I'm thinking of going to St Croix, planning on a stay at the Buccaneer. I have apple vacation points to use, so I can get quite a great deal. Has anyone used Apple at the Buccaneer, and is there a big price difference to get an upgrade from a hotel room to an ocean view type room?

I used Apple to go to St. Lucia in January 2000. The trip was great! No surprises from the tour company. Haven't used Apple to St. Croix, but if you have a great price on the package...USE IT! The Buccaneer will be a WONDERFUL vacation. I spent about 10 days in St. Croix in 1998...loved it! Although the Buccaneer was way beyond my price range. We walked through the grounds at the Buccaneer, didn't see the rooms or suites, but everything I saw looked great. Beautiful common areas (lobby, reception) and lovely gardens and landscaping. Can't tell you anything about the beach there though...sorry.You will love St. Croix!

Hi Jill- <BR>We used Apple twice. Both times we had terrible return flights. The first time was in Mayy 2000 to St. Lucia-we arrived back in Chicago 6 hours late. The last time was Feb. 2001 to Playa del Carmen- We again arrived in Chicago late, this time by 5 hours. Neither delay was due to weather or mechanical problems. I wrote Apple and sent the letter certified mail so I know they received my complaint and I Have not heard from them yet. I've taken Funjet without problems- but would not reccomend Apple- poor service. You should never run out of beverages on a flight -EVEN WATER!!

I too had problems with Apple. Back in November, we were delayed at O’Hare for 9 hours and got all sorts of stories as to why. We were promised free drinks on the plane although once we boarded they reneged. I’m not sure what was worse, their treatment at the airport or their treatment once we got back. <BR> <BR>With a charter, you take your chances. Some people have never had a problem while others experienced them often. Maybe you should take Lisa’s suggestion and try Funjet instead. They usually offer similar packages. But I’ll tell ya, I’ve been hearing more and more problems with Apple than ever before. Although maybe it’s just a coincidence. <BR>

I have to take my chances, because of the certificates I earned thru my credit card. I'm glad to know of these problems in advance though. Do you feel that you have received less than best accomodations because you are on a package? I just wonder if the hotels seem to discriminate at all because you book thru somone else, instead of the hotel?

Dear Ji,,I tooktwo trips with Apple in 2000.The first wasa trip to Huatulco, Mexico. We were delayed three hours at the airport with no information forthcoming from the charter service.When we finally got on the plane we circled around for at least an hour so we were at least four hours late. We were at least two hours late arriving home. the second trip was to the Dominican Republic. Once again very late taking off, about three hours. On the wayhome we were verydelayed once again and ended up being six hours late in arriving because we stopped in Indiana for fuel, although we were landing at Ohare airport in Chicago.Forgot to mention that on the way down t to the Dominican we stopped to fuel in Florida.Unbelievable. We took Funjet to Costa Rica with no problem over Xmas. I don't know if I would ever do Apple again. You do get the run of the house rooms, nothing special.We were able to get an ocean view in the Dominican on the third day. I am never impressed with the rooms. Before lastyear we had taken Apple many many times so it wasn't just these two experiences. On the plus side we stayed at the Buccaneer and it is a lovely hotel, with fairly decent food and live music every night. The beach was beautiful and the grounds well kept. You will love the hotel, but avoid and Apple charter if you can.

I have taken Apple several times to the Bahamas and Mexico and have never had a problem. One time a flight was delayed for an hour, but I've had that happen MANY times while traveling. I usually book a package when I travel. The hotel staff does not treat you any differently if you have a package rather than booking through them. They still get their money.