Cayman Islands vs St. John USVI's
Apr 9th, 1999, 02:18 PM
#1
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Cayman Islands vs St. John USVI's
My husband and I are planning a trip to St. John in June 99 and we have been doing a lot of research and have read a lot about crime in the USVI's, not necessarily in St. John, but in St. Thomas and St. Croix. This is a very big concern. We are looking to do alot of outings and I would rather not worry about being mugged or worse. I really wanted to go to St. John and he really wants to go to the Cayman Islands. SUGGESTIONS!!
We are both in our late 20's and are looking for great shopping, plenty of water activities, great beaches and safe nightlife. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you very much. I want this to a very memorable vacation for us, and maybe start a tradition.
We are both in our late 20's and are looking for great shopping, plenty of water activities, great beaches and safe nightlife. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you very much. I want this to a very memorable vacation for us, and maybe start a tradition.
Apr 9th, 1999, 04:46 PM
#2
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St Thomas and Cayman are 2 very different islands. St Thomas is the bigger tourist place, with lots of shopping, probably more nightlife, many beaches. There is unemployment, and you will see some poverty if you travel around the islands, but the folks are quite friendly and the government has implemented new policies to deal with crime against tourists, since they NEED tourists to come and spend money. There will be more things to see in St Thomas but when the cruise ships are in port the attractions may be quite crowded.
Cayman however, is the wealthiest island in the Caribbean - almost no unemployment so no beggars, no street vendors, etc. Because there is such high employment though, it will cost you twice as much to stay in Cayman for a week than it will in St Thomas. All the food [except seafood] has to be imported. Two weeks ago, a moderate lunch for two [2 margaritas, 2 entrees, and a salad] cost $54! It has nice shopping, particularly jewelry and black coral, but the better deals in general are probably St Thomas. Cayman won't have as much nightlife, as most go there for the snorkeling and the scubadiving. Cayman too can be overcrowded when multiple cruise ships are in port, but that's hardly unique anywhere in the Caribbean anymore.
Cayman however, is the wealthiest island in the Caribbean - almost no unemployment so no beggars, no street vendors, etc. Because there is such high employment though, it will cost you twice as much to stay in Cayman for a week than it will in St Thomas. All the food [except seafood] has to be imported. Two weeks ago, a moderate lunch for two [2 margaritas, 2 entrees, and a salad] cost $54! It has nice shopping, particularly jewelry and black coral, but the better deals in general are probably St Thomas. Cayman won't have as much nightlife, as most go there for the snorkeling and the scubadiving. Cayman too can be overcrowded when multiple cruise ships are in port, but that's hardly unique anywhere in the Caribbean anymore.
Apr 9th, 1999, 04:46 PM
#3
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St Thomas and Cayman are 2 very different islands. St Thomas is the bigger tourist place, with lots of shopping, probably more nightlife, many beaches. There is unemployment, and you will see some poverty if you travel around the islands, but the folks are quite friendly and the government has implemented new policies to deal with crime against tourists, since they NEED tourists to come and spend money. There will be more things to see in St Thomas but when the cruise ships are in port the attractions may be quite crowded.
Cayman however, is the wealthiest island in the Caribbean - almost no unemployment so no beggars, no street vendors, etc. Because there is such high employment though, it will cost you twice as much to stay in Cayman for a week than it will in St Thomas. All the food [except seafood] has to be imported. Two weeks ago, a moderate lunch for two [2 margaritas, 2 entrees, and a salad] cost $54! It has nice shopping, particularly jewelry and black coral, but the better deals in general are probably St Thomas. Cayman won't have as much nightlife, as most go there for the snorkeling and the scubadiving. Cayman too can be overcrowded when multiple cruise ships are in port, but that's hardly unique anywhere in the Caribbean anymore.
Cayman however, is the wealthiest island in the Caribbean - almost no unemployment so no beggars, no street vendors, etc. Because there is such high employment though, it will cost you twice as much to stay in Cayman for a week than it will in St Thomas. All the food [except seafood] has to be imported. Two weeks ago, a moderate lunch for two [2 margaritas, 2 entrees, and a salad] cost $54! It has nice shopping, particularly jewelry and black coral, but the better deals in general are probably St Thomas. Cayman won't have as much nightlife, as most go there for the snorkeling and the scubadiving. Cayman too can be overcrowded when multiple cruise ships are in port, but that's hardly unique anywhere in the Caribbean anymore.
Apr 10th, 1999, 05:16 PM
#4
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I've lived here on St' Thomas for 15 months and have never even felt uncomfortable, let alone dealt with any crime. Nor have I talked to anyone who has, and I work at a resort where people return year after year. Don't believe the hype, use your head, and have a great vacation. Cassie is right, Cayman is too expensive, and St. Thomas is the shopping capital of the Caribbean. C'mon down!
Apr 14th, 1999, 08:22 AM
#5
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I just got back from St. John's and loved it. 3/4 of the island is natural park so it is quite lush, unlike Cayman. The Cayman islands are expensive, hot and flat.
If you go to St. John's here are some suggestions:
restaurants: Lime Inn, Cafe Roma, Dinner with Andre, Asolare, and Woody's
take a day trip cruise to the British Virgin Islands - you will need a passport so bring it just in case.
Bars: Oliver Twist and the Back Yard
We stayed at a B&B type place but Gallows Point looked very nice but ask for a building away from the docks. Also someone on the island recommended the company, Catered To, as a place to rent villas or condos. They may have a web page.
If you go to St. John's here are some suggestions:
restaurants: Lime Inn, Cafe Roma, Dinner with Andre, Asolare, and Woody's
take a day trip cruise to the British Virgin Islands - you will need a passport so bring it just in case.
Bars: Oliver Twist and the Back Yard
We stayed at a B&B type place but Gallows Point looked very nice but ask for a building away from the docks. Also someone on the island recommended the company, Catered To, as a place to rent villas or condos. They may have a web page.
Apr 14th, 1999, 09:28 PM
#8
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I went to Cayman in June once, and it was so unbearably hot!! There didn't seem to be a breeze anywhere we were, and I spent a lot of time sweating and sitting on the beach with my legs in the water to stay cool. I don't mind a good sweat working outside or working out, but this was unbearable (90's & searing sunshine). Haven't been to St. John in summer, but remember St. Thomas being breezy (winter though.) Not sure of USVI summer high temps.
Have been to St. Thomas 2x and never felt unsafe - even had small kids with us once and shopped for groceries in local grocery store in heart of Charlotte Amalie. If you're worried about safety on outings, I'd do the outings during the day, and perhaps stay at a resort with several dining options so that you don't have to be out dining or driving in the dark at night.
I like the USVI for the hilly terrain/beach combo. It's fun to drive around Thomas & John and view the ocean & beaches from atop a hill.
Have been to St. Thomas 2x and never felt unsafe - even had small kids with us once and shopped for groceries in local grocery store in heart of Charlotte Amalie. If you're worried about safety on outings, I'd do the outings during the day, and perhaps stay at a resort with several dining options so that you don't have to be out dining or driving in the dark at night.
I like the USVI for the hilly terrain/beach combo. It's fun to drive around Thomas & John and view the ocean & beaches from atop a hill.
Apr 14th, 1999, 09:34 PM
#9
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Tracey, forgot to mention that if you'll spend a lot of time snorkeling or diving, the heat may not be an issue. We found both to be good on both islands, however, there may have been some reef damage in USVI from recent ('95 & other?) hurricanes. You could verify this by calling some local dive shops or resorts and inquiring.
Apr 15th, 1999, 09:31 AM
#10
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Apr 15th, 1999, 10:22 AM
#11
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As a regular visitor to the USVI, I have not experienced the "crime problem" that is oft spoken of ... never had a problem nor know anyone who has. Several years ago, post hurricanes, the islands were devistated and many things did happen ... there were lots of folks there trying to make a quick buck. Never having been to the Cayman's, I cannot compare ... but the impression that I have is that there are many many huge hi rise resorts and glitzy hotels while the USVI has smaller beachfront resorts where you can roll from the room on to the beach ... I sure would not want to be 14 floors up in an air conditioned box! My tradition started on St. John first and then broadened to Virgin Gorda ... and it was just recently that the +20 years of going there was changed ... and having a hard time finding places that measure up!
Apr 20th, 1999, 07:25 AM
#13
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St. John's, St. John's, St. John's. We have been to both the USVIs and the Caymans and although both are nice, St. John's is wonderful. St. John's is a small island, 3/4 of which is national park and it has wonderful beaches and great hikes. WE spent 1 week on St. John's and never felt unsafe--it is much safer than St. Thomas (we spent 3 days on St. Thomas and felt safe there too.) St. John's does not have the smae shopping as the Caymans but a short ferry ride away is Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and there is more shopping that you could ever want. St. John's is very laid back and it is great place to hang your hat for a week and make day trips to Virgin Gorda, Tortola and Jost Van Dyke. The Caneel Bay Resort is spectacular-- the Westin is nice but it is on an artifical beach and feels a little too artifical overall. There are also tons of rentals and smaller palces. The food was good and the people were friendly. We got bored after a few days on Grand Cayman because there was not much else to do other than snorkel (which is great but also wonderful in the USVI), and hang out of the beach or shop--St. John's has ruins to eplore, hikes, beaches, underwater snorkelling paths (although Trunk Bay is very crowded sometimes) and just has a more natural feel. Along Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, not only do you have the big hotels, but ther is Burger King, Tony Roma's, KFC etc.--not exactly my idea of a tropical paradise. Go to St. John--you'll love it!
May 13th, 1999, 05:35 PM
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My information may be too late to assist in your decision making, but I wanted to share my experiences with the Caymans. Out first visit in
ay of '90 was a brief one day stop on Grand Cayman as a cruise ship passenger. Took the usual glass bottom boat trip to 7 mile beach and feel in love with the water, fish, etc. Next trip was a real adventure later that year (August) to Little Cayman where we rented an apartment next to Southern Cross Club. We are not divers, but just enjoyed the tropical experience and relaxation. Discovered snorkeling while there. Oh, by the way, no fear of crime. No locks on the apartment door, no problem leaving our camera on a picnic table while taking a walk. Last trip was to Cayman Brac in December of '92. Stayed at Brac Reef Resort (all inclusive) Only complaint was that in December the water is more hazy on the north side of the island due to the winds that time of the year. So we didn't have quite the snorkeling experience we desired. But we were happy with our stay. No night life, just the stars and each other and some nice conversation with others. May go back to Little Cayman soon to try out the sister resort to Brac Reef that opened a couple of years ago. Grand Cayman is ok to go through, maybe spend a day to shop, but I'm not for having main street fast food on my tropical holiday.
Enjoy whereever you go. We're going back to Cozumel this year. Thinking October just because time permits then. A bit concerned about hurricane season though. Went there in December of '93. Found we liked the Fiesta Americana when our reserved hotel wasn't available on arrival. Good snorkeling across from the hotel and close by at Chachanaub (spelling?)
ay of '90 was a brief one day stop on Grand Cayman as a cruise ship passenger. Took the usual glass bottom boat trip to 7 mile beach and feel in love with the water, fish, etc. Next trip was a real adventure later that year (August) to Little Cayman where we rented an apartment next to Southern Cross Club. We are not divers, but just enjoyed the tropical experience and relaxation. Discovered snorkeling while there. Oh, by the way, no fear of crime. No locks on the apartment door, no problem leaving our camera on a picnic table while taking a walk. Last trip was to Cayman Brac in December of '92. Stayed at Brac Reef Resort (all inclusive) Only complaint was that in December the water is more hazy on the north side of the island due to the winds that time of the year. So we didn't have quite the snorkeling experience we desired. But we were happy with our stay. No night life, just the stars and each other and some nice conversation with others. May go back to Little Cayman soon to try out the sister resort to Brac Reef that opened a couple of years ago. Grand Cayman is ok to go through, maybe spend a day to shop, but I'm not for having main street fast food on my tropical holiday.
Enjoy whereever you go. We're going back to Cozumel this year. Thinking October just because time permits then. A bit concerned about hurricane season though. Went there in December of '93. Found we liked the Fiesta Americana when our reserved hotel wasn't available on arrival. Good snorkeling across from the hotel and close by at Chachanaub (spelling?)
Jan 23rd, 2002, 03:40 PM
#17
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Don't believe everything you read about St.Croix or St. Thomas regarding crime. Having spent a week on both St. Thomas and St. Croix in the past few years, I can relate I never experienced any "crime" that is warned about in many guides. However, I will admit I felt more at ease on St. Croix since it was more rural and laid back than the hustle and bustle of St. Thomas! And I found the locals on St. Croix to be so much more friendly and open to visitors. Having also spent a week on Grand Cayman, yes, it is very clean and supposedly with a very low crime rate. A previous post mentioned that it was very hot in June on Cayman...and it is! It is also rainy season! I experienced that, too! As for avoiding excessive heat, the USVI has constant trade winds that keep the temps bearable. Cayman is HOT in summer. As for crime anywhere, use common sense. If something doesn't look right to you avoid it and take precaustions against pick pockets and such. My suggestion to you is to do a bit more research into St. Croix. You will be pleasantly surprised by it!!
