Travelling with husband, 7 and 3 year old---spent last vacation at the Buccaneer in ST. Croix and loved the dubloon accomodations and the wonderful, friendly service. Now considering Half Moon---any thoughts or suggestions??? Thanks!

Consider Little Dix, Mallihuana (sp?)

Linda-<BR><BR>We are thinking of the same thing. My husband, myself and a 3 year old. We are also considering the Ritz Carlton. We spent our last vacation at Caneel Bay and loved it. We have also considered the Buccaneer before, but haven't made it there. Did you leave the resort much? What was the town like?

Debbie---<BR>Loved the Buccaneer---left the resort for several dinners---everyone warns you about the crime, but if you're sensible you're OK. The town is cute---unfortunately shops are not open at night---Overall not a whole lot of need to leave the resort---I was able to really relax--even with my two kids----feel free to e-mail me with specific questions. Do you have any more info on Half Moon???I'm wondering if it's too &quot;bustling&quot; for me---mostly we want beauty and serenity in a place with good food and service.

I would not describe Half Moon as bustling, but that may apply to the Ritz Carlton. Half Moon consists of a series of villas spread out along a long and lovely beach. No real hotel type of a building. There is a wide variety of accomodation type. Ours had a private pool for two suites, and since the other suite was unoccupied, it was all ours which was great. There are several restaurants where you can dine around, one on their golf course. Beaches in this area of Jamaica are not as lovely as in other parts, but this area of Jamiaca is much easier to get to beacuse of proximity to Montego Bay. <BR><BR>Ritz is a great elevator, air conditioned hotel but there isn't a real beach on the property, but the pool is great. The Ritz is defintely newer, but if you were happy at Bucanneer, I think you will love Half Moon. You are really comparing two very different places that are near each other.<BR><BR>When did you go to Bucaneer and how many kids were there? We are considering a trip there in April.

Edye---<BR>We were at the Buccaneer in mid March and there were a fair number of children---enough to keep my kids happy (ages 3 and 7) but not so that we felt overrun---they definitely get more kids over Easter week. Jose is the guy who oversees the kids and he's just great!!!

Linda-<BR><BR>I don't have any new info on Half Moon. I do have a friend who went to the Ritz Carlton with her then 2 year old. She thought it was fine for 5 days, but would have been bored on a longer vacation. I didn't get a chance to ask her a lot or if she went over to Half Moon at all (she has a newborn so our chat ended quickly) If I find out more, I'll let you know. Was there enough to do at the buccaneer? It seems quiet. My husband likes to Golg and Dive. I'd like to snorkel and love when there is a spa at the hotel. My daughter is happy if there is sand. Were there many restaurants at the hotel. I like the option of not having to leave the resort although in St. John we left every night but one, as the restaurants in town were great and the hotel food was so-so. I'm still asking every family I know what Carribean Resorts they like. I also want to fly non-stop. I don't know wehre you flew from, but was it easy to get to St. Croix? Thanks for your help.

Debbie---<BR>My husband absolutely loved playing golf at the Buccaneer---many holes on cliffs overlooking the sea. We don't dive but did snorkel---the Buck Island trip is fun. There are three restaurants at the resort---we went outside for some dinners but knew many who just relaxed and stayed at the place---Your daughter will love the sand and shallow beach areas protected by reef---we called it the &quot;baby ocean&quot; for my 3 year old. We couldn't fly non-stop to ST. Croix but flew NYC---San Juan---STX and got there mid-day---Others were happy with a USAIr arrangement to Philly and then direct to STX.

Thanks Linda-<BR><BR>I am definitely keeping the Buccaneer on my list. I think for the upcoming trip we are still between Half Moon and Ritz Carlton. We too are flying from NYC and I like that we can go Non-stop to Montego Bay (as well as quite a few other islands) I'll post again when I figure out more.

Half Moon is where I'd stay. Better beaches (there are at least 3), more of a Jamaican feel to the accomodations and grounds, TONS of activities onsite including horseback riding (stables are right there), golf, croquet, all watersports, it's a very spread out resort - you can have people near or be totally alone as you prefer, more varied accomodations. Plus it's just a classy place....black and white tile and marble and that sort of colonial thing going on.<BR><BR>The two are so close to each other that there's no travel time factor to consider.

Linda, I've been to Half Moon a few times. No kids, but it looks like they are very accommodating to families. While going around the resort, I saw a children's center and a playground. Also, from my last trip there a few weeks ago, it looks like they're going to offer a swimming with dolphins program - should be fun for the kids.<BR><BR>I just checked their web site and found a special package for families that includes free nanny service and free stay for children (http://www.halfmoon-resort.com/resort/special.cfm). <BR><BR>Other than that, I had a great time and felt very safe at the resort. Food was good; I remember they have children's menu as well. Have a great time!

Mia---thanks for the info---my daughter is very excited at the idea of a possible dolphin swim!!<BR>Could you just put in a word about the accomodations---some people have implied that the place is a bit &quot;tired&quot;--did you find it to be in good condition, good service etc???<BR>We'll be in a junior suite---are you familiar with them?<BR>thanks

Linda-<BR><BR>Did you ever find out anymore about Half Moon. I think that is where we are going. I am booking it today. Did you book directly with the resort or through an agent?

I too had Half Moon at the top of my list but when I read about the new dolphin swim, I'm letting my feet and wallet vote for me for the captured dolphin and going elsewhere.

I too am against the Dolphin swim. I'm just not sure that is a reason not to stay and enjoy the other aspects of the property. I have been going back and forth about that and whether to stay at Half Moon or the Ritz Carlton (not just for that reason).

Here's the info on the dolphin swim:<BR><BR>http://www.halfmoon-resort.com/resort/pressreleases.cfm?id=01,09,01,2002-12-30-01<BR><BR>...if you are choosing another resort because of that, please do tell Half Moon why you are not staying with them...

having stayed at Half Moon before I made it quite clear that their marketing policy especially promoting weddings with dolphins as a backdrop was something that I found offensive. I won't return and only hope that someday all the parks will follow the BVI one and go out of buisness because people won't participate. don't want to start a dolphin debate but wanted the poster to be aware of the situation.

Debbie-<BR><BR>We booked with Jamaica Air and got a very good price for a package including air fare. When are you going?---we'll be there the week of March 8, leaving from JFK, with three and seven year old in tow.

Thanks Linda. I will check out Air Jamaica's packages. I am sorry to say we will not be there until mar 22. I would have been nice to know another family with a 3 year old there. Have a great trip!

Linda-<BR><BR>Double check your package. I found it cnsiderabley cheaper to book airfare and both the Ritz and Half Moon myself . Maybe you were quoted a better deal than I was. Look on Half Moon's website for the Family special.