy


Link works now

 

Thanks! Definitely looks good!
Can you tell me how much it was?

 

Mike, You have a PM coming......

 

Thanks! You have a reply!