Guest Author - Shasta Wilson

Popular movies and television often depict Grand Cayman and its two neighboring islands as elite, secluded hideways where the rich stash their money and secrets. But if you’ve ever been any of the islands, you’d know that they represent the sleepiest of small tropical getaways with quaint and quiet towns. Most cruise itineraries that visit the Cayman Islands will drop anchor in George Town, on the island of Grand Cayman. The largest of the three islands, Grand Cayman covers 78 square miles and is home to a population of about 25,000 people.

Getting to Town
Most ships will be anchored in the harbor, though smaller ships are sometimes able to dock at local piers. Boats to shore run every 10-15 minutes, and guests are dropped off at a pier in central George Town on the beachfront shopping street. Once on land, cabs are available to take travelers to other parts of the island or to local tourist stops.

Downtown George Town
George Town, and Grand Cayman as a whole, represent the best of both worlds to visitors. The downtown area is somewhat metropolitan with multi-story buildings (housing the famed Cayman Island banks), large hotels, shopping malls and restaurants. Comprised of a handful of streets in total, downtown George Town is an easy walk for cruisers who want to spend a leisurely day visiting the city. The beachfront walk stretches from one side of George Town to the other, and is lined with local souvenir and gift shops.

Local Sights
Though small in size, Grand Cayman packs a punch when it comes to tourist activities. A few miles outside George Town is Seven Mile Beach, a popular stretch of beach with pristine white sand and beautiful blue surf. Up the road from the beach is the Turtle Farm, where guests can learn about local sea turtles and touch baby turtles in the hatchery. The ever-popular Stingray Sandbar lets guests get up close and personal with stingrays. And the famous town of Hell, known for its odd landscape of jagged volcanic rock formations, lets you send mail back home to friends postmarked ‘From Hell’. Most cruiselines have shore excursion packages that visit one or more of these locations, though it’s also possible to take a taxi and explore on your own. Even a long drive around the island to check out local neighborhoods and beaches is a pleasant way to spend the day.