[phlydude]

I went to Jamaica like others as a cruise stop...won't go back - that one 4 hour stretch in Ocho Rios and Dunn's River Falls ruined that country for me. EVERY local I met tried to get over on you...whether it was trying to carve your name in a statue, trying to extort money from you for "guiding" you up the falls, stopping the bus and saying that they won't move until everyone gives up $5, etc...all scammers.

I'm sure that there are areas that are OK but the tourist areas were not for me.
My sister and her husband went and stayed at an all inclusive and had zero issues. So I guess YMMV.

I'd rather do Mexico (even with the Flu and Drug Wars) and hit Costa Maya or Cozumel. Or I would do deep Caribbean like Aruba or Curacao.

Aside from the Caymans, the old imperial ruled islands seem to have an issue with those that look like those that ruled them and no use their island for vacation purposes making the tourism industry the only viable income maker for only a handful of the population.

I will say that the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) would have been perfect if I didn't get the trots from the food in the resort all week...the beach was simply amazing.
As well as the beach in Roatan, Honduras...that was really nice too.