Cayman Islands, why aren;t you going?
 

I have been going to the Cayman Islands since the mid-70's. I have been on this board for years, trying to answer questions, especially about the North Side.
Why the drop in the posts about Cayman?

We love Grand Cayman. Been once in 2003 and have been venturing to other Islands since then. Would love to return for another weeks stay. However, Grand Cayman is very expensive compared to other Islands and doesn't offer any really good AI hotels. We did AI at the Holiday Inn in 2003 and it was great value.

We are returning next month to Grand Cayman, but on a cruise. The only way we'll get to afford to see it at this point in time. We'll eventually (hopefully) get to return for a weeks stay again in the future.

We are going in June for our first trip to the Caymans. I guess since we are going to Puerto Rico in April, I have concentrated most of my questions about that. I will be posting q's on Caymans mid april on! :)
We are looking forward as we have heard the Caymans have the most beautiful waters with a family friendly atmosphere. See you in June Cayman Sue!

CaymanSue,
My family went to GC in May 06 and we loved it!I would love to go back soon but want to go to other places that I have not been to yet.

For a family vacation..it is the best place to go IMHO..so many things to do and great snorkeling (which is a must for us).

I always recommend GC to someone who loves snorkeling and wants a safe location with plenty of things to do.

I think the posts about different destinations comes in spurts...right not it seems to be St John and Jamaica.

Christie

Hi there.

We have been to around 35 Caribbean islands but have not yet gone to GC for several reasons...

Too commercialized
Too touristy
Too Americanized
Too expensive

Now, there are a lot of wonderful things (safety, cleanliness, diving) about the Cayman's, but we just prefer more low-key, less-developed places.

I have a cousin who is a divemaster on GC, and she has had a lot of relatives down who have never left the U.S., and they have just loved it.

I know it is a great destination to a lot of people, so I am not knocking it, just giving the reasons we have not been. (I am sure some people who like GC would be bored to death on some of my fave islands. To each his/her own.) :)

Diana and I are on the same wave length on why we won't soon go back to GC. The number of people from the cruise ships was just too much for us. Everyone likes different islands for many reasons. We just prefer islands like Vieques, Culebra and Bonaire. Owa

CaymanSue,
People who like to go to places "off the beaten path of tourism" miss the best part of GC by not staying on the East End, don't they?

Grand Cayman is the only island we have been to twice. Obviously, because we liked it so much the first time. It has some amazing restaurants, great snorkeling from shore, incredible diving, safe, friendly people.

Down sides: It can get conjested in certain places at certain times. It's definitely americanized, and you will see fast food places that we didn't care to see. It is very expensive.

Would we go back? Yes, as we know how to avoid most of the downsides.

Thank God all of us have different opinions & tastes, otherwise certain islands would be even more crowded than they already are. Being that we all have different views and preferences, I think we are all searching for the island that suits our own needs the best.

Our top priorites are great snorkeling, good food, safety, and beautiful beaches. Our last trip was St John this past December, and for what we like in a vacation, it is by far the best we have been to yet. I'm pretty sure we'll be back many times.

We've been there. In fact, our airfare was actually pretty decent, something that is usually rather high for us. We stayed at the Westin, and were not heppy with the accomodations, which is part of the reason that we have not come back. Although we would consider staying at the Ritz. The cuisine was delicious on the island and is worth a visit. It just fell into the middle of our list of islands. Every place cannot be our favorite.
I agree with Christie though. I think the board just goes in spurts.

I went to Grand Cayman for the first time last year. While I enjoyed my trip, I wouldn't go back for the following reasons:
1. too congested/busy
2. crazy expensive
3. island landscape is plain
4. accommodation choices very limited (either big chain hotels, timeshare condo resorts or barebones motels).
5. weather is iffy

Went to Grand Cayman once. Absolutely agree with Diana and OWA. Prefer more remote non touristy islands. Try to steer clear of islands with cruise ships.

Too many places, too little time.
I agree with Christie's last line, and ScottB's "Thank God all of us have different opinions & taste".
:-)

My family started going to Cayman approximately 20 years ago. Back then we would go twice a year - a few good years we even visited three times. Now it's a once a year or every other year trip. The air fares can be outrageous. The congestion is awful from the cruise ship people (and I've been one on occasion). And the accomodation prices are really high in comparison to other beach destinations. My husband objects to the high price of getting and staying there. I'll continue to go back with girlfriends, but it won't be as frequently as in the past. And that's a sad thing.

IMHO...Aruba is way more crowded,commercialized and Americanized. Grand Cayman is congested in Georgetown but the rest of the island is not as busy.

Everyone is different in what they like (as Scott and others said)

I am the kind that really prefers less crowded and touristy places..but with the kids...they enjoyed Grand Cayman more than St John because there is more for them to do.

For vacations that include just me and my husband...I would prefer a a vacation to a place were I can explore off the beaten path and a more quiet location as the kids are not with us.;)

Christie

I don’t know exactly what the post-Ivan visitor numbers are as a comparison to what they were prior, but the period of reconstruction may have something to do with any non-cruise ship visitors decline. I’ll side with the majority as the prices are outrageous for similar beachfront (assuming 7MB) accommodations elsewhere in the Caribbean and the dining/drinking tabs are embarrassingly high. And traveling from Seattle, we normally try to go for 10-14 days. The additional cost of GC rules it out almost immediately. I think there is a “premium” placed on a Grand Cayman vacation as it is advertised as a “safe” destination in comparison to other island escapes. That may or may not be the case from a factual standpoint. I use the term “escape” loosely in Grand Cayman’s case. The Americanization of any Caribbean destination taints the “escapism” factor I desire in a vacation. I also desire an island with a strong local dose of culture, music, food and scenery. GC is lacking in those areas, as well. I think it is a wonderful destination for families and for those who desire a place that is more upscale and can afford to splurge without dipping into cash reserves. And, of course, it is a world class diving destination. We’ll consider it for a family vacation someday. But it is tough to pull away from other places you love, especially when you only have the vacation time for one or two long trips a year.

We visited GC and liked the less crowded areas. If I went back I'd stay on either the east end or one of the smaller islands. I also wouldn't stay at the Westin or anywhere near 7 mile beach.

Peace

We visited GC about 5 years ago the week between Christmas and New Years. We had so much fun and we went back as a cruise ship person 2 years ago. I admit, we are not fans of the cruise, and we won't do that again. We stayed at the Grandview Condos and they were excellent! Clean, right on the beach, and convenient to town. We learned which days the cruises would be in town and avoided town at those times. We had fun venturing to other parts of town, snorkeling other parts of the island, and doing town on off days. It is very expensive, and to combat that, we cooked dinners in, had lunch out and went out for drinks and an hor dourve at night. We would go back in a heartbeat, but want to explore other places first.

Thanks for all the feedback! You all said nothing I haven't heard many times before. I am a North Side girl, and agree that SMB is hugely overdeveloped.
Our building (North Pointe) was heavily damaged by the hurricane and we are now finally getting rentals after more than 2 years. I am probably an exception because I keep returning to visit the many friends I have made over the last 30 or so years.

Interesting thread... thanks for starting it Sue... I've found that numbers this year are a little down on last year, but I think the main reason is higher airfare... caused by huge amounts of corporate groups at the big hotels filling up the flights... so when leisure travellers look to book a month or two out the fares are very high for the remaining seats..... so they look elsewhere.

I do think that the development on 7MB and the cruise ship numbers (as some noted) are putting people off, but (as some others said) if one looks further afield on Grand Cayman (or Cayman Brac / Little Cayman) Cayman is still unspoiled and tranquil.

and still flat, expensive and uninteresting.

Airfares are up all over as a result of jet fuel prices. RT airfare from Seattle to GCM is $600/ea for the same dates as we are traveling to Jamaica this year. Only $50 more per ticket. I wouldn't blame the drop in visitors on airfare unless it is uniform across the Caribbean region. I know the US passport issue is one that is impacting many countries and islands and that may be more of a reason than airfare alone.

CS,
How do you know that GC is "uninteresting" if you have never been there?

(not trying to be rude,just curious)

Christie

Hear's a completely different idea:

Travel has slowed down all together? (Not just Caymans, but nowhere is meeting expectations) People are flocking to the "cheap" islands. When housing markets, retail, even restaurants in the States slow down, it has to affect people vacationing!

christie, perhaps that's just a more succinct way of saying that Grand Cayman is not of interest to him?

Even though you've been there and I've not, Aruba is not of interest to me for the same reasons you prefer not to return.

on a sidenote, how's your planning coming along for the JA trip?

We like Grand Cayman for the same reasons other people don't. We don't mind the number of people on 7 Mile Beach. It's easy to navigate around the cruise shippers. We liked that there are plenty of things to see and do, good resturants and good shopping. We actual prefer the "Americanization". For those same reasons, we like Aruba too. I just wish they would put in more AI hotels, to balance out the high cost of food/drink.

Yes, GC does not have the lush topography as Jamaica, St. John or St. Lucia, but 7 Mile Beach, the crystal clear water and great snorkeling make-up for that IOHO.

And just like people don't like CG for being too Americanized, we didn't care for St. John or Turks & Caicos because it too remote for us. And very uninteresting. (yes, we've been there).

I think another reason is… the impact on the convention trade by the Hyatt not rebuilding their main section.

When at GC, the norm for us was a 1 week stay at the Hyatt at a convention then a week off 7MB for hubby & me. I don’t know how many rooms our group took up but we would have over 300 people at the convention.

Usually wherever our group goes, we stay in a Hyatt Resort if there is one. They must be easy to deal with and really cater to conventions groups. (That’s not to say that our group won’t come back to GC and stay somewhere else, but it is possible it could be a factor.)

I assume the Hyatt on GC attracted a lot of convention groups and probably stayed quite busy with conventions. Even if other resorts on GC cater to conventions, the loss of the Hyatt had to have a major impact on the convention trade if for no other reason but the loss of a large number of rooms at one resort. I know our group is very limited on the places we can go because there are not a lot of islands which have resorts that can accommodate the size of our group and the necessary logistics.

PS: My family is going to GC soon and staying near Cayman Kai. I can’t wait!!!

LvSun, what you say makes sense in theory, but in practice the Hyatt lost 235 inland rooms and never had much in the way of meeting space... but at the same time the Ritz Carlton opened, with over 350 rooms and LOTS of convention space.

In reality Cayman now has more convention and other group bookings than ever before... so great for the hotels that do that and the restaurants that tie in to them (eg Wharf, Papagallo), but not so good for air availability and thus visitors to other hotels, restaurants, dive operators etc.

It will all balance out in the end, just takes time.

Emily,
Hi!Nothing is set in stone yet.We do plan to go this Summer.

Christie

<b>We had a great time in GC in 2005 - I surprised my husband for his birthday. And although we too found ways to cut corners, it still seemed to be a bit expensive. I would go back in an instant but I would have to convince my husband to tear himself away from TCI as that has become our favorite vacationing spot. Not saying it's cheap by any means, but it's nice that you don't lose 20% on the dollar right off the bat.

We really did love the Stingray City tour - that was aces and would do it again in an instant.</b>

Christie: Hopefully you'll firm up your JA plans soon and be able to experience Booby Cay. I know it is very high on your list.

Hi CS,

Hope you and all the loved ones are happy and healthy :-) !

You must be in somewhat of countdown mode for your trip to Silver Sands.

If I recall correctly, May is the month ? And it's also a time of celebration for a BIG birthday for you ?

Would you remind me of the villa name ? After a few more BIG birthdays, you will understand the need for reminders :-) !

I've spent some time at Villa Kelso which overlooks Silver Sands, and I think you've chosen wisely.

I have the name of a fisherman who might be able to get a fresh catch for you, and he could esily be persuaded to bring his guitar for a special evening celebration :-)I could also provide the names of wonderful Jamaican women who would care for your children, IF you want a night out.

Hugs all around :-)

Marion

Brett,
Yes..I do need to firm up the plans!I am waiting to find out when my 2 oldest sons (Taylor &amp; Carey)are going to NH for a month this Summer.Then the rest of the planning begins!:)

Marion,
Hope that you had a wonderful trip!If I remember right,weren't you just in Jamaica for around a month?

Christie

Hello Marion and thanks for the nice thoughts! All the pickneys are doing well! The twins are 7 months and are starting to crawl. Good times! B is taking swimming lessons....a prerequisite to him going to JA. He's doing well for a toddler!

We actually switched our plans from SS. As lovely as it looks and all the positive reviews, we couldn't tear ourselves from Negril. It was 20 years ago I first traveled to Negril. We are going back to Coco La Palm, where they treat us as if we were royalty. We love the location and there are many places within walking distance for us. The beach is number 1 in my book.

And yes, Marion....it is my 40th birthday celebration. I have been waiting for a little trip report on your most recent JA vacation. The photos of Kelso look fabulous. We thought SS would be a bit tame and too low key for us. When you love a place (Negril) as much as we do, I thought we'd be wishing we were there the whole time while at SS. My wife was most happy with the decision. ~When that bug bites you, you live with the sting~

CS,

Your change in plans is making me smile from ear to ear ;-) !

Although I'm sure you would have enjoyed Silver Sands, your heart is in Negril. I can only begin to imagine how your many friends in Negril will greet you and the family....another wide smile!

As far as a TR for Great bay/Treasure Beach, I'm afraid I would bore all the regular readers here. For me it's going home to 'family' . I live in the community and enjoy the benefits of all the love and spirit that renews me (and gets me out of the frozen tundra !) It's peaceful, and the flowers and the birds make each day a joy. Add to that a sunset that rivals those in Negril, some wonderful run punch and my beloved books, adds up to paradise for me.

My days of shopping and seeing all the sights are less important. Talk to me about that philosophy after a few more BIG birthdays ;-)

You're right, when the bug bites, it's usually a gentle sting :-) that draws us back. Thank goodness for different bugs and diffrent destinations for all of us ! Just trying to get back to the original topic !Take care...

Marion

We loved Grand Cayman. Easy to get around, great off shore snorkeling. It's not &quot;adventure travel&quot; but anywhere you go you are a tourist, and GC delivers what it says it will. Stayed at TNI in Bodden Town.

I love the Caymans. i especially love Smith's Cove.
Enjoy the Caymans

Hey Cayman Sue:

Do you ever go anywhere other than the Caymans?

I sure do! We are off for our second trip to Ireland in a few weeks. We try to do one trip to Europe each year. Also have been to Japan, Taiwan, Mexico (many times), Belize (one of my new favorites!), and all 50 states.
Cayman is pretty easy for me since I have had a family-owned place to stay since 1975. Just got back from a long weekend there (for a funeral). DH is still there. Can't convince him to go to any other Caribbean island, though.

HEY SUE!!!

The reason we didn't go to Grand Cayman this year was because our favorite place to stay (yours) was booked when we could go &lt;wink wink&gt;

We will be back next year. This year we head to Turks and Caicos again.

I'm with you though, there is no place like the Northside for us. Quieter pace, people even more friendly, and well...it is wonderful to walk out your back door, and find yourself on the beach with the reef just feet from the shore you stand on.

I hope you and your DH have an amazing Ireland trip (we will be heading there probably in the fall).

Grand Cayman, will always be first in our hearts. We will absolutely be back.
~Karen