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Not crazy at all. I've done this three times. When five ships are in port, St. Thomas is a nightmare. The taxis are gridlocked, the beaches are shoulder-to-shoulder, and downtown is a sweaty mess. Staying on the ship is the best "secret" in cruising. The pool is empty. The bartender remembers your name. Do it.

I’d stay on the ship as ST Thomas has nothing to offer except crowds and just another big city atmosphere. I’m sorry but you’re cruising on a floating subdivision. Each to your own.

We are doing an Eastern Caribbean loop on a large Royal Caribbean ship next month. Itinerary: Nassau, Sea Day, St. Thomas, Sea Day, CocoCay.

I have been to St. Thomas (Megan's Bay) twice before. I love the island, but I am looking at the port schedule: there will be five Oasis-class ships in port that day. I have heard Charlotte Amalie becomes a literal wall of people.

I am considering just staying on the ship to have the pool, the empty hot tubs and the quiet buffet.

Will I regret missing the island completely, or is the "ship day" experience when everyone is off the boat better than fighting 15 000 other tourists for a taxi?

Been to both. Punta Cana is easier, cheaper, and fine if you just want to sit on a resort and drink. But you said "snorkeling." Curacao wins that category by a mile. The snorkeling right off the shore at Playa Lagun or Tugboat Beach is world-class. Punta Cana snorkeling is mostly choppy and requires a boat trip. That said, $600 is $600. I'd save the money and do PC, then plan a full week for Curacao later.

Hi all,

I am not sure if its the same company, but a few sails ago, we rented a car near Portsmouth. The brakes nearly caused me to leave my dna on a mountainside. We had to wait at said bend for new vehicle for hours south of Portsmouth.

The next vehicle had better brakes, but the tires were equally bald.

We should have inspected the brakes b4 hitting the road, not on the road. Lesson learned and renter beware.

PS i hope you enjoy your time in Dominica, Zanshin. Are you attempting Boiling Lake? My first stay was in Laudat a decade ago. Dominica is magical.

I'm planning a long weekend (4 nights) in late April. I have two options on the table:
Option A: Punta Cana (DR). Direct flight. $380. Resort looks average.
Option B: Curacao. One connection. $980. Smaller boutique hotel.
I've heard Curacao has better snorkeling right off the beach and less of a "mass tourism" feel, but $600 is a lot of money for 2 people.
For those who have been to both in the last 12 months: Is Curacao actually $600 better than Punta Cana right now regarding safety, water quality, and food prices? Or am I paying for a flight connection?

Prefers FB? Let 'em be.

Hi,

I stayed at West Bay airbnb which was very convenient to 7mb, caymana bay and georgetown.

may I ask where you stayed on island

Hi all,

It's been a joy exploring grand cayman. I have fond memories of 7mb.

Final comment: arrive early to the airport as the yacht club offers a quick shuttle service for a final bite to eat under the sun.

Air side has a few fast food oprions like Wendy's but its mostly standing room only or eat at the airport chairs. There is a pub (16cad for a pint). The yacht club is by far a more comfy option.

Also Westjet used scissor lift/zigzag ramp at departure.

Safe travels.

No idea, Rick. You could ask at the bar.

Do they serve a sando at the resto??

Thanks so much for all of the information. I PM'd you!

Hi,

I walked thru Regal Beach Club property this afternoon and took many pics. Pls dm me ur email addi and ill send pix this weekend.

My opinion....book it! Its bright, clean, comfortable and boutique. There are two small swimming areas in the middle of the two rows for refreshing evening dips. I did not see a beach bar nearby, tho you have many easy options. I wouldnt concern myself on an ideal view or front/back. It looks like the back half is close to the next complex, however its so nice here, you will have a great time either side of the complex (i have pic of this too)

The reception is beside the property map (pic to follow) and lots of parking.

The ground floor balconies are screened in though there are no mozzies this trip.

This property is near Georgetown...maybe 10 mins or less. The cruise ships are within site. I dont see an obvious adv from one end of the beach to the other. I enjoy ever mile.

I may have a contact for a lockout 4 bdrm house w private pool on other side of georgetown. Car required and not on the beach.

Today sargassum creeped in. There are various staff raking it up in garbage bags. Only small clumps in the water so far. Next year will be different of course.

Bonus: minutes to Ms Pipers who has live music at the moment. Life can only get better with a Carib Brew.

And b4 i forget the mudslide was conceived in rum point...just adding more reason to book ur stay.

And for everyone else, pick Grand Cayman over Aruba (unless u casino alot).

Another TROL??

Thank you so much for all of the information!

I have heard of Ms. Pipers. I think it is at the Hampton Inn. We thought about staying there, but sounds like the beach chair situation is limited, so not sure about that.

I'm very excited to snorkel. I snorkeled in SXM and on the boat tour to Anguilla, but found it to be meh (except for Mullet Bay, which was ok).

Sounds like driving, navigating the island, and parking are pretty easy on the island. I'm sure we will end up renting a car.

Thanks for the heads up on the prices, service charges, etc... that is definitely need to know stuff!

I have not heard of the What's On Cayman App. I will download it. Thanks!!!

If you do get a chance to glance over by Regal Beach Club, that would be awesome. Again, thank you!!

I hope you have a great rest of your trip!

-Carole

Hi CaroleS,

Indeed i was active on sxm threads for many years.

You will enjoy staying on 7mb as there are many activities to keep you entertained. Yesterday i found Ms Pipers resto hidden in a hotel (hilton?). Here theres a small bar and pool in the courtyard. I ordered a pumpkin hummous w pickled veg that was very flavourful.

There is no bad spot to settle in or walk forever on 7mb. Its very wide and sparkling blue water. I didnt find snorkeling near shore here.

Driving on lhs will come quickly as the roads are very well marked, as are many indicating signs. There are many 2 lane roundabouts with up to 5 or 6 exit points. As we drove around it was simple to follow traffic flow. Also note, the gps we were using was delayed to the point "turn right" was 10s to late as we were in the turn, and to the other extreme an early "turn right" is a bend in the road and not a signal turn. Traffic is light on this side of island, and i understand towards Bodden Town is slow going.

There are two main roads from georgetown to west bay. You cant get lost if you tried. Behind 7mb is camana bay. Easily a short walk over the tunnel (once built for a hotel over the road but....).

Parking is easy, either on the road behind the 7mb beach or shaded parking lots such as Governors Beach. Its free. At Camana Bay, we parked in a plaza parking lot and walked over. Its a 2.50usd short bus ride to Georgetown bus depot.

The bus system, if you choose, is top notch. Yesterday's bus had videos playing on mute (this is not a party island in that sense). I have never waited more than 10mins for a bus to west bay.

Rum Point is an enjoyable area with events. Our waiter advised to spend our time on 7mb as he said Kaibo is over rated. They do have full moon parties and bbq events in the area.

Over the Easter weekend, we had no trouble picking up a rental car from the airport last minute. Gas is about 5.40kyd/gallon.

If i remember on my down to 7mb today, i will snoop around Regal Beach Club.

Tip: by crossing the 7mb road to the many plazas you will find more reasonably priced resto. I enjoyed Spanglish (20?kyd lobster quessadilla), for example.

Theres a 15-16% service charge at every resto i ate or drank at. A pint of cay brew is 5.5kyd plus sc, for example. I mixed drink is 15+kyd plus sc. A can of caybrew from gas station is 6.50kyd or so.

All credit card transactions were processed in usd at the 0.8 exchange. Fixed.

Many resto ask for ur 1st and last name plus ph #....in case u forget something behind they say...ummmm???? However, the waiters do connect with their patrons by using your name. Very high focus on team work and often over staffed, and it works well.

I used the whats on cayman app for events and info on specials. And for taxi costs or booking island:go app. Its their uber.

I recommend Grand Cayman as a safe, beach destination with some unique offerings of interest (Hell, small bird sanctuary). Bring a wide brimmed hat.

We stayed at La Cabana on Eagle Beach and loved it (this was in 2019). Yes, there is more going on in the Palm Beach area, but it is not a bad drive from Eagle Beach to Palm Beach for dinner, etc... I think Eagle Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen. We rented a car and explored the entire island. Went to Palm Beach for dinner several times. One our favorite memories is dinner/dancing at Bugaloe Beach Bar and Grill. I would absolutely go back to Aruba. Was in SXM last year, going to Caymans next year. I do keep up to date with SXM on this forum. We LOVE SXM!!!

Thanks Crazycanuxx! I think I recognize you from the St Martin forum. We are in the beginning planning stage for a 5 night trip to GC post 3 night cruise on Celebrity June 2027. Looks like an easy flight from Miami and we have always wanted to go to Caymans. Went to SXM last year with my extended family. We had a great time and plan to go back at some point, but have other vacation spots to check off the list first. We are looking at possibly staying at Regal Beach Club on SMB. Looks like nice condos close to food and shopping. Debating on car rental since driving on the left side of the road is intimidating for us. I will probably bite the bullet and rent one. There are a few excursions on the list -- Stingray City/Starfish Island. We love to snorkel, so will plan on a lot of that. Rum Point looks interesting so will explore over that way some, as well. Any pointers are greatly appreciated.

Easter weekend 2026 updates

Quick facts

Exchange rate is fixed 1kyd to .8usd, or 1.25usd :1kyd

Bus is 2kyd or 2.50usd/leg

.........

The weather was fantastic with no sargassum to report on 7mb.

Camana Bay restos were unusually quiet due to the holidays, per staff. This area is lovely for exclusive shopping and dining on the water.

The camana bay mexican resto was mid...nothing spectacular. You order by the unit so prices are deceiving.. ie 1 taco is 10?kyd, or so.

Spanglish in 7mb plaza was tops....a must try is mango marguerita. I really enjoyed my large quesadilla tho the lobster was salty.

Grand Cayman Burgers were good. Located in a plaza in 7mb

7mb during Easter weekend was fun. Lots of locals tenting in a very organized manner. Loud music is banned on the beach, btw. There was lots of sand to spread out. The water was calm and crystal clear. I saw one fish. As the beach is very wide, there is little shade. The entrance to the water had an 8in? corally drop. The rest is magical.

On 7mb you can rent jet skis shaped as sports cars. Looks fun when you see sports cars jetting on the horizon. Parasailing is also an option.

...........

Fosters grocery store in West Bay is very well stocked. They also have a small bulk items section (case lots). Theres a smaller McRuss groceries nearby. It says they are open 24hrs...take your chances as I never stepped foot in the store.

The busses are reliable and 2kyd for most legs. In West Bay there are many lines (bus routes are identified by colour) and since im staying near perimeter road, my bus wait was always short. For a few more kyd ask the bus driver to drop you off closer to home on hopping in. Sometimes they will. Or hitch hike. Rides are easy to come by.

To go further afield, theres an agent in the Georgetown bus depot kiosk for info.

In Georgetown, theres a lovely handmade shop. She has lovely items worth a visit. I cant recall the shop's name, but its on a side street, one block from the water (near kfc???).

And for my Canadian friends, Im told this Timmies is one of the good ones. Even the doughnuts taste better here. Thoughts?

A visit to a distillery is fun on a rainy day. I think it was 20kyd for a tasting and (opens door and points) tour. (St Lucia has the rum tasting self pour top award).

My thoughts are scrambled, as was this trip. I highly recommend Cayman Islands.

Enjoy your stay,

Crazycanuxx

We ended up booking at the Royalton Grenada on Magazine Beach. All inclusive, right on the beach, and seemed to have very good reviews. It will feel different not being on a boat though.
Should be fun.

Allen

I've stayed at La Sagesse a couple of times because it is perfect for my requirements. Clean rooms, no A/C, bug-tight screens, right on a private large and protected beach with a good restaurant. No TVs in the rooms, but fast Wi-Fi. The view below was from my balcony, the beach starts right at the trees.

Thx, islandbound.

We went to Macabuca the other night. Its fantastic. There were a few snorkellers tho the water was very choppy.

7mb is stunning, no seaweed. No loud music permitted on the beach.We had drinks at Tillies. Food was off, however service was attentive.

We also took a 25usd redsail sail to rum point for supper. The pizza was phenominal and the service was on point...then back to the docks (not camana bay docks) for a night sail. Arrived at dock at 945 pm. $ drinks on board. I strongly recommend this 20 mins ferry service for a special night out. Theres something about a starry night that captures eternal hope in the young at heart.

A few observations.

The bus service is excellent along 7mb and west bay. Easy transport for everyone. The drivers are exceptionally patient and safe during loading/unloading.

Rental vehicles are 50usd/day from airport. A very affordable option.

I use ci:go app for taxis. It was 3 usd less than walk on from airport.

I saw a food delivery bike service. I did not catch the name. Happy?? Something.

Fosters grocery store is expensive. It has a small bulk section (think costco) and very clean isles. Amazing selection.

Keep the recommendations coming.

Apparently you like hustle, bussell, and crowds? I’d suggest Grand Cayman.

My wife and I have visited Saint Thomas and Saint Martin and we are looking for our next Island to visit we would like something comparable what is the next spot we should visit.