The Cayman Islands are famous for Seven Mile Beach but offer much more than golden sands and warm tropical waters. From spotting rare blue iguanas to kayaking in a bioluminescent bay, here’s your guide to making the most of this Caribbean gem.
The capital of Grand Cayman is George Town, home to the island’s biggest harbor and airport. This central hub is the base for tour guides and excursions across the island.
Every cruise port offers a unique array of things to do, from sunny beaches with soft sand to historic sites and shops. Choosing suitable excursions is an essential aspect of your vacation.
Cruise ports with high-quality tourism attractions, transportation infrastructures, and a wide range of tourist services generate considerable revenue for local destinations. They are also highly sought after by cruise lines as home ports.
Shopping
While many cruisers book ship-sponsored excursions in the Grand Cayman Islands cruise port, there are plenty of opportunities to see the sights on your own. The key is to plan and pack a day bag with water, sunscreen, a camera, a map, and snacks. Bring a rain jacket, an umbrella or a scarf and gloves. If you’re traveling to a tropical destination, don’t forget insect repellent.
Cruise ports are full of souvenir shops. But some shops are better than others. If you’re looking for authentic arts and crafts, try the shops in the Cayman Islands, which sell a wide variety of hand-made goods. If you’re searching for something more high-end, consider a shopping excursion with an in-port guide who can introduce you to the best local boutiques.
For the best bargains, skip the shops in the cruise port terminal area and walk outside to a main street. You’ll find that the prices are usually lower, and there are often better specials on beer and cocktails. You’ll also avoid being pestered by taxi drivers trying to fill their vehicles.
Dining
Many thousands of disembarking passengers are looking for food at any given time during a cruise. Fortunately, the ports where cruise ships dock are teeming with places to eat. These restaurants depend on the cruise ship crowds and are often within a short walk of the terminals.
On most cruise ships, the dining room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The exact hours will vary depending on whether the ship is at sea or in port. Most cruise lines include several other specialty restaurants with varying prices in addition to the main dining area.
At these venues, you typically sign your bill with a tip or leave cash on the table when your meal is finished. However, some cruises add a mandatory service charge to your bill. If so, your waiter will explain the process to you after you are seated.
Local Attractions
Many cruise ports are in stunning natural settings perfect for swimming, sunbathing, hiking, sightseeing, and more. Some are also home to cultural and historical attractions.
Often, you can walk to a local attraction from the ship’s port of call. This is only possible in some cruise ports, but it’s worth a try.
You discovered local attractions at the Cayman Islands while in a cruise port, a great way to enjoy your day off. From the wildly popular Stingray City, where you can feed these lovely creatures, to Cayman Brac’s natural limestone Bluff, there is something for everyone.
The island’s National Museum will also give you a greater understanding of the culture that makes this beautiful place home.
Stingray City is a must-do activity when visiting Grand Cayman. This natural sandbar is a safe swimming area with crystal, straightforward, waist-deep water full of Southern Atlantic Stingrays. There are several ways to experience this fantastic attraction, from diving to snorkeling.
People-Watching
Cruises are a fun way to explore new destinations, and one of the highlights is visiting ports of call. Most people book a shore excursion while in port, but you don’t need to go on one to enjoy your day. A shore excursion is a guided tour or other activity designed for cruise passengers with limited time to spend in each port on their schedule.
While you might think that you can only get an authentic local experience by going on a tour, enjoying plenty of culture in the port is possible by walking around and simply watching the crowds. Often, the most famous places in a port will have crowds, especially if they are iconic or significant. If you want to avoid these areas, look for tours or activities that are less popular.
Another great way to experience the people of a port is to go on a food tour. This is a well-liked activity on several cruises and a great chance to sample the regional food. For a more unique experience, try visiting small artisan bakeries or cooking classes offered by a few guests. These experiences offer a glimpse of local life and are far more intimate than a significant tourist attraction.
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