Grand Cayman for the "Non-Grand-Cayman" Type -- Questions
 

I was a little quick on the trigger finger today, and instead of holding a reservation for further discussion with DH later, I ended up unintentionally booking a non-refundable vacation. Ooops. Oh well, there are worse things than being "stuck" with a 4-night jaunt to Grand Cayman at the end of July!

So, a few questions.

First, I've never even done much research on GC, as it's not really been on my radar screen. Hubby and I are mostly get-away-from-civilization types when we go down island (think the Out Islands of the Bahamas), though we can certainly enjoy a busier locale (we really enjoy San Juan) from time to time. Had we more time, we might have stayed somewhere remote like Cayman Brac, but that's not the case. So, what can we expect by staying on Seven Mile Beach (at the Ritz Carlton)? Should we figure out the cruise ship schedule and get away? Should we rent a car? (We are used to driving on the left.) What are some good research sources on Grand Cayman?

Second, has anyone stayed at the Ritz? The reviews on Trip Advisor look good, and we've stayed at other RC's, so how does this one compare? How is the beach here?

Part of the attraction at this particular RC is the Bolletieri tennis facility, and we plan to play some tennis. Anyone played here and have some wisdom to offer?

As you can tell, I'm a little at sea here, so any guidance will be gratefully accepted.

i won't attempt to answer any of your questions as i have not been on gc yet - but i have to say your predicament made me laugh. we should all have such problems.
i bet caymansue and tomcayman and others will be able to answer your q's though.
now if i can just figure out how to accidently book a trip for me...

If you like to get away from the crowds, definitely rent a car

As to the tennis facility, it is first class, their clay courts in particular are fantastic.

My primary ports of call for Cayman info (to help and to find out stuff) are this forum and Tripadvisor

Gee - I never tried that one! Ooops! now we have take the vacation 'cause I booked it by mistake ... my finger just slipped! LOL
Gotta love it! (hope DH does too!)
Would love to try just what you are doing especially when - way back when - I was one of "Nick's kids." Don't know that I could handle any of "his" workouts now tho!

well, I've found that if you call before midnight (local to the airline) on the day you "accidentally" book something, they'll usually let it slide and let you cancel. I've misbooked a few things and both Northwest and American let me cancel, no penalty.

If you still want to go, by all means enjoy yourself, though!

BTW, I don't know if you saw my post on the Grenada forum, but I still have your jacket! The envelope never arrived...so let me know your address and I "ll send it on!

GC is not a remote island & you should probably just accept that--even in the summer it can be quite busy (however, it's not Aruba either). There are quieter spots in the Cayman Kai area and on the far West End, etc. Enjoy the incredible 7-mile beach, lots of great dining & the RC.

Emily, I'm not the same "Callaloo" as on the Grenada forum (my handle there is "Sailor Girl" as "Callaloo" was already taken).

Honestly, the slip of the finger was not a ploy!! My husband was actually hoping I'd find a tennis resort in Maine. But what happens when you suggest travel planning to me is that attentions soon drift "southeast of disorder." So, while we didn't plan on going to Grand Cayman, both of us are interested in playing tennis at a Bolletieri facility and my "accident" forced us to make a decision, which we'll be more than happy to live with.

In any event, we'll manage our expectations and be prepared for things to be more crowded than our usual preference; anything less than Miami Beach crowds will be good. That said, should we expect there to be a shortage of loungers on the beach or pool deck? Will there be hordes of ill-behaved and entitled kiddies? Should we reserve tennis courts and restaurants well in advance?

Thanks again!

I don't think you'll find Cayman crowded at the end of July. That is the height of slow season and together with the fact that stay-over tourism has dropped quite a bit in Cayman in recent years - that all adds up to no crowds. The only crowds you might encounter are in Georgetown when the cruise ships come in. That can be easily avoided by checking out caymanport.com for the cruise ship schedule. Enjoy - you'll basically have the beach to yourselves.

Go to caymanactivityguide.com and it will tell you everything you need to know about GC. The site is full of wonderful people all with the same passion for the island. I highly suggest reading all the forums, it will tell you best places to stay, eat, snorkel... everything you could want to know and more. I am honeymooning in GC in January and the site has helped me tremendously in my planning! Have a great time.. I think you got lucky with your accidental booking :-)

Oops--sorry for the mix-up!

Please be advised that caymanactivityguide is an advertising site. If anyone mentions anything negative about their advertisers, they are banned from the site. Just so you know.

July/August can be a very, very busy time in GC. We went there in July, the yr. of the last big hurricane and were amazed by the no. of tourists (more tourists than Feb from 5 yrs. before)