Honeymoon in Aruba or Grand Cayman in June 08?
Nov 7, 2007, 8:41 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: AA PLT (MM), UA 1K, Marriott Ti, IHG Diamond
Posts: 929
Honeymoon in Aruba or Grand Cayman in June 08?
After deciding that the south of france is no longer an option (Euro will probably be 0.5 to the dollar by then, lol) I am looking at the Caribbean... I live in DC so it's closer than hawaii, and I really don't want to spend that much time flying...
Anyway, I am wondering what is considered the "nicer" destination, aruba or grand cayman for a honeymoon in June?
Looking for:
1) Nice beaches
2) Nice restaurants
3) Nice weather
Anyway, I am wondering what is considered the "nicer" destination, aruba or grand cayman for a honeymoon in June?
Looking for:
1) Nice beaches
2) Nice restaurants
3) Nice weather
Nov 7, 2007, 11:51 pm
#2
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Congratulations!!! Number one question - are you and your fiancé(e) divers or interested in diving? What about snorkeling?
I can only speak to Grand Cayman, and it was 2004 when I was there for a week-long dive trip, but 7 Mile Beach is beautiful and the diving is world class all around. Stingray City is a famous dive/snorkel that you can do there. IIRC, it's pretty toasty there in the summer, but certainly nothing unbearable. A rental car is very helpful for getting around and a must if you are staying in more remote areas. Definitely good food to be had as well!
I have heard a few people express concerns about crime in Aruba - a friend was just there and had his new PDA stolen - but have not been there myself.
Happy to give you more info on GC diving if you are interested!
I can only speak to Grand Cayman, and it was 2004 when I was there for a week-long dive trip, but 7 Mile Beach is beautiful and the diving is world class all around. Stingray City is a famous dive/snorkel that you can do there. IIRC, it's pretty toasty there in the summer, but certainly nothing unbearable. A rental car is very helpful for getting around and a must if you are staying in more remote areas. Definitely good food to be had as well!
I have heard a few people express concerns about crime in Aruba - a friend was just there and had his new PDA stolen - but have not been there myself.
Happy to give you more info on GC diving if you are interested!
Nov 8, 2007, 6:40 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: AA PLT (MM), UA 1K, Marriott Ti, IHG Diamond
Posts: 929
Congratulations!!! Number one question - are you and your fiancé(e) divers or interested in diving? What about snorkeling?
I can only speak to Grand Cayman, and it was 2004 when I was there for a week-long dive trip, but 7 Mile Beach is beautiful and the diving is world class all around. Stingray City is a famous dive/snorkel that you can do there. IIRC, it's pretty toasty there in the summer, but certainly nothing unbearable. A rental car is very helpful for getting around and a must if you are staying in more remote areas. Definitely good food to be had as well!
I have heard a few people express concerns about crime in Aruba - a friend was just there and had his new PDA stolen - but have not been there myself.
Happy to give you more info on GC diving if you are interested!
I can only speak to Grand Cayman, and it was 2004 when I was there for a week-long dive trip, but 7 Mile Beach is beautiful and the diving is world class all around. Stingray City is a famous dive/snorkel that you can do there. IIRC, it's pretty toasty there in the summer, but certainly nothing unbearable. A rental car is very helpful for getting around and a must if you are staying in more remote areas. Definitely good food to be had as well!
I have heard a few people express concerns about crime in Aruba - a friend was just there and had his new PDA stolen - but have not been there myself.
Happy to give you more info on GC diving if you are interested!
Nov 8, 2007, 6:46 am
#4
Join Date: May 2001
Location: IAD
Posts: 6,151
I've been to Aruba (stayed at the Marriott Surf club) and will be heading to Grand Cayman later this month. I did not have anything stolen or any problems with crime when I was there. If no one else offers a comparison then I will try to remember to do one for you once I get back from GCM.
One thing to consider is that June is start of hurricane season and Aruba is generally out of the path of most Atlantic hurricanes while Grand Cayman gets hit with much higher frequency.
One thing to consider is that June is start of hurricane season and Aruba is generally out of the path of most Atlantic hurricanes while Grand Cayman gets hit with much higher frequency.
Nov 8, 2007, 7:07 am
#5
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: A Browns fan (still?) working in PIT
Programs: US dirt (from CP), Marriott Rewards Gold, Hilton HHonors Diamond??, Avis First, Hertz #1 Club Gold
Posts: 346
June is indeed the start of hurricane season, but even then it's still a little early for Grand Cayman. We spent our honeymoon there in late June 2001, and have been back in June almost every other year since then, and haven't had any troubles. I've never been to Aruba, so I can't compare - but we fell in love with Grand Cayman the first time and have not seen the need to go anywhere else.
The RC is enjoyable - we stayed there last year, but we find that we prefer the quiet of the East End so we stay out that way most of the time. I didn't have the Amex Plat yet last year, but I believe that you should be able to find a reasonable FHR rate at the RC.
You will not find yourself lacking for fine restaurants, but I'd suggest that to find a couple of our favorites, you'll need a car. You can check out this post of mine to find out about one restaurant we make sure to visit at least once every time we're there. There is also a wonderful, wonderful dining experience to be had with Chef Roland - a "pay what you feel the meal is worth" place that's actually housed in Roland's backyard, which might seem quirky, but it's truly one of our favorites. Roland is a classically trained chef from Germany, and puts together combinations of hearty European and light island dishes that are truly fantastic.
You've come to the right forum - TomCayman has a wealth of knowledge and should be able to help you understand all of the opportunities that GCM offers!
The RC is enjoyable - we stayed there last year, but we find that we prefer the quiet of the East End so we stay out that way most of the time. I didn't have the Amex Plat yet last year, but I believe that you should be able to find a reasonable FHR rate at the RC.
You will not find yourself lacking for fine restaurants, but I'd suggest that to find a couple of our favorites, you'll need a car. You can check out this post of mine to find out about one restaurant we make sure to visit at least once every time we're there. There is also a wonderful, wonderful dining experience to be had with Chef Roland - a "pay what you feel the meal is worth" place that's actually housed in Roland's backyard, which might seem quirky, but it's truly one of our favorites. Roland is a classically trained chef from Germany, and puts together combinations of hearty European and light island dishes that are truly fantastic.
You've come to the right forum - TomCayman has a wealth of knowledge and should be able to help you understand all of the opportunities that GCM offers!
Nov 8, 2007, 9:42 am
#6
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Grand Cayman peak
Aruba peak
Grand Cayman all
Aruba all
Of course, trip insurance is a must!
Nov 8, 2007, 10:12 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: AA PLT (MM), UA 1K, Marriott Ti, IHG Diamond
Posts: 929
I've been to Aruba (stayed at the Marriott Surf club) and will be heading to Grand Cayman later this month. I did not have anything stolen or any problems with crime when I was there. If no one else offers a comparison then I will try to remember to do one for you once I get back from GCM.
One thing to consider is that June is start of hurricane season and Aruba is generally out of the path of most Atlantic hurricanes while Grand Cayman gets hit with much higher frequency.
One thing to consider is that June is start of hurricane season and Aruba is generally out of the path of most Atlantic hurricanes while Grand Cayman gets hit with much higher frequency.
What did you think of Aruba? Is it a nice place? Are there plenty of luxury "things" to do there? What would you compare it to?
BTW, I'm surprised how CHEAP airfare is! Looks like $300 AI to GCM and $450 AI to Aruba! (Although I'm probably just going to use miles and get 2 business/first class tix)
June is indeed the start of hurricane season, but even then it's still a little early for Grand Cayman. We spent our honeymoon there in late June 2001, and have been back in June almost every other year since then, and haven't had any troubles. I've never been to Aruba, so I can't compare - but we fell in love with Grand Cayman the first time and have not seen the need to go anywhere else.
The RC is enjoyable - we stayed there last year, but we find that we prefer the quiet of the East End so we stay out that way most of the time. I didn't have the Amex Plat yet last year, but I believe that you should be able to find a reasonable FHR rate at the RC.
You will not find yourself lacking for fine restaurants, but I'd suggest that to find a couple of our favorites, you'll need a car. You can check out this post of mine to find out about one restaurant we make sure to visit at least once every time we're there. There is also a wonderful, wonderful dining experience to be had with Chef Roland - a "pay what you feel the meal is worth" place that's actually housed in Roland's backyard, which might seem quirky, but it's truly one of our favorites. Roland is a classically trained chef from Germany, and puts together combinations of hearty European and light island dishes that are truly fantastic.
You've come to the right forum - TomCayman has a wealth of knowledge and should be able to help you understand all of the opportunities that GCM offers!
The RC is enjoyable - we stayed there last year, but we find that we prefer the quiet of the East End so we stay out that way most of the time. I didn't have the Amex Plat yet last year, but I believe that you should be able to find a reasonable FHR rate at the RC.
You will not find yourself lacking for fine restaurants, but I'd suggest that to find a couple of our favorites, you'll need a car. You can check out this post of mine to find out about one restaurant we make sure to visit at least once every time we're there. There is also a wonderful, wonderful dining experience to be had with Chef Roland - a "pay what you feel the meal is worth" place that's actually housed in Roland's backyard, which might seem quirky, but it's truly one of our favorites. Roland is a classically trained chef from Germany, and puts together combinations of hearty European and light island dishes that are truly fantastic.
You've come to the right forum - TomCayman has a wealth of knowledge and should be able to help you understand all of the opportunities that GCM offers!
BTW, FHR for the RC seems to be decent:
A room upgrade when available, upon check-in.
Daily continental breakfast for up to two people.
Guaranteed four o'clock p.m. late check-out.
Customized Special Amenity = US$100 resort credit to be used during your stay.
Rate is the same as the rc website though, $729 per night...
Nov 9, 2007, 7:30 am
#8
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: A Browns fan (still?) working in PIT
Programs: US dirt (from CP), Marriott Rewards Gold, Hilton HHonors Diamond??, Avis First, Hertz #1 Club Gold
Posts: 346
Oh, that you should have, and in abundance. In our experience, it's typically in the mid 80's to low 90's during the day and high 70's to low 80's at night throughout June. Tropical breezes are aplenty, although I seem to think you feel them more on the easterly side of the island and on the drive out to the East End from the airport, but you still get them coming through on Seven Mile Beach.
Nov 12, 2007, 1:09 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: continental united starwood hilton marriott
Posts: 339
aruba has the same basic wealther year round, beautiful..in fact there is no weather report in local papers. highly reccomend it, good restaurants, great beach friendly people, as much or as little to do as you would want
Nov 12, 2007, 6:49 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: AA PLT (MM), UA 1K, Marriott Ti, IHG Diamond
Posts: 929
Done!!! I've booked the Hyatt in Aruba in June 2008! I'm excited about this trip, should be awesome!! Now I need to start to plan the daily activities 
Dec 7, 2007, 11:04 am
#13
Original Poster
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Posts: 929
Dec 9, 2007, 11:24 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,990
Cayman has far better restaurants, more interresting swimming/beaches, way better golf and is just far more civilized than Aruba. Besides, it's closer(to NA), so you'll save three or four hours of travel time.
While I would stay away from the Westin in Cayman (good location, terrible service), the Hyatt (pricey), the Ritz Carlton (pricier), and even some of the smaller chain hotels, are excellent value.
Dec 10, 2007, 8:15 am
#15
Join Date: May 2001
Location: IAD
Posts: 6,151
We stayed at the Marriott for 4 nights; resort was nice enough. Loved the soft sand on the beach. I've never been anywhere that you could walk out into the ocean without needing water shoes, but the sand was so soft that I could. Weather was great, snorkling was great. So many gorgeous fish swimming amongst the reefs close to shore. Dining I felt was not as good as Aruba and far more expensive. I would have liked to do a snorkling expedition but did not have time to do more than snorkle close to shore.