havent heard anytging about the resort you are going to have you heard anything about the riu tropical bay resort we are going ther on out honeymoon the 18 of october cominh home on the 30 would love to meet up with you guys what about tuesday the 19 you tell me where and what time maybe somewhere in later afternoon we are not hearing anything on tv here in akron ohio about everything is about kingston if you hear anything please let me know later lippy

If you can wait a few days to check on conditions you should see how things play out, but if you're at a point you can cancel you may want to schedule another site. A few things to consider...they may have repairs still going on when you get there. We've had two very expensive vacations ruined by construction, last year in Belieze and a few years ago at Sandals/Negril. Also, if you're a snorkeler or diver then you will be in for a disappointment. It will take some time for these conditions to return to normal, if they do at all. St Croix and Belize's underwater ecosystem has never returned to their pre-hurrican conditions going back several years. We had a Thanksgiving trip planned to Sandals that we've cancelled. We love and support Jamaica and we try again next Thanksgiving. The next few days will produce more concrete info, hopefully from un biased sources coming back from there. Lets hope eveything is going to be alright.

Hi Rebekah, At last someone who shows a little love and respect for the citizens of JAM.

Most people are asking about silly details and steel and concrete hotel buildings.

So I will help you. You will find all the information that you need on the following sites.

Especially jamaicans.com It willl help somewhat if you understand the jamaican lingo

Otherwise its mosty in English.

weather.com, CNN, BBC, Miamiherald.com, this tripadvisor Jamaica forums.

These are all sites that are keeping me in touch with "my" island and its wonderful people. Now Butch Stewart, owner of Air Jamaica & Sandals has dedicated part of his web-site to keeping the tourists and travellers to Jamaica calm and current on the happenings. www.sandals.com/general/news-hurricane.cfm

We are a nation of people that pull together in times of crisis.....BRAVO!!

Jamaicans.com has many lively topics under General discussions with awesome pictures of Jamaica and news of many areas of interest to all of us.

Enjoy your holidays. Remember that Jamaicans are the real jewels of the Tourist Industry. They are always respectful, helpful, lively and jovial.

My husband and I went to Couples Swept Away two years ago. It's a very quiet, tranquil place. It is possible to request a certain type of room once you get there. The rooms are cooled with "air cooler" -- not necessarily air conditioning, yet it was still comfortable. Not much activity going on while we were there. It's not one of those resorts that constantly try to get you to participate in activities. You can at your leisure. I highly recommend the facial. My husband would recommend the hot stone massage.

They definitely cater to sports enthusiasts.

The beach is beautiful. We toured other resorts while we were there. No beach compared. The premium property in Negril is Grand Lido. They truly cater to your every need.

Best wishes -- you'll enjoy your stay.

My husband & I were married at Swept Away Five years ago November 26...and have a 5 year anniversary trip planned the week of Thanksgiving this year. We absolutely loved everything about it...and our sunset wedding ceremony could not have been more perfect. We are concerned as well about the Jamaican people and the potential damage to the island. If you are flying into Montego Bay and taking a bus to Negril...it could be a VERY long drive if there is serious damage. Best Wishes to you and to the folks in Jamaica ...as residents in Tampa, FL, we've gone thru recent hurricane woes, but am sure it can't compare to what they must have gone thu there.

We went to Swept Away to be married 6/26 to 7/4 of this year. Our wedding was 6/30 at 4:30 p.m. on the beach. The coordinator, the minister, the photographer and videographer, resort personnel, spa services, housekeeping were all friendly and did everything they could to make our day special. We love Jamaica and Swept Away is the best place either my husband or I could hope to go when we have the opportunity to travel. My husband lived in Jamaica for 6 months while in the Navy and fell in love with the island. I have traveled extensively in the Caribbean and never found anything that compares with Couples. We are both certified divers - the dive crew at Swept Away is excellent. We had a blast at the Friday night beach party and we adore all the food, especially the fresh fish and fruit. You will not be disappointed here. Hurricane damage may call for reconstruction and repair. Loss of life and livelihood will bring out the courage and the smiles from our friends on the island. These good people are in our thoughts and prayers. We go home to Jamaica next spring. We know they will endure this latest trial with strength and a positive attitude.

You will find more than you seek at Couples. It is an amazing resort. Smile and relax, mon, for every ting will be Irie in Jamaica.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. My wife & I will also be there the same week as you. Provided all is well by then with the Hurricane recovery. I only hope that there are accurate reports somewhere concerning the damage and impact on the people of the island. I am quite sure it will take them longer to recover from this disaster than most of us realize.

Jeanie. Your letter report on Jamaica and the hotel was fantastic.

We need more lovely giving people like yourself to write many positive articles about our island and its wonderful people. The comments about the hotel will certainly help anybody seeking information about a building of steel and concrete. But the real jewels of Jamaica are its people and you recognized this.

Thank you and congratulations for spreading the word.

Rebekah,

We've been to Swept Away 23 times, and we love it, obviously! We also got married on the beach, with 40 of our closest friends. We have many friends there, and are in touch with them on a regular basis, though there has been a major turnover of staff this past year. I JUST spoke with one of them, and they said Negril was clobbered, and the resort will likely be shut down for several months. Call the resort directly, 876-957-4061, not the US reservation line. Ask for Yvonne or Ricardo. Don't get a room in the "new" section. And don't book a garden room. It's to close to the road. Get an atrium on the 2lxx, where l is 1 or 2 for floors, and 2 is away from the main dining room. If you want to go beachfront (highly recommended, plus they have a "free" mini-bar in the room), go for 2234, or 2235, or downstairs in either of those buildings.

Best of luck!

kgruane,

In speaking with the resort, are they going to place a notice saying they are going to be shut down for an extend time?