I think that it depends on the type of vacation one is looking for that makes the difference. Cancun is and always has been our first choice, we even bought a casa here but we also enjoy going to Aruba and Sint Maarten.

We had our 2nd Cancun vacation last summer. I did an intense search for something tropical that would compare price-wise to Cancun and couldn't find anything that came close. We LOVE Cancun and know that we will never find anywhere as wonderful and beautiful as well as economical.

i honestly don't know. we go at least 2 times a year now. i wanted to go to jamaica or aruba next year after our vow renewal, but am hesitant. are we gonna get the same service? i don't know. i do know for the price, i don't think you will beat it.

It depends what you find so terrific about Cancun.

I actually prefer Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, St. Martin. But it is the ease of getting there (90 minute non stop flight) that gets us to choose Cancun.

I agree, caviargal. It all comes down to personal tastes. Many wonderful places in the caribbean but most much more costly for airfare and accomodations. Whatever makes you happy!

Clifty, I have had the same question as you. We were at the RPLA in Cancun the first week of June and you really can't get better service anywhere else. That's just from my experiences and the places we have stayed in the Caribbean. We stayed at the Sandals in Ocho Rios Jamaica and really enjoyed it. All though the service was good the service at the RPLA ran circles around them. Jamaica is beautiful but very relaxed. I would love stay in Negril next time it looks amazing. We have also stayed in the Barcelo Bavoro Palace in Punta Cana, DR. Punta Cana has gorgeous beaches but the Barcelo resort we stayed in was by far had the worst customer service. There was no service. I just posted my review of this resort and my stay there. Anyway, that is only one resort in the DR so i'm sure there a fabulous places to stay. You know you just can't beat the service in Cancun but I do like to travel to different places so hopefully there are other places that we can enjoy like we have Cancun. If not we can always go back to the RPLA where you can't go wrong. God, I miss it. I'm looking to go back for a 3 to 4 nighter in December. Just waiting on a good deal....

My hubby and I have been all over the Caribbean although this will be out first time in Cancun. We will be staying at the Royal Cancun Aug 3-10. I was a travel agent for many years and after 911 was forced to change careers, so I feel like I know quite a lot about destinations and service, and am quite picky because of my background in the travel industry. Aruba was by far the best Caribbean vacation that we have had so far. I am definately a beach girl and Aruba's beaches are GEORGEOUS! Also, Aruba is out of the hurricane belt, so you don't have to worry about a hurricane ruining your vacation! Unlike most of the Caribbean, Aruba is has almost no poverty, is very clean, and very safe! So if you are wanting to visit an awesome place other than Cancun, I highly recommend Aruba - but I would go for at least a week - it is far away, but well worth it! I only hope that Cancun will meet my expectations. I will let everyone know when I return.

Go just south of Cancun to the Mayan Riviera. Aruba is beautiful and with terrific service and people.

Cancun is close to US that is why I go so often. Same with Caymans..it is close.

If Aruba was closer, I would go there more often.

I do love Cancun though!

I really did not like Aruba at all, though I know some people do. Very Americanized (like Cancun proper), high rise hotels, chain restaurants, arid climate, not at all lush.

I love the volcanic islands with lush foliage, and enjoy reggae music and islands with wonderful food, like Jamaica. Tons of wonderful produce, fresh fish and in Negril especially, little places on the water that serve wonderful food.

Aruba to me is Miami but Miami has better food.

In the Carribean, I've been to Nassau Bahamas, Grand Bahama Island, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Cancun (and south to PDC and Tulum).

For the price, none of the above compared to Cancun for me. The quality of the hotels, the service and the off resort options are uncomparable. We considered St. Lucia for our last vacation just to try something new, but it was going to cost more for a less luxurious resort and we were going to lose a day in travel time. We keep returning to Cancun for the price, ease of getting there, and unmatched quality resorts.

BTW -- We've also visited the several of the islands of Thailand which are supposed to be some of the best in the world. I still think Cancun is better.