Honeymoon May 30 2005, Wedding Yc, info needed Options

[tree house bonni...]

Hi,

We are getting married in Grenada on May 30, we will be arriving on Thursday to complete the residency requirements of three days. So we will be on the island from Thursday until boarding the WJ Yankee Clipper on Sunday with the wedding on Monday before sailing.

That was the details now for the questions. Our TA was alarmed when she went to book our air and lodging and found that only one company was booking the others had a "stop lock" on Grenada until further notice because of the damage from Ivan. We have seen various news reports to the effect that things are still really a mess to its open for business come on down. We would like some real life info from travelers to the area especially since December. Hotel suggestions activities etc and island conditons. Do we need to worry about crime, sanitation electricity etc. ? We are more the snorkle and nature type than the party all night and shop till we drop. We are in our mid-40's and really want to enjoy our selves both on land and at sea. Any info would be helpful.

I saw someone post about wedding cake and photographer services. We may need to hire a photographer seperate from the WJ package I think the cake they offer will be fine but I am picky about the photographer and I need to budget.

Thanks
Treehouse bonnie

[gone]

Hi Bonnie,

I am sitting in Grenada right now and have been almost everywhere on the island. Your TA is WRONG. Grenada has recovered in most areas very quickly and most debris has been picked up. The hills are green, and the resorts that are open are for the most part, full service. Grand Anse hotels weree hit very hard, so there are few hotels available besides Flamboyant, Allamanda, and Grand Beach Resort. None of them are full service yet but Flamboyant and Grand are close.

Most travel agents in the USA and Canada have done Grenada a huge disservice by ignoring Grenada as a vacation destination, and by doing so have kept many people out of work and many businesses are going to suffer also. The airlines have also pulled back because of the TA's decision not to offer Grenada. (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

The only airlines direct are Air Jamaica out of N. America. All others from NA have to go through hubs like Barbados, Trinidad, and St. Juan, PR. Liat and Caribbean Star are operating from Barbados and BWIA flys to Barbados and Trinidad from the USA and Canada.

Funny thing but England and Europe have not given up on Grenada and are flying in three times a week with Excel, BA, and Condor from Germany. (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

The roads are all clear. The flowers are blooming all over, the beaches are clean and have lots of coral sand, and the sea is a lovely azure blue with a temp of about 79 degrees F.

I have been here since Jan. 23rd/05 and have had no problems due to any aftermath of Ivan. As a tourist and a lover of this beautiful island, I am appalled by the decision of the Travel Agent's Assoc. to ignore Grenada and instead continuing to send people to every "been there, done that island" that offers cheap accom. and all incl. meals and drinks. Good heavens, tourists are missing out on the best destination in the Caribbean (biased?).

So far most resorts indicate that the majority of reservations are being booked direct on the internet by the tourist, and they are getting a discount because no commissioned agent is involved. This might backfire on the TA's because they have given the internet a chance to show some muscle. (bb (bb

[tree house bonni...]

Thanks Jim for the update. Our travel agent was only working off the information she was getting and trying to protect our honeymoon but I have sent her a copy of your post and told her to go ahead with the booking we want to go to Grendnada. Thanks to your up to date info. The really weird thing is all the conflicting reports the BBC on Friday said the island is a mess don't go, the NY papers said all is well go have fun. So getting really up to date info was difficult. Even posting on the Jammers board was getting us no were fast. So thanks for saving our honeymoon.

Tree house bonnie

[Anse]

Hi Bonnie,

Well there you have it, right from the horses mouth (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

What is the website address of the "jammers board". Maybe I will drop in there and take a look around. (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Let me know if you need the photographers info. I used him for my wedding and know his parents as well, really nice people. (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[tree house bonni...]

Hi,

Yes, thank you I would like the photographer's information. Windjammer groups have several forums one called jammerbabes, and the other is flotillia. The flotillia seems to be more active so here is their info http://p211.ezboard.com/fwindjammerflotillafrm29. I actually discovered this forum from that site.

Thanks
Bonnie

[Anse]

Thanks for the info on that board Bonnie. I will get you the contact info later tonight or tomorrow, dashing outthe door right now (bb (bb (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[tree house bonni...]

Thanks for all of the info on Grenada. Were booked for the travel part. We wanted to have windjammer take care of the wedding portion, but I am loosing confidence in that they seem to be very slow in providing information and do not follow up when they say they will. As a retired caterer and wedding planner this makes me nuts. So any info on the following would be a big help

Island wedding cooridinator for marriage license and officiant.
Cake
Photographer

We still want to get married on the Yankee Clipper but a fall back is certainly a lovely beach but it needs to be near the ship as it sails on Monday May 30 at noon and we have to go get the license that morning before sailing.

thanks
Bonnie

[Anse]

Bonnie,

The Photographers name is Tillet McSween. You cah reach him, or his family at 473-444-2151. His mothers name is Ruby, in case he is not at home. I spoke with his mom tonight and told her that you were looking for potential photographers.

The florists name is Eleanor Dathorne, Her business is Floral Treasures. She is located at :
Maffiken Apartments Bldg
Grand Anse Main Rd
St Georges, Grenada
473-444-2832


The girl that we used for our wedding cake, and for our anniversary cake was Hazel Mark. Her number is: 473-444-4875
I have not talked to her recently, so I am not sure if her phone is working yet. I can always get a message to her thru friends if needed.

Let me know if you need help with contacting any of these people, or if there is anything else I can help you with.

(IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[tree house bonni...]

Wow,


Thanks a bunch. I will set about contacting them. I appreciate it very much.

Bonnie

[jgblankenship]

Hi Bonnie,

I hope you see this message.

We are going on the Yankee Clipper in June. I think I have seen some of your posts on the jammerbabe.com website. We are thinking about renewing our vows onboard so I was reading your wedding posts.

Where did you decide to stay in Grenada? I'd love to hear what you have found in your research.

Good luck w/ the wedding!


Regards,
Julie

[AKEdkuktr]

Hi Julie. We are going on the YC NEXT June, and are getting married the night before we board for Stowaway Night. I can't wait. We love the WJ & the Clipper is a favorite ship! After lots of looking around, we decided to stay at Bel Air. They have been wonderful to work with and very helpful - and I have not read one negative review on any website about them. (which is pretty unusual as even the nicest of places have a negative review or two written)

I know you will have lots of fun, and it will be great to renew your vows aboard! Enjoy (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Patty

[tree house bonni...]

HI Julie,

We are staying at the Flamboyant. We will be arriving on Thursday, with the Wedding on board on Monday before we sail. I am using the Wind Jammer wedding cooridinator on island. I finally gave up trying to coordinate it myself long distance. I was a professional caterer and wedding planner for years and now I am a full time graduate student studying Oriental Medicine so while I was certainly qualifed, I just have no time. And the whole point of doing this was to make it easier on myself, I take my last final just before we leave for the airport so stress will be high enough.

I am really looking forward to the trip I think it is going to be a wonderful experience. So did you decide to do your vow renewal on board? I think that is a very romantic idea how many years have you been married?

See you in two weeks
Bonnie