Jan

My husband and I just returned from the Cayman Islands and had a wonderful time. We have been traveling there every year for the past 10 years and enjoy it more each time. We have stayed in many of the hotels and also a couple of the condos, so if you have any questions about the resorts, shopping, snorkeling, or dining, feel free to post your questions via this board and I'll answer you.

Lori

Hi Jan, we going to Grand Cayman this December for our first time and are staying at the 7 Mile Beach Resort... know anything about it? We are definately going to go to Stingray City.. we are thinking of going with Bayside Watersports for the Stingray Trip ... are they good? <BR> <BR>We alos want to try a resort course for diving. We have never dove before. Is there a company you would recommend for this. <BR> <BR>Also, are the Valhalla and Jolly Roger dinner cruises worth the $$$. <BR> <BR>Thanks for the input. <BR> <BR>Lori

jan

Lori, <BR> <BR>I have not personally stayed at the 7 Mile Beach Resort, but it looks nice from the outside. We did Sting Ray City the first couple of times we were in Cayman and took a tour boat(not sure which one), and they gave us a nice tour and lunch. As far as diving, I would check with Don Fosters for that. They have a nice program. I can't help you with the dinner cruise. Although, I have heard good things from other people. Have fun!

Cameron

Lori, <BR>For a real taste of the Cayman Islands check us out at www.tropicalretreats.com <BR>We have some Travel tips that should be of help, not to mention an AWESOME photo gallery. Have a great trip. I did stay onSMB and loved it. Don't miss Stingray Sandbar, and have someone point out Smith's Cove for you. At the very beginning of the SMB the is a wrecked freighter in about 15 feet of water that you can swim through. Pretty cool. Also don't miss the turtle farm. And go to Hell ( the town ) <BR>Good luck Cameron <BR>ps if you don't already have your lodgeing email me or post and I'll give you some leads. Cam

Liz

Hi Jan <BR> <BR>It's really encouraging to hear that you have been going so many years and enjoy it more every time. I was there in 1995 and loved every minute of it. I am going back there this summer and find that after reading posts that say it has really changed and it's becoming a lot more commercialised that I am feeling that I may be somewhat dissappointed when I get there. I know that a holiday is what you make it and I know we'll have a great time but I just seem to have this niggling doubt that its not going to be as good as I remember and after looking forward to going back for absolutely ages I hope I am not going to feel a bit let down. <BR> <BR>What do you feel about the changes that you must of seen over recent years can you see yourselves as eager to go back say in another 10 years??

Mark

Hey Jan, <BR>I am planning a trip to GC in March- We are looking at villa accomodations on The Northern End of SMB(away from G'Town) -I am currently looking into Aqua BayClub,Taraquynn Manor,Discovery Point Club, Anchorage House,and The LondonHouse. All of These places state they are on SMB- I was curious When these villas are on the beach -whats like the distance from villa to the water?I hope very close- And the BEaches on the North end Of SMB are they Wide and somewhat quiet - I know I am planning a trip during peak season. any info you have on the area and tips would be great thanks, <BR>Mark

jan

Liz, <BR> <BR>I think you are going to have a wonderful vacation! Whenever I think of going to the Caymans, I get so excited, and I have to admit that I don't feel that way about going to other islands. There is something special about Grand Cayman and I don't think you are going to see a lot of changes since 1995. Yes, there is more traffic and the Barefoot Man doesn't play at the Holiday Inn anymore, but the beach and waters are just as beautiful as they ever were. Where did you stay the last time you were there? We have always enjoyed the Westin, but there are some nice condos on seven mile beach as well. I would say that the biggest changes for us in the last 10 years were in the early 90's. There were fewer condos lining the beach, and more open space. Now, there are resorts and condos everywhere you look. Even with the changes, it is still my absolute favorite vacation destination. Hope you enjoy your trip!

atltom

My fiancee are heading to Grand Cayman for the first time next month. Would you recommend renting a car for any part of our 5 day stay? We would also like to do 1/2 to full day snorkeling expedition that would include Stingray City . Any recommendation as to cruise operators? We are looking for one that doesn't try to jam as much people as possible as we would prefer the avoid the crowds. <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR> <BR>Tom

jan

Mark, <BR> <BR>I'm sorry I can't be of much help on the specific condos you mentioned. I know there are several newer properties in that area. Some are closer to the water than others Personally, I think the beach is prettiest about midway down the strip, but that is only my opinion. You might check out some of the websites on the Caymans for more information.

jan

Mark, <BR> <BR>I'm sorry I can't be of much help on the specific condos you mentioned. I know there are several newer properties in that area. Some are closer to the water than others Personally, I think the beach is prettiest about midway down the strip, but that is only my opinion. You might check out some of the websites on the Caymans for more information.

jan

Tom, <BR> <BR>Yes, I would highly recommend renting a car for a few days at least. There is so much to see on the other side of the island and the coast is beautiful. You may like to drive to Rum Point and stop to snorkel along the way. You won't need to take a taxi into town to shop, or visit some of the great restaurants by cab either. If you have any of the "explorer" in you, then rent a car. <BR> <BR>I like Red Sail Sports for any snorkeling or dive trips. Very reliable and crowds not huge. Depending on where you are staying, they have a couple of locations.

carrie

We understand that Grand Cayman has a turtle farm used to breed sea turtles. what is that like? Are there lots of turtles in the ocean as well?