Why chose Cayman for family vacation?

Newbie Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Posts: 3

I am searching for places to go for a 20th wedding annivesary bundled into a family vacation the last week of June. I have looked at Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Belize, Hawaii, and Cayman Islands. My husband wants a place with few people ( not laying right next to someone on a beach), my 17 year old daughter wants to dive and snorkel and my 10 year old son wants to deep sea fish. I would like to accomodate everyone, and Cayman seems like the spot. What I am concerned about is pleasing everyone! (That's what moms do....) Can anybody tell me why Cayman would be a better value than the other places I've listed? Thank you so much,,,,I'm really quite confused at this point.

Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 9:21 pm Post subject:

Hi thefosterfarm - Welcome to the forum.

The Cayman Islands sound perfect for your anniversary. With so much to do there is something to please everyone in your party.

Let me answer your last question first.

Quote:

Can anybody tell me why Cayman would be a better value than the other places I've listed?

In a word... The People. Of all the places you mentioned (and I have been to all of them, lived in Hawaii) the people of the Cayman islands are by far the most pleasant, helpful, honest and downright friendly you will find anywhere. The Cayman Islands are a place where you can walk around at night without worrying about getting mugged or harassed. You can stroll along a tranquil beach any time of day or night and feel safe secure and welcome. Those are the reasons I would chose to have your anniversary here.

The rest is easy:

There are many places to go where you can have an entire area of beach all to yourself. If you can tolerate a few people around you, there can also be snack and beverage services available for you.

The diving and snorkeling here are vastly superior to any of the other places you mentioned. Hawaii does have some nice caverns and the occasional dolphin, but for consistently beautiful diving with spectacular scenery in idyllic conditions, you would be hard pressed to find anywhere that even comes close to the Cayman Islands.

There is world-class deep sea fishing here and annual tournaments. Boating and fishing comes natural to the Caymanian people and most of them have been doing it for many generations. You will have no problems finding highly qualified fishing operators at competitive rates.

I hope you chose the Cayman Islands for this very special occasion of yours, and if you do rest assured that I will be available to you personally each and every step of the way. I will do my best to help in any way I can and make sure that you have the most wonderful anniversary imaginable.

Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 9:42 pm Post subject:

What Joe said. We started coming down 6 years ago when our girls were 15 and 9. We fell in love with the place and bought a timeshare. We come back every year for at least 1 week sometimes 2 when we can. Of all the places we have been the people are great, you are not harrassed and you feel safe.

Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2005 12:15 am Post subject:

I ditto what Joe said as well.

It is a safe island, the people are warm and welcoming. You aren't bombarded by people selling things on the beaches.

The water is crystal clear, warm and wonderful. The beaches are open. The snorkeling and diving great.

If you like a more quiet life pace when on vacation...I would suggest thinking about staying on the Northside. If you need a bit more 'action' you may prefer somewhere closer to Georgetown and 7MB.

Newbie Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Posts: 3

Thank you all for the great information! I have enjoyed reading through the different board topics and posts, and am beginning to wish I was there now (even though it is 70 degrees here in Colorado right now!)

Could someone elaborate a little on the general cost of things such as food? I have gone to the Foster's website, but no prices listed at this time. I kind of like the name of the place, maybe we're related :-D

Once again, thank you all!!!!

Wendy

Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 8:34 pm Post subject:

Hi Wendy - Foster is a very common name in the Cayman Islands - almost like "Smith" in the States.

Grocery prices are about 20% higher than in the US. Liquor is almost twice as much in the stores, but you can buy it duty-free when you depart for 1/2 of what you would pay at home. Things like Watches, Jewelry, Cameras, and many other things will cost 30-40% less than in the US if you know where to shop.

Eating out varies quite a bit, but it will average about 20% higher than in the US. There are some very good restaurants here, much better than any Caribbean island that I am aware of.

Accommodations range dramatically from inexpensive guest houses for $100/night all the way up to Ocean Front Suites for $2,000/night.

The Cayman Islands are very upscale by Caribbean standards, so things are a little more pricy than (say) Mexico. You are paying more to be ina beautiful place with peaceful friendly people and a safe and clean environment. Depending on how you allocate your money, the Cayman Islands can provide an affordable vacation experience on almost any budget. Taking advantage of the discounts in our magazine will help to reduce the cost of your vacation. wink

Banned Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 183

the pluses of vacationing on Grand Cayman outweigh any added expenses for food, dinners at any of the really fine restaurants, etc. Yes, overall the cost might end up being several hundreds of $$$ more than some other detsinations, but definitely well worth it for spending relaxing time on a terrific island where all ages and interests will be more than satisfied. We have been to several islands over the years and there isn't a ONE that comes close to the quality experience of being on Grand Cayman Very Happy

Native Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 1224 Location: Kansas

YOu will never find another place that will be such a paradise as this! I have never had such a peaceful, content feeling as I had when I was there. The beaches are wonderful, food is great, and the people are wonderful. Any exspense is worth the pure peaceful feeling that you will get from the islands. Come down and enjoy! You will be back again and again and again.........................

Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 5:28 am Post subject:

thefosterfarm,

Also, what a lot of people do to cut down on expenses, is stay at a condo that has a kitchen-you can make your own breakfast and some lunches if necessary and then enjoy a wonderful dinner out at one of the many FANTASTIC restaurants!

You can load up at Foster's and a lot of places have outdoor grills.

Also, many fantastic Sunday brunch buffets .

We have never been to Hawaii, but a lot of other islands and there is NO place as wonderful, peaceful, friendly, fun, with as sweet a people as Cayman! Very Happy

You can tell that by the message boards!

Good luck with your decision,

Celine

Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:03 am Post subject:

thefosterfarm,

I'll ditto what Celine said, and add that we also always bring a collapsible cooler [made of nylon] and take sandwiches and bottles of water with us. This saves us having to go out to lunch if we are out and about.

The cooler packs down totally flat and lays in the bottom of our suitcase.

Just a thought, especially for those who have children and need to pack snacks for beach trips, and those of us who don't like to have to leave where we are [enjoying ourselves in the sand, surf and sea] to find a place for lunch.

Newbie Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Posts: 3

I have to say that this board has been the best thing I have ever had to get great information about a trip. Thank you all sooooooo much for the information. I really can't tell you how much it helps to "talk" to people who have been there, and are there. Thank you for this wonderful outlet for information!

While we haven't decided for sure yet, I can guarantee you that right now I am leaning heavily towards a peaceful, and safe, vacation for my family.

God Bless you all!

From Colorful Colorado

Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 5:02 pm Post subject:

Thank you thefosterfarm, that was very nice of you to express your appreciation. :-D

And I want to thank everyone else who has been helping out in this and all the other threads; not just today, but much of the time. I am in Miami now doing the printing, and not able to respond as quickly as I would like. It makes me incredibly happy to know that there are so many wonderful people willing to take time out of their busy day to help others. I hope all of you will let me know when you are coming so I can meet you personally, give you a big hug, and buy some serious wicked drinks! wine

Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 9:59 am Post subject:

Joe,

BUY US DRINKS!!!!!! I can be there tomorrow. :-D

I wish,

Celine

Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 10:08 am Post subject:

Celine, I think half the people on this board are planning their vacations to correspond to your visit. :-D Maybe that would be a good time for the Message Board Cocktail Party! wine

Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 10:30 am Post subject:

Joe,

Well that was REALLY, REALLY nice, thankyou! I think EVERYBODY on this board wants to meet EVERYBODY else-it really is like a family!

Seriously will have to do treadmill time now though to look good...and I blame each and every one of you. Cheers

Celine

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