I guess it depends upon what you are looking for. I've been to both and I like Punta Cana better...

Punta Cana's beaches are tops imo...Aruba is much more built up and has more to do in the evenings as far as variety in clubs, casinos, etc...but my vote would be for Punta Cana!!! We just returned from a week at the Paradisus and I am planning on returning in the fall!!

I have also been to both and would never return to Aruba. PC has its own special atmosphere to enjoy and the greatest beach. It is also less expensive.

Depends on what you want.

Punta Cana - relaxing on beach, so-so food, very little night life

Aruba - travel off resort, many food options (i.e. very good food), more expensive but you get what you pay for, IMO

It is your honeymoon so WHICHEVER place you decide on, you will have a fantastic time and memories to last forever! Congratulations.

Susan

P.S. In closing, I would return to Aruba tomorrow if possible. Don't think I'll visit Punta Cana again.

mcsp wrote: P.S. In closing, I would return to Aruba tomorrow if possible. Don't think I'll visit Punta Cana again."

I guess I kind of agree with this sentiment. Given the choice, and with money not being an issue, I'd pick Aruba over PC any day. But, you really can't beat the value in a PC vacation. For your honeymoon, it really all depends on what you're looking for. If I chose Aruba, I wouldn't go the all-inclusive route. There are just too many fabulous restaurants to try, and reasons to be off the hotel grounds - I'd hate to be tied down to the hotel, just because that's where I've already paid for my food & drink. Palm Beach (where all the high rise hotels are) is a gorgeous stretch of beach. And, the island itself is easily navigable, on your own. I rented a car for the week, and drove all over. I'd hesitate to do that in DR. If, what you're hoping for, for in your honeymoon, is a week of laying on a beach, not leaving a resort, paying one price and eating/drinking to your heart's content, then an AI PC vacation may be the way to go for you. If you enjoy exploring on your own, (very) fine dining, etc., then Aruba might be a better bet.

One more thing.....you're almost guaranteed perfect weather in Aruba. They very, very rarely get rain. Not necessarily the case in PC.

Thanks for the input. We have decided to go with Punta. We will be there in October!

Went to Aruba last year and am going to Punta

Cana this year. Aruba was absolutely beautiful. Would go again in minute. Its almost as nice as Hawaii.

Happy Honeymoon!!!!

I went to Aruba this past March on a girl's trip and absolutely loved it. We stayed in the "low rise" section on Eagle Beach and it was fabulous. My husband and I are planning our first trip to the DR for next winter so I can't compare...but I would go to Aruba again in a heartbeat. Comparing Aruba to the VI's it is more "polished" (you can tell it has more $$) the roads are nice etc. no broken down cars alongside the roads. Clean looking. But, since I've pledged to not do the same island twice - I probably won't return. Want to try something different which is why we're looking a an AI in Punta Cana.