Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands consists of Grand Cayman and her sister islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Largest of the three, Grand Cayman is 22 miles long and eight miles wide, anchored by capital city George Town. Enjoying high standard of living, Grand Cayman is the world's fifth largest financial center.
Arrival: Cruise ships arriving in George Town Harbor anchor offshore, since the landing dock can't accommodate them. Passengers are tendered in to either the North or South Dock terminals, where their first impression is of a neat bustling, socmopolitan port city.
Independent Sightseeing: The dock area is jammed with waiting taxis offering island tours at $37.50 for four people. The popular Cayman Turtle Farm, largest of its kind in the world, actually isn't a farm at all. There are no cows or fields of waving grain, only scads of turtles, some 11,000 of them in huge holding ponds. Word from Turtle Farm curator Geddes Hislop is that Carnival is planning a major shore excursion option to the site.
Must-See Attractions: What's the best spot for sunning on warm, white sand? Seven Mile Beach. Stingray City hosts hordes of eager patrons in mask and fin waiting to feed its stingrays lunch.
Off the Beaten Path: For passengers inclined to venture out on their own, an expedition to sister island, Cayman Brac, with incredible diving, or a trek to the stalagmites and stalactites of Bat Cave. Little Cayman, a 35-minute flight from Grand Cayman is an island oasis of natural wildlife featuring Booby Pond Nature Reserve, with red-footed boobies and other exotic species that vastly outnumber the island's human population of only 110.
Grand Cayman Shore Excursions
More than two dozen shore expeditions are offered by the varies cruise lines calling at the Caymans, varying in lendth from one to four hours, and ranging from easy, non-strenuous activities to extremely energetic water sports. Most fall into the %50 to $100 range. A simple island tour, a Cayman Pirate Encounter, Butterfly Farm Visit, Beginner's Scuba Diving or Reef & Wreck Snorkel Tour and Stingray City are among the many shore excursions.
Restaurants: A generous selection of waterfront restaurants offer everything from a quick snack to a full meal. Breezes by the Sea, on the second floor of the Old Landmark Building across from the ship terminal, is a snapshot of the island's varied local cuisine. Ye Olde English Bakery is perfect for a light repast in the tea room/cafe. A Hard Rock Cafe is located harbor-side on South Church Street. Fresh seafood is the pick at the Lobster Pot.
Best Souvenirs: Trinkets fashioned from turtle or conch shells are inexpensive take home novelties. Serious shoppers can head straight from their ship to the Anchorage Center just across from the Cruise Ship North Terminal, where duty-free shops and boutiques offer an impressive array of name-brand items. Bargaining or haggling is not a usual practice in Grand Cayman.
Who Cruises There: Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Disney Cruise Lines, NCL, Princess and Royal Caribbean among others.
