Nikole

Ok...I think I have finally narrowed it down. <BR>We will be taking our Honeymoon the first week or so of Dec. Which does everyone prefer and why.....Aruba or the USVI...and if the USVI...which Island specificallY!!! <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Karen

With the choice between Aruba and USVI, USVI wins hands down. Aruba was overdeveloped, commercialized and Americanized ... to say nothing about the windy beaches! Did try it once ... and that was enuf! Of course, if you like activity, gambling and feeling like you are in a surburb of a big American city, go for it. Otherwise, I recommend highly, Caneel Bay on St. John ... if the budget can't bear that (and it is steep), check out Secret Harbour on St. Thomas. Do look at the beachfront rooms ONLY ... it is away from the hussle and bussle of Charolette Amalie and the cruise ship crowds ... also home to one of the better restaurants (Blue Moon Cafe) and has excellent snorkling on site!

Ann

Hi Nikole <BR>I spent a week in Aruba in July '97 and a week in St. Croix in 'Feb '95. 15 yrs ago I spent a week in St. Thomas w/ a one day trip to St. John. It really depends on what you want for amenities and activities, and what kind of atmosphere you are looking for... and how much you can spend. If you want a guarantee of sun, Aruba is it...though the "gentle breezes" they advertise are really better described as contant wind. If you have a high maintenance hair-do this is not the place for you! I'd go back to Aruba or St. Croix in a minute, and St. John is really lovely...you should really consider it, but I have no desire to return to St. Thomas. Charlotte Amalie was a real turn-off to me. I think snorkeling is better in the USVI overall. The previous message said Aruba was overdeveloped and commercialized...but we found the people there (off the resorts) to be friendlier and have less of a resentful attitude toward tourists than in other parts of the Carribean. Of course someone will have a horror story about any island you name...but you should really think about what you are looking for in terms of activities and amenities...check out catalogs from a travel agent and forums like this to get a better sense of where you'd be comfortable. Good luck...

Nadine

Nikole, despite the negative comments re Aruba, I think there are some real pluses to the island that make it an enjoyable destination. First: the people are very friendly. Second: it's relatively safe. Third: the weather is almost guaranteed to be sunny. Fourth: There are a myriad of activities to keep you busy. Of all the islands I have visited, I had the most FUN in Aruba.

Lee

Nikole: Nadine is correct, Aruba is a great place. Yes, it's "commercial", but they all are, except the few undeveloped islands. <BR> <BR>I have not been to the Virgin Islands, but I have been to Nassau, Freeport, Aruba and have lived in Jamaica. Aruba wins. I have been there twice and reminded my wife that we are due to get back there within the next two years. Can't do it this year as we are going to Germany. <BR> <BR>Aruba is dry. I can't stress this enough. From the air, it looks brown and desert-like, but the beaches, the water, the weather, are beautiful. Aruba typically has 17 inches of rainfall annually and no flying insects. The temps are almost always around 85 during the day and 80 at night, but very low humidity. Too hot? Just get some shade as the 5-10 MPH trade winds will keep you comfortable. Don't worry about your "doo", just have fun. <BR> <BR>Pick a place on Palm Beach and walk from hotel to hotel, stopping for a swim or a drink. You don't need a towel, you'll be dry in minutes. Take a bus into town, rent scooters and go to the windward side and see the Natural Bridge and the Casabari rock formations. Aruba is a geological contradiction. The people are great and don't go all-inclusive as you will miss out the about the best island dining anywhere. <BR> <BR>*Sigh*, I miss the place. <BR> <BR>Congratulations and have fun, wherever you go! <BR>

Julie

We spent our honeymoon at Caneel Bay in '86. It is by far the nicest (and most expensive) place we've stayed. <BR>Aruba and St John are so different that to compare them is difficult. St John is tranquil and Aruba is bustling. St John is lush, Aruba is a desert island. I could go on... <BR>I have seen Karen's posts on Fodors before and can tell you she is more helpful than most travel agents. And dead right about the wind. We stayed on Palm Beach and I got a rash on my legs from the sand being driven into them! The chaise lounges at the hotel were in the pool as often as not.

Judy

Hi Nikole, <BR>We were just in St. Thomas in February 99. Great weather, nice people, one of the best beaches in the world: Magens Bay. Just a short ferry ride from St. John which is mostly a fantastic National Park. Visit my photo essay at http://people.ne.mediaone.net/hoppnb..._contents.html <BR> <BR>I've been to Aruba twice. They have coral (ground into a fine powder) beaches that don't burn your feet. Aruba is flat.They have sidewalks -- if you like to walk instead of ride, you can walk here unlike St. Thomas which is one steep hill after another with NO sidewalks (except in the town). <BR> <BR>Both islands have friendly people and good places to snorkel. <BR> <BR>Best Wishes!!! <BR>

John B

<BR>I have spent significant time in both Aruba and the USVI. Although everyone's opinions are valid, I think that Karen's reply above is too harsh on Aruba. I have spent up to two weeks in the USVI and the BVI, and two one week stays in Aruba. Needless to say, I enjoy both locations. I am taking my honeymoon in May and have done quite alot of thinking on what makes a honeymoon. I would agree with previous notes that it depends on what you are looking for... <BR> <BR>Some observations: <BR> <BR>1. If you are looking for a romantic getaway where you will enjoy spending most of your time at the resort, then the Virgin Islands are the way to go. <BR> <BR>2. If you want alot of variety/options and activity, Aruba is your choice. <BR> <BR>3. There is MUCH less poverty in Aruba. If you like to get out and around the locals, it is a friendier place. <BR> <BR>4. The virgin islands have alot of small squalls--10 minute rainstorms that can be heavy. We experienced them almost daily...a refreshing cool shower, but not everyone enjoys it. Aruba has almost no rain. Virgin Islands tend to have more moisture and bugs in the air. Aruba is very dry, and wind keeps bugs down. Wind can be problematic for some in Aruba (wind/sand burn). We have not had problems. <BR> <BR>5. Dont sweat it. You will have a great time in either place. <BR> <BR>6. Different people have different experiences in Aruba. I would stay away from the high rise casinos. They are fun, but they do feel a bit American. Stay in the lowrise section. This area has more europeans, but has better beaches and a more laid back style. You can always have a night or two in the casinos if that is your thing. I highly recommend the Bacuti Beach Resort. Small hotel, beach front, best beach in Aruba. <BR> <BR>7. The first week of December is just past Hurricane season. You shouldnt worry too much, but there is a chance of seeing storm damage in the virgin islands. Aruba is out of the hurricane path, never a chance to get hit. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps.

Cheryl Grindle

St. John wins hand down in my book that is if you're looking for a laid back, water playground, with nice people on the isalnd. Dec. 1st is past hurricane season, so you'll be safe. You can get rentals if you care to avoid the costly resorts all together. My 6th trip to St. John will be mid June of this year - Can't Wait <BR>

Karen

Certainly did not mean to be "too harsh" when criticizing Aruba ... unfortunatly when we were there, it was the first time we had deviated from Caneel/Little Dix and the Virgin Islands so maybe I was a hard critic. I did not find the people friendly nor accomodating ... (as we walked to a counter to rent a car, the person behind the desk said come back in two hours, she was going to lunch!) ... if that was the "most happy island," I remarked, I would hate to see an unhappy one. The WIND will always stand out in my mind! Have I know lots of people who love Aruba and would consider going nowhere else (and many are friends and neighbors ... I want to get away! LOL) ... that's okay ... it makes my favorite spots less crowded!

Laureen

Just returned from Aruba, found it a great place to be, wish I was still there. I saw and met lots of honeymooners and families. I was there with a friend of mine and we had a great time. Yes there is a breeze, but other than the night we arrived at 10:30 p.m. in the airport, it was breezey not unbearable. I was at the beach every day, and never did I get sandy from the "winds", maybe because I was on a lounge chair; maybe the people who complained about the wind travelled at other times of the year when the winds were stronger, whatever. I found everyone I spoke to there helpful and accommodating. I am not a gambler and spent only an hour at a casino, however, I did not have enough time to do everything the island has to offer, so I guess I'll just have to go back. Congratulations on your forthcoming marriage and wherever you go enjoy!

jennifer

I, too, have been to both places and in my humble opinion, the virgin islands wins hands down. The reason for this is because they ipitomize my ideal vacation retreat - beatiful white sand beaches, clear blue water, green hilly terrain, fun local people. However, I would minimize my time on St Thomas and try to venture, if I were you, to the British Virgin islands. The baths on virgin gorda are really something (although go early to avoid crowds), the people are much more friendly, relaxed and polite than most any place else in the caribbean. And the little difference the british influence brings makes the BVI's much more exotic while still being very, very safe. Crime is much less in the BVI than the already low St. Thomas. We never had a problem on any of the islands. Aruba was, as many have mentioned, flat, windy, and too much like an american suburb for my taste. Too many tourists and families which for a honeymoon isn't something I want to be around. I agree to that St.John is a great place in the USVI. Keep in mind, all the islands in the USVI and BVI are very close and you could stay on 2 or 3 or visit several of them in a week. Ferries connect almost all of them. One more idea, charter a yacht for at least a couple of days to sail around the Virgin Islands. It is one of the top yachting capitals in the world and so fun and relaxing...you will soon see why! Please e-mail me if you have any other questions!

Sharon Paras

Although it has been 3 years since we went to Aruba, we both long to go back. We did not even go to a Casino, although stayed at La Cabana which has (or had) the largest one. Never even saw a night show, but it was the best, most relaxing vacation we've ever had. Toured around every day, ate out at different wonderful restaurants every evening (not cheap, but worth it!! to try them all), and just in general enjoyed the island and the sun. Wind not a problem, breezy but forget about your hair. You ARE on vacation, not in a Boardroom! <BR>

Sharon Paras

Although it has been 3 years since we went to Aruba, we both long to go back. We did not even go to a Casino, although stayed at La Cabana which has (or had) the largest one. Never even saw a night show, but it was the best, most relaxing vacation we've ever had. Toured around every day, ate out at different wonderful restaurants every evening (not cheap, but worth it!! to try them all), and just in general enjoyed the island and the sun. Wind not a problem, breezy but forget about your hair. You ARE on vacation, not in a Boardroom! <BR>

Peter

It's a tough choice to make. Both Aruba and the USVI offer a wide variety of choices and I have been to both. Went to Aruba twice and both times stayed on Palm Beach. It is by far the nicest beach and you can walk the boardwalk from hotel to hotel. It can be a busy , developed area but Aruba also offers many excursions around the island (recommend the jeep tour if you are adventurous and willing to take your life in your hands driving 50Km/Hr over lava dunes). Like everywhere , the people are friendly , especially when they are greeted with a smile. I am planning a return trip to St.Kitts this year , and have made this choice mostly since I would like a quiet relaxing vacation with my wife in a relatively uncommercial location (rainforests , volcano , beaches , and of course , golfing and scuba diving) Have also been to St.Martin and this is the place if you like commercialized , shopping and crowds (my opinion , but I still had a great time) No matter where you choose , you will have a great time. Keep in mind , not everyone has the same experience or expectations and this can result in many confusing , diversified opinions on the net. I think that people make their own fun , and if you plan on having a great time , you will. Best of lick.