Just back from Grand Cayman last night

PeteG · #1 03-04-2006, 02:23 PM

I just got back from a vacation to Grand Cayman last night. What a great island! I had to get used to driving over there (they drive on left, and I had a right-hand drive car, pictured below-no, not a Bimmer:p). The turn signal stalk is on the right side of the steering column. For the first few days, every time I went to make a left-hand turn, I ended up putting the wipers on!

I saw quite a few nice cars down there, several euro-spec Mercs, P-cars and Bimmers. I even got to see a couple of One series (a 116i and a 130i). I was surprised how nice they looked in person, kind of like a Z Coupe. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera handy for those.

Anyway, it's nice to be back, but I'll definitely be back to the Caymans. Maybe I can convince my wife to get a condo down on Seven Mile Beach....

Juanted · #2 03-04-2006, 02:41 PM

Wow... looks beautiful! For our next cruise, the CEO and I are thinking about doing a western caribbean cruise that includes the Florida Keys, Cozumel and Grand Cayman islands. Post more pics, please!!

Welcome back, by the way..

Juan

PeteG · #3 03-04-2006, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaefer

Wow... looks beautiful! For our next cruise, the CEO and I are thinking about doing a western caribbean cruise that includes the Florida Keys, Cozumel and Grand Cayman islands. Post more pics, please!!

Welcome back, by the way..

Juan

Thanks, Juan. We stayed on Seven Mile Beach, north of Georgetown where the cruise ships came in daily. We rented a 2 bed, 2 bath beachfront condo at:

www.plantanacayman.com

Let me know when you go, I can give you some tips on what to check out while on the island. A must do is to take a snorkel trip out to the North Sound. We went snorkeling by coral reefs and saw gorgeous sea life and went to an anomalous sand bar they call Stingray City, where southern Stingrays swim up to greet you. There's a Pic of me with a Stingray below, along with a few more pics:

AutoXer · #4 03-04-2006, 09:12 PM

Nice photos. I was there this past summer, and it was a great time and beautiful island. But just be careful about buying something there. I had a friend who moved there two years ago, sold their home here in the Bay Area. Two months after settling down, I think it was Emily that came visiting and the home they bought was completely gone except for the foundation.

I took a tour around the island last summer and many of the homes have not been rebuilt yet and For Sale signs all over the place, kind of sad. The only area that was completely functional was the tourist areas.

But it's the best and wealthiest place to visit in the Carribeans.

Katt · #5 03-05-2006, 05:24 AM

Wow, looks gorgeous. I can't wait to get there. Any other recommeded spots to hit? I'll only be there for one day though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaefer

Wow... looks beautiful! For our next cruise, the CEO and I are thinking about doing a western caribbean cruise that includes the Florida Keys, Cozumel and Grand Cayman islands. Post more pics, please!!

Welcome back, by the way..

Juan

Kaefer, first time cruiser here.............We're doing a western caribbean cruise in July. Going with Carnival Triumph....Cozumel, Mexico...Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Ochos Rios, Jamaica. I can't wait!

Katt

Juanted · #6 03-05-2006, 10:36 AM

Wow! Good for you, Katt! We've gone on three cruises: Eastern Caribbean with Costa, Southern Caribbean with Royal Caribbean, and Hawaii (inter-island) with NCL. I never thought I'd enjoy cruising, but the CEO talked me into going, and I've been hooked even since. They are SO much fun, and they spoil you so badly, I wish I could cruise all year-round.

Royal Caribbean (our favorite cruise line so far) has a cruise that is very similar to the one you're taking. Carnival is known for being a "party" cruise. Sleep may be at a premium, but, you'll have a ball! They do a great job! Enjoy, and post some pics when you get back.

I never

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katt

Kaefer, first time cruiser here.............We're doing a western caribbean cruise in July. Going with Carnival Triumph....Cozumel, Mexico...Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Ochos Rios, Jamaica. I can't wait!
Katt

mrkbbd · #7 03-05-2006, 10:56 AM

that's the topgear car used for the star in a reasonably priced car segments

PeteG · #8 03-05-2006, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrkbbd

that's the topgear car used for the star in a reasonably priced car segments

Believe it or not, the car rental place listed that as a "upscale midsize vehicle".

Mindfull · #9 03-05-2006, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaefer

Wow! Good for you, Katt! We've gone on three cruises: Eastern Caribbean with Costa, Southern Caribbean with Royal Caribbean, and Hawaii (inter-island) with NCL. I never thought I'd enjoy cruising, but the CEO talked me into going, and I've been hooked even since. They are SO much fun, and they spoil you so badly, I wish I could cruise all year-round.

Royal Caribbean (our favorite cruise line so far) has a cruise that is very similar to the one you're taking. Carnival is known for being a "party" cruise. Sleep may be at a premium, but, you'll have a ball! They do a great job! Enjoy, and post some pics when you get back.

PeteG, Welcome Back! Great pics & always a welcome topic

Katt & Kaefer- The Western Islands cruise covers a pretty incredible slice of the Caribbean! I also had never expected to like cruising, but a foray on the Alaskan 7-day Princess Cruise with family was really captivating- One morning I was reading on deck at dawn when 100+ porpoises and a few small/medium whales all decided to jump in & over the wake from the boat. Just incredible.

Then in summer '05 we did the Western Caribbean cruise on Princess, also with a large group of family (perhaps 20 of us)- simply beautiful. A few highlights:

Great service, decadent (and endless) food, entertainment, movie night under the stars, gym/spas, etc.
Favorite Spots: Caymans & Mexico's Mayan Riviera. For the cruise, I'd recommend being pretty ambitious at Cozumel to take a mainland day-trip if possible, since the port where the cruise brings you is really just a little retail village built solely for cruisers... The real magic of the Mayan Riviera is from Playa del Carmen south to Akumal Bay or even Tulum. Also the water parks, which feature the incredible mix of sea life & fresh-water cenotes are unbelievable experiences if traveling with kids.
True to its name (Akumal means 'turtle'), my daughter & I swam within 20 ft of a sea turtle on our first day in town!
Then there's the opportunity to swim with dolphins, which we did at Ocho Rios, Jamaica! The staff & dolphins were great there.
In the Caymans, we talked to several US & Canadian folks who'd relocated there over the past 5-10 years. Most were very pleased, and their only caveat was to really get to know the islands & area before buying anything (as always!).

Sorry for the long post, but that trip inspired many memories. I'll post pics if time allows- Enjoy!
M

Katt · #10 03-06-2006, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaefer

Wow! Good for you, Katt! We've gone on three cruises: Eastern Caribbean with Costa, Southern Caribbean with Royal Caribbean, and Hawaii (inter-island) with NCL. I never thought I'd enjoy cruising, but the CEO talked me into going, and I've been hooked even since. They are SO much fun, and they spoil you so badly, I wish I could cruise all year-round.

Royal Caribbean (our favorite cruise line so far) has a cruise that is very similar to the one you're taking. Carnival is known for being a "party" cruise. Sleep may be at a premium, but, you'll have a ball! They do a great job! Enjoy, and post some pics when you get back.

I never

I initially did not want to cruise, my sister had to convince me to go. I wanted to just make a return trip to Hawaii, but now I am very excited about it. I hear tale it's a "party" cruise line..........but that is ok with me,hehe.

I'll be sure to post plenty of pics.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mindfull

PeteG, Welcome Back! Great pics & always a welcome topic

Katt & Kaefer- The Western Islands cruise covers a pretty incredible slice of the Caribbean! I also had never expected to like cruising, but a foray on the Alaskan 7-day Princess Cruise with family was really captivating- One morning I was reading on deck at dawn when 100+ porpoises and a few small/medium whales all decided to jump in & over the wake from the boat. Just incredible.

Then in summer '05 we did the Western Caribbean cruise on Princess, also with a large group of family (perhaps 20 of us)- simply beautiful. A few highlights:

Great service, decadent (and endless) food, entertainment, movie night under the stars, gym/spas, etc.
Favorite Spots: Caymans & Mexico's Mayan Riviera. For the cruise, I'd recommend being pretty ambitious at Cozumel to take a mainland day-trip if possible, since the port where the cruise brings you is really just a little retail village built solely for cruisers... The real magic of the Mayan Riviera is from Playa del Carmen south to Akumal Bay or even Tulum. Also the water parks, which feature the incredible mix of sea life & fresh-water cenotes are unbelievable experiences if traveling with kids.
True to its name (Akumal means 'turtle'), my daughter & I swam within 20 ft of a sea turtle on our first day in town!
Then there's the opportunity to swim with dolphins, which we did at Ocho Rios, Jamaica! The staff & dolphins were great there.
In the Caymans, we talked to several US & Canadian folks who'd relocated there over the past 5-10 years. Most were very pleased, and their only caveat was to really get to know the islands & area before buying anything (as always!).

Sorry for the long post, but that trip inspired many memories. I'll post pics if time allows- Enjoy!
M

Mindfull.......Thanks for all the great info. I'm trying to do as much research as possible on all our stops and you've really helped.

Sorry Pete for thread jacking a lil bit.

Katt

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