buffy24

We have been to Pedro St. James Historical Site a couple of different times. We really enjoy it. One of the tour guides we met there is a descendent of the original owners. The Bodden House has also been moved to the site. They were another one of the original settler families on the island. The entry price to the site is quite reasonable and the gift shop has some very nice items at incredibly reasonable prices too.

You could catch a cab to 7 Mile Beach or take the yellow or lime green bus routes (see thebusschedule.com/EN/ky). I would probably try to have them drop off more towards the south end of 7 Mile Beach, so you have more time to enjoy it. Maybe near the Marriott. Personally, I would probably take a cab back in case the buses are behind schedule, but that is just me. I tend to worry about the time. I believe you have to be back on the ship at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Also remember to allow time for tendering. The last time we left Cayman, and I think we got in line about 4pm, the line was HUGE. The tenders do hold quite a few people though. I don't think we waited longer than 15-20 minutes.

Thanks Kim/mitsugirly for the great review. Especially the ports. We are doing the Roatan/Belize/Cozumel itinerary in August on the Breeze. We had been debating what tour to do in Belize and had narrowed it down to the one you did and the Shark Ray Barrier Reef tour. Your pictures have me leaning towards the Rendezvous Caye one now. Such beautiful snorkeling! I loved seeing the pictures of Sakari in her mermaid gear. I kind of want my own mermaid tail now :) I also have a "water baby." He's now almost 16, but snorkeled for the first time in Grand Cayman at 5, though has loved holding his breath underwater for a long time since he was 3. Loved to freak his mom out by laying back in the tub to rinse his hair and then keeping his head underwater with his eyes closed. I'd be there the whole time telling him to stop freaking me out! Good times, lol. I've got to get him and his dad to do scuba, they would love it and be naturals. Me, maybe I'll just sit on the boat. Thanks! Pam/buffy24

What is it you are interested in doing? Beach day? If so, Smith Cove stays fairly uncrowded, especially compared to 7 Mile Beach. They have restrooms, a couple of showers, picnic tables and shade, but no food available. You'd have to bring snacks with you or buy something in port before you go. Cemetery Beach is also very uncrowded, but they don't have any facilities or food.

Shopping in downtown is right outside of the pier. We have been in town when that many ships were there and were still able to shop without having to wait to long to buy anything anywhere.

Any of the above suggestions would work. Rum Point is absolutely stunning. We love it there and go anytime we stay on the island.

Txtogo - Did they stop at the island before the reef and then went back? It says there is time on the island, so it is too bad that there was no shopping time there. I understand Caye Caulker has a few nice craft shops. Did you buy lunch there? We were thinking we would skip any lunch and just have some granola bars and look around. My husband and son have celiac, so sometimes it is just easier to not take the chance of eating out at smaller locations. Also, we go in early August, so I suspect we will have some similar weather to yours.

CLS/KAS - I would still be interested in how your experience goes as well. I wonder if it will be the same or not.

There are plenty of shops that offer t-shirts, souvenirs and other items the kids might like. You could also go to Margaritaville for lunch and let the kids use the pool there. They have a waterslide as well. During the day we saw plenty of families there.

Thanks. Enjoy your trip! I would definitely vote to take your family for the holidays. Our youngest son has traveled with us all three times (when he was 5, 8 and 15). My mother-in-law has come with us all three times as well. My oldest stepson was with us in 2010 and my parents went with us last year. They now officially love Cayman more than Hawaii and they have been to Hawaii a lot. Have a great day!

Most of the time we were out for 2-3 hours, but it was just straight walking. We'd walk, take pictures, jump in the water, get out and walk again, repeat. It was so enjoyable. We saw a lot of the same people every day. Some locals, some visitors. Some locals with dogs who love the water. Some joggers, some slow meanderers. Just about any type of person you could think of. Wish I had the option to walk it every day. We were staying at our timeshare, which is south of the Marriott. Some days we made it up to Calico Jacks, other's just past the Ritz Carlton. I hope you have an absolutely wonderful time. Are you doing a cruise again or staying on the island? We've stayed 3 times (2007, 2010, 2017) and I have a hard time wanting to try anything else.

It's an absolutely beautiful stretch of beach too. When we stayed on the island last May, we walked it several times. I wish I was there now!

If your ship is in port from 8am to 6pm, do they open the main dining room for breakfast any earlier than 7:30? Are their any other breakfast options on port days besides the main dining room, the lido and room service?

Thanks!

Last time we cruised, we stayed at the Lost Bayou Bed & Breakfast. Wonderful place and wonderful host. He even dropped us off at the cruise terminal. We are staying there again for our cruise in August and will be taking advantage of the free parking included with the stay (parking is at a secured lot for the train museum).

I am wondering if anyone has done this excursion before? Is the shopping on the island near where they drop you off? How long is the snorkel time at the reef and also at Shark Ray alley? Does the boat have restrooms? Thank you in advance!

I did also check for you and the Cayman bus #6 or #7 (dark green line) goes from downtown to Smith Cove and it runs every 15 minutes (or so if you account for island time). I believe it is no more than $2-2.50 each way. If you google Grand Cayman bus schedule, you can look at the route.

We did the higher admission and spent a lot of time snorkeling with the young turtles. I can honestly say it was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had.

We had no problem getting a cab there. We did walk back because we wanted to stop at Sunset House for a drink.

I did that itinerary on the Imagination in November of 96. Not sure if it was still doing that one a year later or not.

Any other places generally open for lunch on embarkation day? Blue Iguana Cantina or the deli perhaps? We will be on the Breeze, if that makes any difference. I usually avoid the buffet in the Lido because I will eat too much. Need to save that for dinner :)

Anyone used the self serve laundry on the Breeze? I have seen some conflicting information, so I'm wondering if the machines take change or do they take credit cards or sign & sail cards. Also, do they get very busy? I'm just hoping to maybe do 1 load of clothes at some point, so I can save room for all the things I plan to buy! :D

Cemetery Beach is nice, if you don't care about facilities. Pretty good snorkeling there.

Agreed. Paradise Grill is great. We have been there many times.

Thanks for the note about the hangers! I am afraid I am quite the hanger hog :)

Extra hangers. Not sure how many the Cove Balcony cabins have and there are three of us...

Yes Cayman is expensive, but that doesn't mean you can't find some deals. I always purchase stone carved into animal shapes, nice shirts and t-shirts, and I love the small local paintings. We often purchase items made by local artists at Pure Art, which is on the outskirts of Georgetown, going towards Smith Cove (towards the south side of the island). My son purchased a pair of bamboo sunglasses there and I purchased a beautiful two sided ring (it has the inside of a conch shell on one side, and larimar on the other side. The have tons of items there: carvings, paintings, soap, jewelry, etc. You could easily spend an hour or more there. In town, Blue Iguana has some good prices on items.

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