Grand Cayman

The Queen at Anchor

This is the first port where the ship – and all other cruise ships – had to be at anchor rather than alongside.  On Monday, we were one of four ships visiting George Town, the capital of Grand Cayman, the largest in the Cayman Island group.

The Cayman Islands are famous of course

One of many grand houses

for being a favourite “off-shore” banking facility for millionaires and international companies, much to the disgust of the Australian Taxation Office.

The two major industries in the Caymans are tourism and banking.  No less than 600 banks and investment companies are represented here.  Consequently the residents pay no income tax.  Nor are there any forms of gambling here (apart from investment companies of course) including casinos and horse-racing.  This is in contrast to Aruba where there are about 15 casinos.

George Town

George Town is very disappointing – made up of many modern cement rendered malls featuring watches and jewellery.  Not a supermarket in sight.  And few old houses.

There are 55,000 permanent residents mostly on Grand Cayman itself, and about 25,000 people with work permits.  And thousands of cruise passengers in the season which extends from November to April.  However, the temperature doesn’t vary much all year round, being between 80-90 with high humidity.  65F is a very cold day.  Oh dear!

Seven Mile Beach with cruise ships in distand

Most tourists would be attracted by the beautiful warm clean water, aqua coloured, great sand and the opportunity for scuba diving.  Apparently ship crew – assuming they have enough daylight hours off – head straight for the beach.

John knew well in advance that he couldn’t get off the ship, and it really was no great loss.  Probably the most disappointing port we’ve visited.  I did go on a $20 tour, which I booked on shore

Swimming with dolphins

and it was good value for money.  We saw a bit of wildlife, went to Hell, watched kids swimming with dolphins, stopped at the beach and had a taste of rum cake.

Iguana

We left Grand Cayman at 4.30pm, bound for Fort Lauderdale in Florida.