Non-AI questions

[captaind]

Hi Kevin,

My reply was aimed at those who think there is such a thing as "authentic" Jamaica.

After 35 years I still don't know what authentic means.

BTW. You can come visit my yard anytime you're in town

Regards

Cap

[Kritter]

I would get fat if I went to an AI .... would feel like I had to eat everything on the buffet 3 times a day. I only eat 2 meals a day. When vacaying in Jamaica, that amounts to a bowl of cornflakes and banana in my room, and some 'authentic' Jamaican cuisine in the evening..... supplemented w/ some fresh fruit for snacks. Often, I can eat 2 days on one meal because the portions are so big..... I don't spend any more on food in Jamaica than I do at home.

[Papa Georgie]

I spend more on authentic alcoholic beverages.

[lisapat]

Don't know if it's been mentioned....but as a couple who has been to Negril both AI and non AI...there are a few things Ive read that are important: we PUNISH our livers, even MORE SO on vacation, but always make sure we don't waste any of that precious time hungover... cost effective for us..If you go to a high end AI(I recommend Couples)..you get a big plus ..FREE airport transfers...we always tip, but with the cost of paying someone $30+pp plus tip, you are talking upwards of $150 or more per couple SAVED r/t..Let us not also forget that the "pricey" AIs have top shelf brands, lobster and lamb on their menus, complimentary kayaks, canoes, sailboats, water skiing, stand up paddle boards, in house discos, fitness centers, pools and jacuzzis, and usually have opportunities for RESORT CREDIT..which translates to FREE massages for us....another BIGGIE, anyone who has seen one of these catamarans...this "booze cruise" to the cliffs and back is included, and can be done as many times as you sign up for it

[Beebeluv]

Oh kevin the nurf bat is soft most of the time... Lol there are topics here that get people rialed up like authentisism... Tipping.... Route taxis.... People over exaggerating their reports...lmao i tend to be in these conversations

[lisapat]

those excursions can get pricey...we also LOVE to dive, and snorkel....again, INCLUDED and UNLIMITED...that all being said....the benefits of going non AI are also many...we are going to have our 10 year anniversary July 2014...and are going to Swept Away because it's a noteworthy occasion...we've visited it once during one of our Couples Negril trips on a (again)"complimentary" day pass <with free r/t shuttle>...we decided on this because we LOVE walking Long Bay...and visiting all the friends we've made...What we are trying to do now, is stick to non AI as we will soon be empty nesters and want to maybe try 2 trips /yr..we always stay 10 days, would do more but would be out of our jobs when we got home

[lisapat]

Not to keep ranting, but we LOVE our sweet Negril...and choose to sometimes submerge ourselves in IT, and sometimes just go there to enjoy the big AIs....trying to do both in one trip is a challenge that to this day we have not been able to meet...good to know if you are on the fence...I say, if you spend the $$ on a place like Couples...no one is forcing you to STAY on property the whole time...but you paid a lot for all that, and might as well not waste it....If you want the local culture of Negril, AND want the AI thing, go with Grand Pineapple...the amenties are few, there's 1 bar, 1 dining option(a buffet),but the price and location can give you the best of both worlds..and you don't feel as "obligated" to take every meal there because of the price...