Cayman on a Budget + Marriage Proposal | Must Read - Romance and Cost Saving Ideas

Newbie Joined: 11 Oct 2005 Posts: 6

Hi all great board, cool videos! Cool

I see there are three Cayman islands, which one is the best if we just want to dive and maybe do the stingray thing and a sub ride? We're on a budget (THIS TRIP WAS NOT PLANNED AND WE ALREADY SPENT OUR VACATION MONEY FOR THIS YEAR) so this can not cost a fortune! I can spend about $2,500 for the week for both of us including airfare and everything. I found a good deal on the air if we go before December that leaves a little over $1,500 for everything else. Is this even realistic? I heard the Caymans are expensive. We could go to Mexico again but we want something a little nicer this time. It's a surprise gift to my girlfriend and I am going to propose to her. Embarassed

Thanks for any help you can give me. Cheers

PS: If I can pull this off does anyone have any suggestions about where the most romantic place would be for me to propose to her? I was thinking maybe inside that submarine, the little one that only takes two people. Very Happy

Title changed - Joe

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2005 4:26 pm Post subject:

Hi lindsey - Welcome to the forum. Very Happy

Stingray City and the submarine ride rules out the Sister Islands - they are exclusive to Grand Cayman.

This is going to be close with a $1,500 budget, but I'll try.

You could get a room at Turtle Nest Inn or Sunshine Suites for around $130/night. Based on 6 nights that would be $780 + room tax and gratuity, leaving about $650 for your activities and food.

We're going to have to get a little creative for your diving and you will need a car for at least 3 days. Here's what I'm thinking:

Use one Activity Guide coupon for Eden Rock for two days of boat diving at $70/each for a total of $280. They offer free transportation so you won't need a vehicle on your boat diving days.

Rent a car from Andy's using the Activity Guide discount and you can get something for around $20/day for 4 days. With insurance and gas this is going to come to around $150 but you will be able to experience 4 days of excellent shore diving for $5 a fill so the vehicle will way more than pay for itself. Wink

Let's see where we are so far:

Accommodations - 6 nights........................$850

Boat Diving - 2 days...................................$280

Vehicle Rental - 4 days...............................$150

Shore Diving - 6 tanks.................................$30

Sub Total..................................................1,310

That leaves $190 for everything else so we are going to have to get very creative with meals. Since you are going to propose, let?s factor in one night at an affordable yet very romantic restaurant. I'm thinking Hemingway's at Cayman Beach Suites, which is the least expensive of all the oceanfront 5- star restaurants. If you are careful about what you order to drink you should be able to get out of there for under $100. That is only going to leave you with around $15/day for the rest of your food and beverages. That is not quite enough, but if you can come up with another $100 or so and bring an ice chest filled with a lot of food from home you should have enough to get by. If you choose Sunshine Suites, send your email to Nadia and tell her I sent you and that it is a very special occasion and you are on a very tight budget. She will likely throw in a free dinner show for each of you. Wink

You won't be able to do the submarine ride and I forgot to budget in Stingray City, but if you can only do one, definitely go to Stingray City with Soto's Cruises for $30/each.

That would bring the grand total to about $1,660. which is only $160 over your budget.

I hope this helps and you decide to celebrate your most special occasion here in the Cayman Islands. I know it's a little outside your budget but for the extra $160 you will be in a safe and beautiful environment creating memories which will last you for the rest of your lives.

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2005 5:09 pm Post subject:

Lindsey.

If you are looking to go say Dec. 3 thru 10 our timeshare is available. I put it under the marketplace heading. It sleeps 6 and woulld cost you $695.00. It has a full kitchen and washer/dryer. The grocery store is across the street and you are less than a 10 minute walk into Georgetown. there are also plenty of restaurants close by and good snorkeling off the reef. The name of the place is Coral Sands, it's a nice little place completely remodeled thanks to Ivan.

Randy

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2005 5:23 pm Post subject:

lindsey - rdandcc's Coral Sands deal would put you just about in budget but I need to point out that it's not really a "resort". Coral Sands is a condo with no resort amenities. It's a nice condo, I just don't want you having visions of room service, activities and spas which are typically expected at resorts. Wink

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2005 5:51 pm Post subject:

Joe,

I didn't even think about that, I am just used to the place being referred to that way. I edited the post and took out the R word. Laughing

Randy

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2005 6:04 pm Post subject:

WELCOME Lindsey..........and that girl is one lucky...soon to be........fiance! You are so sweet to want to make this a special, romantic surprise, and I KNOW I speak for most of the women on this board......we think you're WONDERFUL!

ABSOLUTELY, go with the Cayman Islands for this very special event in your lives.....you won't have the crowds of Mexico, the people trying to sell you this or that on the beach.......you'll have wonderful restaurants, gorgeous weather......the water is clear and blue and clean and the palms lightly sway in the tradewinds and Joe's suggestions all sound like they're perfect......the island is safe and the people are warm and lovely and you will have memories to last for your lifetimes.

I wish you much happiness heart

Celine

Newbie Joined: 11 Oct 2005 Posts: 6

I can't believe how much information there is here and how helpful everyone is. THANK YOU JOE for all the suggestions. I can come up with another $100 or so. Is the shore diving easy to get to and just as good as the boat diving? I will spend more time reading that section later. What's Steve's email at the Courtyard? Are they a resort? I just tell him you say to give us a free dinner and he will? That's great! I can probably get by with a car for just 2 of the days, we don't need to dive every day but we might. It depends how much we like it and if we want to do other things too. What else is good to do that does not cost too much? That's a great idea about bringing my own food in an ice chest. I do that in Mexico too.

THANK YOU RANDY for the kind offer but I found a good deal on airfare but I have to be back before December. There are some other things too that I can't be gone that late and we really do want the resort.

THANK YOU CELINE you are a funny lady I read a lot of your messages today going through here. Where would the best place be to propose since we might not do that sub now. Is Hemingways really romantic? Is that the best place to propose?

THANK YOU HAROLD SMITH for your private message about the Grand Caymanian deal but when I try to reply to you it says I can only send PM to administrator or moderator. I looked at the links and it looks really nice with the sting ray and dive boats right there. I can't tell is it a resort or a condo and can we get the same deal if we come the end of November and get back before December first? How much do they charge for diving and the sting ray trip?

I have almost too much information then I can handle right now so I need to think about all this some and make up my mind. I never saw so many nice and friendly people with all this information before. There's nothing like this for Mexico you have to learn everything the hard way, and believe me I did learn a few things there the hard way! :-D

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2005 7:25 pm Post subject:

lindsey - We are indeed fortunate to have so many knowledgeable and friendly members. If an extra $100 or so is not a problem you are in for the time of your lives. Very Happy

The shore diving is easy in many places, somewhat more challenging in others. Weather and sea conditions determine the best place to dive on any given day. It would be a good idea to do the boat dives first and ask your divemaster for suggestions based on his appraisal of your abilities.

You will find many shore diving suggestions in our Dive forum and there are a lot of people here who will be happy to help you with specific questions. In general, the area around the Turtle Farm, Eden Rock/Devil's Grotto, The Cali shipwreck and Smith Cove are easily accessible and provide very rewarding experiences. There are some wonderful places on the north side of the island if you are experienced divers and strong swimmers. Wherever you go, be sure to use a dive flag to alert any passing boats to your position.

Sunshine Suites is a full amenity resort. They do not have a spa, but you will find a discount in Activity Guide for New Look spa, who will bring the entire spa experience to your room or even on the beach.

There are many activities and attractions that are free or less than $10 per person:

• Hell

• Blow Holes

• Botanic Park

• Mastic Trail

• Pedro's Castle

• Pirate's Caves

• Caybrew Brewery

• A relaxing day of snorkeling and exploring at Kaibo

I could go on and on. You will find all the very best things to do in Activity Guide when you arrive, many of them free or discounted. Wink

New members can only send PMs to Admin and Mods. Keep posting and you will soon have enough posts to PM anyone you like. Once activated, please do not send links to outside sites or solicit other members. To do so is a breach of our TOS and you will lose your PM privileges, as Harold Smith just has. I have exhausted a considerable amount of time and resources to make this site available to everyone for free - providing information, pictures and videos about the very best that Cayman has to offer. Going behind my back and soliciting other members to patronize the competitors of the very people making all of this possible is in extremely poor taste, to say the least.

Not to end on a sour note, I want to say that I'm certain that you have chosen the right destination for this, your most cherished occasion and I wish you and the future Mrs. lindsey all the very best for a wonderful vacation and a long and prosperous journey through live, hand in hand, across the oceans of time commencing right here on Cayman's tranquil shores.

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 5:15 am Post subject:

lindsey......thankyou for your kind words and I'm extremely honored that you asked my opinion as to where you should propose.

I normally would blab away with my suggestions, but this is just too special and important for me to do that........I would defer to our editor, Joe, for this very special question. He's lived on the island13 years now, and I believe proposed there as well.......his suggestions would be the best.

I'm so glad you like this board.....the purpose is to give you the best suggestions for food, board, rum, excursions and souvenirs, etc...and please don't forget to pick up a copy (or print it out from this board) of the Cayman Activity Guide for your coupons.

Very happy for you....and best of luck with her answer......but I KNOW what it will be, just based on your concern about the location of the question.

wine

Celine

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 6:16 am Post subject:

Joe - just read all of your note to Lindey.

I didn't mean to violate protocall. My appologies. Embarassed

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 6:34 am Post subject:

Given your comments about budget this likely isn't realistic since Hemingways could easily set you back in the range of $150-$200 for a full dinner with drinks and wine. If you scale it back and only have water or sodas you are still into around $100.

Consider proposing on the beach at Kaibo at sunset - at that time of day it will be pretty quiet and as a result private. Perhaps packing a picnic dinner (in keeping with your budget issues) along with a bottle (or two of wine brought from home BTW). Be sure to take candles and a blanket to sit on. I'd suggest not leaving the "day" too late in the trip so that you can juggle it should weather not be cooperating the night you want to propose.

You could also do this at one of the more secluded beaches on the West side such as cemetary beach although that might not be the most appropriate spot if you get my meaning. The sunset on the West side might be more dramatic - either way you're good.

Word of advice - make sure you take a good amount of time to think the proposal through - the setting/staging etc. it's a really BIG deal. Make it special and make it unique if you can.

Oh, and the very best of luck to you!

Cheers

lindsey wrote:

Is Hemingways really romantic? Is that the best place to propose?

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 12:37 pm Post subject:

Celine - I did propose to Peggy here but I don't want to hijack this thread so I posted a new topic about it HERE Very Happy

Newbie Joined: 11 Oct 2005 Posts: 6

Thanks again everybody, I've never seen anything like this place before in my life but I am sure happy I stumbled across it! Cheers

I sent Sunshine Suites an email and even if they don't throw in a free dinner show I think I'm going to go for it. Like you all said we are going to be remembering this for our whole life and I don't want that memory to be in some dump in Mexico with nasty water and getting sick. Oh yeah, I've been there! And you are right about them bugging you on the street trying to sell you junk all the time everywhere you go. That's not romantic and this is a very special time for me and something I will only do once. Well I hope it will only be once. HA!

It didn't let me enter that cag20 code on the Andy's site but I used the email there and I am waiting for a reply for that now too. I think I'll just get the car for 3 days, that should be enough for 2 days of shore diving and 1 day to go around the island. Thats part of why we want the resort so we can spend a few days there just doing nothing but laying on the pool and the beach and getting breakfast in bed and watching the TV and reading all day. Now that's a vacation!

I'm a little worried about this Hemingways place now if we order a drink and it costs us $200 then that's a little more than I can spend and I might just go to the beach at night like CARIBBEANSUN said. Is it safe to go out walking around on the beaches at night? And what about bugs? I don't want to be half the way through will you marry me??? and then have to swat a bunch of bugs off of my head. HA! I would rather do it at the ocean front restaurant with a nice candle light dinner if we can get out of there for $100 or so. We usually just order some appetizers and share them with a bottle of wine anyway so maybe we can get by without spending too much after all. Who knows?

CARIBBEANSUN I found your wedding report too and I might even get married there too after reading that. If she says yes anyway. HA!

Do I need to book the Sotos sting ray ahead of time or can we wait to get there. I don't want it to be sold out and end up on one of those big boats that takes a hundred people. That's no fun and it sure is not romantic.

I read everything I can in here and there is so much stuff I still had a few more questions and plus I wanted to thank you all again for all the great help!!! Cheers

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 7:40 pm Post subject:

lindsey - It sounds like it's all coming together for you and that makes me extremely happy. Your post inspired me to write a post of my own today about when I proposed to my wife. That was 7 years ago and I can remember it right now as vividly as the day it transpired. Your life is the sum total of all your memories so it's important to make every one of them count. Very Happy

I'm sure you'll hear back from everyone in a day or so; if not, let me know and I'll give them a call. Andy's site is already discounted during the fall season so you don't need the CAG20 code. Still, since you sent Alvin an email he may be able to do a little something extra for you for mentioning Activity Guide. Wink

Don't let Hemingways scare you, it's the most affordable 5-star oceanfront restaurant on the island. My wife and I have eaten there dozens of time and are a lot like you in that we order several appetizers and share them, as opposed to each having a large meal to ourselves.

Here's an example of a nice assortment of appetizers, perfect for sharing:

• Caesar Salad - $9

• Soup of the Day ? Lobster or Clam chowder - $10

• Conch Fritters - $9

• Coconut Shrimp with Mango Marmalade - $12

• Crab Cakes $12

• PEI Mussels in Thyme Sauce - $8

• Bottle of wine - $25

• Total: $85

• 15% Gratuity $12.75

• Grand Total: $97.75

That would make for a magnificent meal with a nice bottle of wine and with a slice or two of complimentary fresh baked bread this is more than enough food for two people. They offer indoor or outdoor dining and I would recommend calling ahead and reserving an end table, outdoors and directly on the ocean. If you mention Activity Guide and want something really special they will arrange a private table for you directly on the sand, however they do charge a little extra for that and it would put you over budget. If you decide to go with the outdoor seating option be sure to wear a little insect repellent. After dinner you can finish your glass of wine in a lounge chair on the beach under the stars. This is something my wife and I do quite frequently and the sound of the gentle waves cascading on the shore provide the soundtrack for a very romantic retreat after a magnificent dinner. In fact, that might not be a bad place to propose. idea

If you decide you'd rather have a picnic on the beach at night, bring a lot of insect repellent. The beaches are very safe at night, especially in all the major resort areas. Like anywhere else, exercise common sense.

If you are planning on being here during Thanksgiving it would be a good idea to book your Soto's Cruises Stingray City trip ahead of time and try to arrange it on a day when there are the fewest ships in town. You can see a schedule of cruise ship arrivals HERE.

You are in for the time of your lives and the only downside is after you leave you may never want to go to Mexico or anywhere else again. Very Happy

Newbie Joined: 11 Oct 2005 Posts: 6

I think I got it all worked out and I THANK YOU JOE for everything you did, and all the other people that helped me too!

That meal at Hemingway's looks just great for us and we may not even eat all that. I'm going to be a little nervous that night anyway so who knows? I may not even be able to eat at all. HA! But that idea is just great and unless someone comes up with something better that looks like the best place to propose sitting out on the lounge chairs with the stars and the ocean at night. Who knows she might even say yes. HA HA! Thanks for the tip about the bug spray, I'll be sure to take you up on that one.

I checked the cruise ship calendar and there is only one day when there is only one ship on the 19th and that's our last full day so I'm going to get an email to Sotos and make that reservation. There are four ships in most of the other days, YIKES! Will they pick us up at the hotel? We won't have the car anymore on the 19th. I got the car reserved for the three days in the middle of the week and they will come and pick us up and Alvin gave me a little better deal too so THANK YOU FOR THAT ONE JOE!

JOE I read about your proposing to your wife and that was a real romantic way you did that. I hope mine turns out and I better get a YES after all this too. HA!

I still have a lot more to read here about where to shore dive and the other places to go and I will keep coming back with more questions if you don't mind me bothering you. I really appreciate everything you all did to help me and I know this is going to be one of those times we are both going to remember for the rest of our life. I don't know about never going to Mexico again but if it's as great as you say you might just be right about that.

I'm off to the shore diving section, thanks again everybody! Cheers

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