For a complete Cayman Islands cruise experience, you should visit all the three islands: the Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. If you are looking for a secluded and relaxing vacation experience, the smaller islands of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac will be the most ideal vacation spots. For a more exciting and lively vacation, Grand Cayman is the best option.
Cruise Lines Offering Cayman Islands Trips
Most cruise lines, such as the Western Caribbean, offer 7-day cruises to the Cayman Islands. Other major cruise lines like the Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, Holland America, and Disney offer cruises with Cayman Islands as one of their port of calls as part of the itinerary.
Places of Interest
Historic landmarks and museums are scattered all over the Grand Cayman. The most popular among these landmarks include the Pedro St. James Castle and Bodden Town. Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park and the Cayman Turtle Farm attest to the natural beauty of the island. Several exotic beaches, such as the world famous Seven Mile Beach and the more secluded Smith's Cove, are found around this island.
The Grand Cayman Island is a hot spot for those who enjoy the bustle and excitement and those who enjoy the peaceful and secluded settings. The rocky coastline of the Cayman Brac, though not a great place for swimmers, is a treat for the snorkelers. This lush island paradise is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. The National Trust Parrot Reserve is a place where you can learn more about the wildlife of the island.
As its name implies, Little Cayman is the"baby"of the group, and its attractions are nature-based. Due to this, eco-tourists get drawn to this little island from all over the world. This island has several gorgeous beaches, and the Sandy Point Beach is the finest beach in the island. The Red-Footed Booby Bird Nature Reserve is situated here.
Activities
The Cayman Islands have a lot to offer sea-lovers. In addition to the excellent beaches, one can enjoy the underwater scenery with options for snorkeling and scuba diving. Ride in the glass-bottomed boats and enjoy the beauty of the wonderful undersea world.
With a proper planning before heading for the cruise and by booking your place for sight-seeing tours, you can have a rewarding time in these islands. Small aircraft are hired to do island-hopping as there are no inter-island ferries. Boats, which are more affordable than the charter planes, are also available for hire.
Shopping and Food
Although expensive, the Cayman Islands are very good for shopping. In addition to the local crafts, you can also choose from among the goods that the local inhabitants import from all over the world.
Dining in the Cayman Islands is expensive, but you can find moderately priced meals if you stick to the dishes made from conches, fish and turtles, which are abundantly found in these islands. For the fast-food buffs, burgers and pizzas are also available, mostly in the Grand Cayman Island. Further, international cuisines, such as those from Italy, America, Japan, China, and Thailand, are found among the local specialties. Even French cuisine is found in the choicest restaurants.