Grand Cayman Cruises
From LoveToKnow Cruises
Grand Cayman cruises give passengers the opportunity to explore the fabulous seven-mile beach, visit a turtle farm, and enjoy some of the Caribbean's best snorkeling and diving. Grand Cayman is the largest of the Cayman Islands and the one most frequently called on by different cruise ships. Unlike most Caribbean ports of call, Grand Cayman has relatively few natural attractions, but the island’s exclusive, upscale lifestyle and exquisite shopping make it an attractive destination for thousands of visitors each year.
Arriving in Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman rests amidst extensive coral reefs, making it impossible for cruise ships to dock at the island. Instead, Grand Cayman cruises anchor offshore and tenders (ferries) transport passengers to a small pier on Harbour Drive, in the midst of George Town’s extensive shopping district. Larger ships must anchor further away from the island, but the tenders are generously sized and passengers typically do not need to wait long before being accommodated.
One note about Grand Cayman’s visitation policies: because of the influence of the island’s religious community as well as its notable conservatism, cruise ships are not permitted to visit on Sundays as well prominent religious holidays. Most cruise lines simply adjust their schedules to accommodate this restriction, however, and there are many itineraries available that include Grand Cayman. Most voyages that visit Grand Cayman are seven-day Western Caribbean Cruises, and all of the major lines offer Grand Cayman as a port of call: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, Holland America, Disney, and others.
Necessary information about Grand Cayman:
- English is the official language.
- The Cayman Islands dollar is the official currency, but U.S. dollars are commonly accepted – U.S. dollars are typically a higher value, so be certain which currency is quoted for a particular price.
- As a British island, driving is on the left if you choose to rent a vehicle (car or scooter).
Cruise Ship Shore Tours in Grand Cayman
Most shore excursions in Grand Cayman revolve around the crystal-blue waters: snorkeling, glass-bottom boats, sailing, and beach excursions are the most popular. The Atlantis Submarine tour is a popular choice, featuring a submarine dive where the automatic feeder attracts dozens of colorful tropical fish throughout Grand Cayman’s delightful reefs. Historical highlight tours are an enjoyable alternative for passengers who wish to stay on land, and most variations include the same basic sights but may vary in the time spent at each one.
Grand Cayman Cruises: Sightseeing
The pier (where the tenders dock) is in the heart of the island’s shopping district, and savvy shoppers will find numerous fine retailers, including linens, jewelry, clothing, and other elite goods. For visitors who desire more unusual sights, Grand Cayman’s most popular attractions include:
- Stingray City: This underwater marvel is the feeding grounds of dozens of relatively tame stingrays attracted by fishing offal. Today, the site is marketed to tourists and snorkelers of any experience level, and even the most novice aquanauts will enjoy feeding the eager stingrays. Different difficulty levels are available at Stingray City for certified divers as well.
- Hell: Many cruise passengers are delighted with the opportunity to take a vacation to Hell – in this case, a tiny village on northwestern arm of the island. Fantastic above-ground coral formations give this minute tourist attraction an ethereal feel, and the main attraction is a set of miniscule gift shops selling postcards that visitors can drop off at the nearby post office for the appropriate cancellation stamp. Corny t-shirts and other predictable souvenirs are also popular.
- Cayman Turtle Farm: This unique preservation facility breeds hundreds of endangered sea turtles of different varieties, some of which are reintroduced to the surrounding waters while others are culled for local delicacies. Knowledgeable guides explain the different characteristics of the assorted species, and visitors can carefully touch and pick up juvenile sea turtles from different touch tanks.
- Seven Mile Beach: Though really only four miles long, this attractive public beach offers a multitude of water sports for interested visitors as well as peaceful sunbathing for guests interested in a more relaxing pastime. Positioned on the island’s western coast north of George Town, Seven Mile Beach offers a fabulous view of anchored cruise ships.
- Pedro St. James National Historic Site: At the island’s southern end, this restored estate was the site of Grand Cayman’s first government in 1831. The visitor’s center offers frequent shows about the island’s history as well as an insight into its distinctive culture.
Grand Cayman Cruises: Necessary Precautions
Because of the large preponderance of elite banks on Grand Cayman, tourists need not worry about pushy vendors or insistent salespeople as much as on other Caribbean islands. Shopping is plentiful, but be aware that turtle products (polished shells, etc.) are not permitted into the United States. Visitors who elect to take an organized tour should note that many attractions are crowded but tour guides are not exceedingly generous with overdue patrons.
Grand Cayman is a delightful Caribbean gem, nestled amidst turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Though it lacks many highly organized tourist attractions, cruise passengers will delight in the unique features the island offers as well as its unspoiled quality of life.
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