Grand Cayman - A beach guide

For Grand Cayman day we will be in port from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We will be tendered to shore.  This means that you will not be able to just get on and off the boat at port.  There will be tender boats to take us from the ship to the dock.  So keep that in mind as well.  It is not a difficult process to tender but you just want to be sure you leave enough time to return to the ship before the last tender heads out from port.

Here is a website I found that has some good beach information on Grand Cayman:

http://www.caymanislands.ky/activities/beaches.aspx?gclid=CjwKEAiAhIejBRCKm_fTxIWyyXcSJABXY0XYy9dnrVK7tb6GXe-gsX8V8MSQHropntiuuNPqsus2WBoCGXPw_wcB

The "most popular" beach (or the one I hear mentioned most) is Seven Mile Beach.  You can get here by bus (public transportation).  Actually, I think you can get to a lot of beaches by bus instead of taxi. 

Another popular beach I have read about is Rum Point but be aware that this beach is a good 50 minutes away from the cruise port.  So if you go there, be sure you leave plenty of time to get back in time for departure.

Most of these beaches will have nearby hotels or restaurants that rent out beach chairs and umbrellas.  So be prepared for that as well.  The up side to renting a chair and/or umbrella is that this usually entitles you to use their restrooms.  Bonus!

I have heard that the following places all cater to cruise ships as well - Royal Palms, Calico Jack's, or Tiki Beach. They have chair/umbrella rentals, restaurants, restrooms and showers, watersports rentals, etc.

Enjoy!

Do a little dance. Shhh. Get down tonight. Shhh.

I mean it!  Shhhh!

I heard about a unique party on the Freedom that you might like to go to.  It is the "silent" disco party.  I am not sure what day it is held but it sounds like it could possibly be fun.  From what I have read when you enter the party room you are handed a pair of headphones and pretty soon there is a whole dance floor filled with people dancing to their favorite music that only they can hear.

Sounds weird.  Sounds different.  Sounds like something I might have to check out for myself to see!

See you there!

The Quest

We have cruised Royal Caribbean many times but had never been to The Quest game show until our Alaska cruise.  Let me tell you...  I think everyone in our group can attest to the fact that this was a TON of fun! 

And we participated so it made it that much more fun!!!

I am not going to say very much more about it other than to encourage you to attend this show.  From what I have heard it is held the evening we are in port in Grand Cayman.  So once back on board from your afternoon of sunning and funning in Grand Cayman, eat your dinner, grab a nap and then meet us at this show! 

It is an adult scavenger hunt.  Adults 18 years old and older can attend.  So our two younger cruisers can hang out at the teen club or something for the hour or so we are there.  No worries.  They will find something to do!

Enjoy and we will see you there! (Eric are you ready to run again?!?!?!!)

Grand Cayman - our next port of call - and one important (funny) tip

It has been a LONG time since we have been to Grand Cayman.  So let me start off with kind of a funny story.

John and I went years ago and spent some time shopping in town.  (I did get a nice ring from my hubby so heads up on that ladies!)

We were told after shopping that it would be a few hours before my ring was sized and cleaned so we went beach-hopping.  Let me start off by saying that I have no idea what beach we went to but we got there by cab.  We had a nice day.  Rented a sea-do and just chilled out.  At some time or another we decided we should probably head back.  We could see the port area so we thought "what the heck...  Let's walk down the beach.  It doesn't seem to be that far."  And so we started.

Needless to say, that ship was further away than what we thought.  Have I mentioned that walking down the beach gets REALLY hot?

At one point one of us said "maybe we should go and walk along the street and see if we can find a cab?"  And so we did.

We walked and walked and never saw one cab.  We kept getting honked at by passing cars so we would temporarily move away from the side of the road so we didn't get hit.  After a VERY long walk we made it back to the jewelry store, got our purchase and headed back to the boat.

At dinner that night everyone at our table was talking about their days and so we told them about our day too and the fact that it was so odd that there were no cabs by us.  Someone immediately asked "So no cabs honked at you as they passed to see if you needed a ride?"

John and I immediately looked at each other and knew to say nothing of our ignorance that all of those mini vans and cars that passed us were in fact cabs that would have picked us up!!!  Our original cab out to the beach area was an actual cab and that is why we didn't realize!

Anyway...  You are now more informed than we were!!!

Lesson learned:  honking cars are cabs in Grand Cayman.  And although something seems like a pain in the butt at the time, it will be something that will become a life-long memory that you will still laugh about 10-20 years later!

Oh...  And since it has been a week since I posted I MUST ask?!?! 

Can we go yet?!?!?!?

More Falmouth information - Good website for tours

I promise I will get to the other ports soon but thought I would send a link to another great tour guide website that I have read good things about:

http://www.knowjamaica.com/en/

From what I understand this is a mother/son tour group agency.  They do a lot of the same tours that I have mentioned previously.

I just want to give you plenty of options.  A lot of people complain that Falmouth is not their favorite port because vendors and such are pushy.  So I did want to warn you about that as well. 

In all honesty, have we run into pushy vendors while cruising?  Yes.

Has our family let it negatively affect us?  No

Have we run into many friendly locals that were willing to help us or give us a great tour?  ABSOLUTELY

So all I can say is do your research and I hope my research helps you too.  Or book through the cruise line on Falmouth day if you would like.  But most of all...  Enjoy yourself!  Although Falmouth is a small port and maybe not the rickets of places, I have heard there is so many cool, beautiful things to see!

I apologize for not posting for a week!!!!  What have you all done without me?!?!?

What are you packing?

These are just a few things I have read about over the years.  Pick and choose what items you need to bring:

Clothes:
Athletic clothing/workout wear
Bathing suit - at least 2 is best
Dress/Pantsuit
Baseball or other type of hat
Hiking shoes - if you are going on an excursion that might need them
Pants - jeans
Pants - khakis
Raincoat/poncho
Shirts - dress shirts
Shirts - golf shirts
Shirts - t-shirts or long-sleeve
beach footwear/sandals
formal shoes for dinner (nothing real fancy but something nice than tennis shoes)
non-skid or athletic
slippers
water shoes
Shorts
Socks
Suit
Sweaters or Sweatshirts (for restaurants onboard or theaters)
Ties
Tuxedo or formal wear - we have never gotten this dressed up
Underwear
Windsuit/Lined and-or Waterproof Jacket
Other Items we have brought in the past:
Watch - recommend waterproof
Ziploc Bags - we NEVER leave home without these!!!  We store cookies, sandwiches to bring onshore to save some $$$.  Teenagers always "snacky"!
Cooler (soft-sided) - To store sandwiches for shore excursions and airplane ride
Larger Cooler (soft-sided) for in room.  We ask room steward to fill with ice because the ice buckets are so small!
Extension Cord or Power Strip- there are only a few outlets in the cabin (possibly only one).
$1 or $ 2 bills (room service grat) - Room service gratuities are not included in your cruise gratuities paid.; be sure to have lots for ports as well
Backpack - May come in handy off-ship
Cameras Digital, waterproof, and/or disposables.  Buy waterproof before leaving - they're expensive on board!
Binoculars - Do not leave home without these - you never know what you'll see from deck/verandah
Dry erase board - to communicate with your family
Band-aids
Batteries (camera batteries also)
Books - If you think you'll have time to read (I usually bring 2!)
Candy - Bring your own for the shows or movies
Carry-on with wheels is easier if you board before staterooms open (rooms open around 1 p.m. on most ships)
CD player/CDs/iPod
Night Light - Plug this in your cabin bathroom
Snorkeling Gear Including prescription goggles - many places do not have these available; and I like to have my own mouthpiece
Corkscrew - If you bring on your own wine
Fanny pack
Sunglasses - Don't forget these…the glare off the ocean can be strong.
Sunscreen/Sunscreen spray - Spray for the scalp
Feminine needs
Hairdryer - Cabin hairdryers are weak if you are particular about this.
Hamper - collapsable
Highlighters - Have a different color for each family member (we use these to mark the daily activities log for things we do not want to miss)
Film/Memory Card (spare)
Deodorant
Shampoo
Shaving Kit
Makeup
Hairbrush/Comb
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Tote Bag/Beach Bag/Day Bag
Travel clock/alarm clock
Two-way Radios
Pens
Dishwash Detergent or Cloths (if you bring your own cup like we do)
Bonine or Dramamine - Or get the patch from your doctor before the trip
Over-the-door Shoe Holder - we used this once to store items and it was nice to have
Glow necklaces - we brought these once for the boys and they were fun at night for them
Folder or Large Envelope - Store the daily newsletters and other papers
Aspirin or other medicine
Beach toys
Aloe
Other items we have not brought but you might consider:
Address Labels-Luggage Tags - Pre-addressed labels with your name and address for disembarkation tags
Address Labels-Postcards - Save time addressing postcards for family & friends
Air Freshner/Room Scent/Pillow scent
Antacid or Papaya Enzyme Tablet or Beano
Benadryl
Bubblewrap - For breakables purchased
Bungee cord/rope - For connecting cabins
Business Cards
Button Hole Extenders
Clothspins & clothesline - You may be able to hang a clothesline on your verandah
Cutting knife - For fruit you bring back to the room
Dryer Sheets - Multiple uses
Duffle bag (spare) - For space for your souvenirs and purchases
Fan - hand-held Be sure to have batteries that fit the fan
Flashlight
ID holder/dry box
Insect Repellent packets Surprisingly necessary if going on some shore excursions.
Keep cool or "migraine ice" strips Cool down instantly
Laptop & cords
Laxative, correctal/gentle
Lotion
Luggage Bag - Pack a foldable extra luggage bag for the souvenirs and laundry.
Moisturizer/Lotion - Be prepared for dry atmosphere.
Notebook/Journal, Pens - Be sure to record all of your fabulous memories on a daily basis in a journal or on a laptop
Permanent Marker (Sharpie)
Post-it Pad - Good for leaving notes for one another or your cabin steward.
Powder
Prescriptions/medicines
Reading Glasses
Safety Pins
Sewing Kit
Sports bottle/water bottle/mug
Straws
Suction cups/hooks - Use for hanging wet suits
Swiss Army knife - Do not put this in your carry-on - must be in your checked luggage.

Enjoy!

Cruise tips for you

Activities:  Don't try to do everything - you'll wear yourself out.
Activities:  Participate in at least one activity a day.
Activities:  Play or attend the last jackpot bingo.
Activities:  Return cruisers cocktail party - arrive early to get a comfortable seat
Activities:  The pool is generally least crowded while the ship is at port, especially upon arrival.

Clothing:  On first day either wear swimwear under boarding clothes or bring in your carry on. (We carry ours on as you will not see your luggage until about 1:30 or so!)
Clothing:  Get extra use out of polo you wear to dinner, wear it the next day if it's still clean
Clothing:  Make a spreadsheet of your daily clothing plans so you don't overpack and also know what was in your luggage in case it's lost
Clothing:  Pack clothes you don't want to iron on hangers and in dry cleaning bags.
Clothing:  Pack kids clothing by day in ziplock bags.
Clothing:  Pack underwear and socks in ziplocs to avoid TSA from getting their hands all over your delicates
Clothing:  Pack what you think you will need, then reduce your clothing by 25-50%.  This is stressed by most experienced cruisers.
Clothing:  Save packing some t-shirts and beach towels by buying them at the ports.
Clothing:  Take your old socks, underwear, etc. and have them make a one-way trip with you.  Saves room for souvenirs. (My husband does this.  Tosses after using them!  LOL)
Clothing:  The space bags really save space when packing
Clothing:  Use black slacks; they will go with most tops or shirts and you will only need one pair of black shoes.

Departure:  Have the post office hold your mail or find a neighbor to take care of it for you!
Departure:  Stop your newspaper deliveries or have a neighbor take care of it!

Disembarkation:  Be sure to leave a set of clothes out for disembarking.  The rest of your luggage will be taken the night before and you do not want to walk out in your PJs!
Disembarkation:  Bring pre-addressed labels with your stateroom number to stick on your assigned luggage tags.
Disembarkation:  If you need a porter, stand by the doors where they come back in so you can get one without having to chase them down.
Disembarkation:  If you're not in a hurry, don't rush off the ship - enjoy your last few moments aboard
Disembarkation:  Make sure your party's luggage all has the same distinctive ribbons etc.; your luggage will probably not be located together
Disembarkation:  The instructions will replay on your stateroom TV constantly; skip the live talk but do pay attention at some point.

Entertainment:  Get your seats early so you're not disappointed with location.

Excursions:  If you are comfortable with it, book your excursions on your own; you'll save money
Excursions:  Locate the free coupon books at the pier for discounts you can use in the ports
Excursions:  Sign up online as soon as you can if you plan to book through the cruise line
Excursions:  Wear a t-shirt while snorkeling to reduce sunburn

Meals:  Ask your server for dessert to go if you're too full to eat there
Meals:  Beware of Bon Voyage drinks and Hot Chocolate Liquer drinks…can be very expensive (as much as $9)
Meals:  Bring back fruit and cereal boxes to snack on throughout the day.
Meals:  Don't be afraid to ask for more than one item per course; mix and match from other entrees as you like
Meals:  Even if you can't eat the dessert/late-night buffet, make a plate and put it in your refrigerator for the next day
Meals:  If you buy a rum cake, don't break the seal or eat all of it on board.
Meals:  Make sure your waiter puts your room number on unfinished bottles of wine so you get the remainder at your next meal.
Meals:  Make your own free iced mocha: mix one pack hot choc w/ coffee, pour over two cups filled 2/3 with ice and milk.
Meals:  Order room service as a wakeup in case you're in an inside stateroom where it can get very dark so you don't oversleep
Meals:  Order room service coffee the night before.  It may still be hot in the carafe in the morning.
Meals:  Order sandwiches the day before and take them ashore in your cooler.  Some ports may not allow this.

Misc.:  Aft elevators tend to be the lightest used.  Avoid mid-ship.
Misc.:  Arrive to the port city or transfer location at least the day or night before the cruise departs
Misc.:  Buy when you see something you like or you may regret it later.
Misc.:  Get extra copies of the daily newsletters for scrapbooking or collections.
Misc.:  If you know you're going to use a lot of the internet, buy an unlimited package rather than pay by minute.
Misc.:  Pack nailclipper or pocket knife on the outside of your suitcase to clip zip strips
Misc.:  Save everything and make a scrapbook upon return.
Misc.:  Treat sunburns and jellyfish bites with vinegar (order from room service)
Misc.:  Use a label-maker to tag everything that may leave the room that needs to come back.
Misc.:  Use the same distinctive ribbons on your family's luggage so it's easy to spot upon disembarkation.

Photo:  Ask the photographers to take photographs rather than waiting for them to ask you.
Photo:  Give each child his/her own disposable camera to use as they please and create their own memories.
Photo:  Take photos of the luggage before turning them over to the airline or cruise ship; have a list of each's contents and notate usage for future planning.
Photo:  Take pictures of everything so you don't regret it later.

Stateroom:  Ask your attendant for a feather pillow if this is the kind of pillow you prefer
Stateroom:  Don't be afraid to ask your cabin steward for extras you need…blankets, pillows, ice, extra Compass
Stateroom:  Post a magnetic door sign to help find your cabin easily (especially good for kids)
Stateroom:  Rather than bringing extra hangers, ask your attendant for them on the first day; or pack items on hangers then in luggage.
Stateroom:  Store luggage under your bed if it will fit.
Stateroom:  Store your life vest under your bed to give more shelf space.

Hope these help!