First Time Cruiser ... What Do You Suggest

[sbjanke]

My husband and I are cruising for the first time in October on the Caribbean Princess. From everything I have read we should definitely book our own shore excursions. What would everyone suggest for the Grand Caymans. We would like to do some snorkelling, but otherwise are open to suggestions. We are quite adventurous and active, so are not limited to what we can do.

 

Thanks,

Sara

[momof4boys]

We are doing Stingry Sandbar. You could book Stingray City and snorkel in 12-15 feet of water. I hear it is the thing to do. I will let you know in one month! :D

 

We plan to shop and eat the rest of our stay in GC. Have a great cruise!:)

[twinkletoes4445]

I'd book a stingray excursion. Both times we've been to GC, we used Captain Marvin's. They're just a short walk (to the left of the port area). IMO, the stingrays are something we'd not miss. It was really quite an experience.

 

Here's their website in case you are interested... :)

 

http://www.captainmarvins.com

[Sheffie]

Yes, you MUST do Stingray City!

 

I have compiled a list of vendors recommended here on CC. We went on Captain Bryan's Buccaneer and had a wonderful time.

 

Sailboats:

Buccaneer: http://caymanislandsdiscounts.com/Stingray_City_Buccaneer_Excursion.htm

Captain Bryan’s: http://grandcaymancruiseexcursions.com/StingrayCityCaptBryans.htm

 

Motorized:

Captain Marvin’s: http://www.captainmarvins.com

Nativeway: http://www.nativewaywatersports.com/shiptours.html

Sotos: http://www.sotoscruises.com

[denamo]

Our two favorite excursions in Grand Cayman are Stingray City and the aquaboats. We cruised through Royal Caribbean, and our aquaboat excursion was booked through the ship. We didn't know if it could be booked independently. The aquaboat excursion was so much fun and definitely on the active side. It also included some time to snorkel. Have fun!

[Quilting_Cruiser]

Captain Marvins includes a snorkel stop on their stingray tour. It's $35.00 per person and takes about two hours. Their office is very responsive to questions--I've sent them two or three e-mails with questions and they've been very prompt and detailed in their responses.

 

Have fun!

Jayne

[MaddyDarby]

My family and I were just there last week and had pre-booked with Moby Dick Tours. We had an excellent experience, personalized, slow paced, a boat that wasn't packed with people, attentive crew members and a very affordable price. We paid $35/adult, $30/kid, 4 and under free. Our total was $100 and we got both the sandbar experience AND the snorkel in deeper water.:D Through the ship we would have paid $180 and, when you see those boats, they are so full I don't see how anyone can be comfortable!:eek:

[prarie cruiser]

If you have never done so, the Stingray visit is the definite choice, no matter who you book through! Just be sure to book one that allows you to get in the water with them and also snorkel. Some of the Stingray tours are just to look, not touch and that is not what you want. Shopping is not great at this port. You will have to tender from all ships.

[cruisersnorkler]

We love the linen store here. Stuff we can't get back home. It is directly across from the pier, up the street away from the pier, about one or two blocks on the right.I've gotten both formal and casual tableclothes there. Last Christmas, both of my daughter-in-laws got two of each kind. It is great.

[FriscoLady]

We love the linen store here. Stuff we can't get back home. It is directly across from the pier, up the street away from the pier, about one or two blocks on the right.I've gotten both formal and casual tableclothes there. Last Christmas, both of my daughter-in-laws got two of each kind. It is great.

 

I am intrigued! Tell me more about the linens, what makes them special? I just love buying this sort of thing when we are on trips!!

[sbjanke]

We love the linen store here. Stuff we can't get back home. It is directly across from the pier, up the street away from the pier, about one or two blocks on the right.I've gotten both formal and casual tableclothes there. Last Christmas, both of my daughter-in-laws got two of each kind. It is great.

 

Thanks for the shopping tip. I have never been to any of these islands and I love to shop. My husband will be thrilled that I am now getting shopping tips on these boards.

 

Thanks,

Sara

[TNT]

Be sure to measure the tables you want to buy for before you go. They have all sizes and you can really get disoriented when you get in there! They have some really beautiful things at really good prices. My first trip there I wanted to buy for people, but didn't know what size to get. I have my measurements with me now. The napkins sets are always a hit a bridal showers! Look expensive...but we know better.;)

[Jill and Jo]

You will love this once in a lifetime experience!!!

 

check out the photos:

 

http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=39027726/a=17710552_17710552/t_=17710552

[Jukebox Eddie]

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Just got back from the Navigator of the Seas tour of western Caribbean, which included a stop at Grand Caymen. I was concerned as I had read some very old postings about stingray city tours, so we booked with Moby Dick's. http://www.mobydicktours.com/ We had a party of 35, and we LOVED IT! Not only did we love Stingray City, as I had been there before with another company, Captain Marvins, and I must say I liked Moby Dicks much more! Why? Well,

The boat was great, holds about 50 people, and when you get out there and you see some of the mega sized tour boats (working with the cruise ships I am sure), double deckers with over 200 people, you will appreciate Moby Dicks great boat. Big ladders in the back to get in and out, and a great fresh water shower to rinse the salt off when you get back on. Plus great music for the whole trip!

 

The 2 man crew is what makes the difference, We had captain Zak, and a young Italian assistant, sorry mates, I dont remember his name, but they were awsome! They gave us a great demo on the way out of how to deal with the stingrays, how to hold em, touch em, even kiss em! (7 years good luck). They use a stuffed stingray, sort of an oversized beanie baby, it is amusing as well as imformative.

 

When you get out to the sandbar, they will find a great place to park, and in the water they go, they will pick up a stingray and show you how to hold it, how to pet it, feed it, it really is amazing.

 

It is very apparent that these guys love what they do, thats why they are here. You will not leave stingray city until everyone on the boat has had a chance to hold a stingray and interact with the captain and first mate if you wish. There is no hurry, they are not watch watchers, ready to pull out when time is up. They will stay as long as it takes for everyone to have a great experience.

 

http://www.mobydicktours.com/

 

On the way back we had the option of being dropped off at the public beach on 7mile beach, or going back to the port, but we decided to make a detour, and were dropped of at Senior Frogs instead!

 

Must do at Grand Caymen is Stingray City, and Moby Dick's is the way to do it!

[WeCruiseForFun]

We went to Grand Cayman with our Australian relatives last June. We did the Rays, Reef, and Rum Point tour through Nativeways. Even our Australian kin were very impressed. No "we have something better in Australia" here. We had 24 people on our boat, not the hoards on the cruise ship tours.

 

First, we stopped at a reef for snorkeling. The currents were mild and my 7 year old had a great time snorkeling. (She is a better swimmer than I am, by far!) I even worked up the nerve to get in the water and snorkle for the first time in my 50 years of life. :eek: The water was bathwater clear and there was much to see in the way of fish and coral. The crew was very helpful, and worked with those of us who need help or encouragement.

 

Then we stopped for a good long time at the sandbar to interact with the Stingrays. The water was clear with a white sand bottom. It was only about 3-4 feet deep where we stopped. When the rays first started swimming by us, it was a little scary. It only took a few minutes to feel comfortable with these beautiful creatures. We got some beautiful pictures and had a wonderful time.

 

Next, we went over to Rum Point Beach where where had a great lunch, included in the price, and some time to swim or just swing in a hammock in the shade. You chose from the lunch menu on the way over and it is ready when you get there. I had a jerk pork sandwich. Very good, but a bit spicy--even for a Texan. Others had a tuna sandwich, which they found to be very good.

 

We were a group of four 40-50 somethings, 3 teenagers, and a 7 year old. We all agree that this was the best experience of our vacation, including the 5 days we spent at Disneyworld after the cruise.

 

DH and I are cruising alone next week, and we are doing the same tour again. Can't wait!

 

http://www.nativewaywatersports.com/shiptours.html

 

Hope this helps,

Pat