Grand Cayman?
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All Ears · 02-08-2009, 06:34 PM

What can you tell me about Grand Cayman? Any excursions you have liked there? Do you go it alone in port? Highlights? etc.
Thanks so much!

VB_Family · 02-08-2009, 07:13 PM

Well... I wouldn't do the excursion again if you just plan on going to the beach... take a taxi... to seven mile beach.... was not worth excursion.....

**Disneybine** · 02-09-2009, 06:24 AM

I'll be interested to hear about this too as we're going to Grand Cayman for the first time in April.

Bert & Sully · 02-09-2009, 01:49 PM

The first thing that will strike you is how different it is from other Caribbean islands should you decide to take a stroll as we did.

Found my beloved Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee in a certain liquor store along with several CR coffees.

Be sure and look for a tee or golf shirt with the island's mascot Peg Leg.

Mickey Mama · 02-09-2009, 02:12 PM

We went on an island tour of Grand Cayman that took us to a sea turtle hatchery, it was SO COOL! There were several sizes and types of turtles, and we got to hold some of the turtles. We also went to tour the Tortuga rum cake factory, Seven Mile Beach, and Hell. Our driver was so great at pointing out lots of great things to us. We really enjoyed the tour.

All Ears · 02-09-2009, 05:32 PM

How would you define "different?" Different in a good way or different in a bad way? And further, would you say it has a "safe" feel to it?
Thanks for any insight!

VB_Family · 02-09-2009, 07:11 PM

Well Grand Cayman is very safe feeling.... almost like any city along the beach in Florida or Key West.... was nice place....

Bert & Sully · 02-09-2009, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by All Ears

How would you define "different?" Different in a good way or different in a bad way? And further, would you say it has a "safe" feel to it?
Thanks for any insight!

Oh it's definitely safe. Grand Cayman does alot of offshore banking. Whereas most Caribbean islands are 3rd World Countries GC is not. You'll see higher end vehicles like Mercedes, BMW, etc. rather than the 20-plus-year-old Toyotas, etc.

Hartster · 02-11-2009, 01:50 PM

I also liked Grand Cayman (non-DCL cruise) for two reasons, all of which has to do with the port before it (*cough*Ocho Rios):

The excursion meeting point, while crowded, was held in an open area on the dock, rather than in a Quonset-type hut. The excursion areas were clearly labeled, and if you wanted to, you could go (limited) shopping and get something to eat without worrying about your tour, given enough time beforehand.

No one was pushing souvenirs or other stuff. Leave me alone to look, chances are I'll buy something.

And sorry: nothing can beat Sir Turtle over a map of Jamaica as a passport stamp....

**Tink and co.** · 02-11-2009, 10:03 PM

We did the Pirate Excursion offered through DCL. It was really fun for families. We did a very short wander about and shop, and found it to feel very safe, even with the kids in tow. I'd happily go back.

I, too, loved that there was no one bothering me to buy stuff.

**rescuesk** · 02-12-2009, 06:40 AM

We did the Rum Point beach excursion and loved it! You take a bus trip through Grand Cayman and come to a dock, and then take a ferry to the beach. The whole trip takes about an hour and 15 minutes. When you get to the beach, you feel like it is a private beach. There are condos and hotels there, but it was not at all crowded the day we went. The water is crystal clear and warm. There are hammocks and beach chairs to hang out in. There is a bar, and you get a ticket for a free lunch, which was really good.

While we were there, we had a rain shower, but it passed quickly and made for some stunning photo ops. At about 2 or so, you take the ferry back and then the bus.

The ride over was a bit long, but this was an excursion we would definitely do again!

This is the link for the Grand Cayman part of our cruise trip report:

Steve and Sue do a Magical Cruise:***Updated 7/20 - Day 8...a new adventure begins....***

CAVA Magic · 02-13-2009, 09:26 AM

We took the Aquaboat & Snorkel Adventure and absolutely had a blast. We had a group ranging in age from 11 to 64 and it appealed to all. The equipment was in good shape. Most of the boats are for two riders but they had a couple of boats which fit 4 which was nice for the families. They also let the kids drive for a short period which thrilled my son. I also have to give big kudos to the guides who where great at pointing things out and letting us zoom around. The only downside is how hard it is to get back into the boats after snorkeling. The guides have to sort of "hoist" you in but they managed to get my 300lb step-dad in so they can do just about thing.

We definitely would do again!

**Disney918** · 02-13-2009, 11:12 AM

We loves Grand Cayman! We took the tour where they take you to "Hell" and then the turtle farm. I really liked it until my DH explained that the turtles weren't just being raised for zoos, that they get eaten and made into clothes. I don't know what I thought they would do with thousands of turtles, but that made me sad. Still cool to see though if you don't think about their inevitable fate.
We then went to the Tortuga rum factory where they have FREE samples. Could have stayed there all day, but wouldn't have been able to stagger back to the ship.
Our guide was awesome and answered any questions that we had and also had a great sense of humor.
The water there is amazing and once back on the ship I actually looked down from one of the decks, straight into the crystal blue water and saw a sea turtle swimming in the ocean....how cool! I hope he was an escapee from the turtle farm!
Have fun! Say hello to Grand Cayman for me!

mom2mizmous · 02-19-2009, 10:17 AM

We were thinking about just wandering around within walking distance of the docks- no excursions. We especially want to visit Magaritaville and Hard rock Cafe (no, we are not big drinkers, but has become kinda a family tradition to collect tee-shirts, pins, and hats from both whenever we find them in our travels). Our group are not big beach people (love castaway cay- hated the beach that disney sent us to on cozamel, so are wary of another such experience). Will it be feasible to do this and will we be really missing out if we don't venture further? Turtles and such do not excite us either -lol

thinking more of quick trip ashore and then return to make the most of a partly empty ship)

Hartster · 02-19-2009, 10:24 AM

Hard Rock Cafe is within walking distance - with the water in back of you, make a right along the first street and it'll be on your left somewhere (my map is at home.) We paid $42 GCD, or about $37 US, for lunch for two people. (Normally we wouldn't do that, but we needed to find food fast.)

Most of the day in Grand Cayman we spent within a five-block radius of the port. We hit the typical souvenir stores in addition to the post office, immigration, and Wedgford. Unfortunately, there's some history museum right near by that was closed when we there in October '08.