Grand Cayman Cruises

A Grand Cayman cruise brings you to an enchanting island of long, sandy beaches, translucent water, and spectacular marine life. The island, the largest in the Cayman archipelago, is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks to its status as a center of offshore finance, yet also exudes a laid-back charm.

Cruises to Grand Cayman drop anchor off George Town, the waterfront lined by wooden buildings in bright colors. Although the lure of soft sand and sparkling water is compelling, there’s plenty to see and do here, from lush botanical gardens to mysterious caves. Divers will find exciting wrecks to discover, while there’s fascinating history at the stately Pedro St. James Castle and a vibrant art collection at the National Gallery. This is before you’ve even begun to check out the designer shops and the enticing array of restaurants and beach bars waiting for you to explore on your Caribbean cruise.

Grand Cayman is one of the best Caribbean destinations for food lovers, with more than 200 restaurants serving everything from tasty Caribbean specialties to healthy spots offering fresh juice and healthy bowls. Look out for traditional Caribbean fare like beans and rice, or spicy jerk chicken. Fish rundown is a slow-cooked stew of assorted seafood with coconut milk, thyme, Scotch bonnet, and pumpkin. You’ll see conch on every menu in the form of tasty fritters, a crisp salad, or a creamy conch chowder. For dessert, try sticky toffee pudding, which consists of a rich sponge made with dates served with a toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream.

Local drinks include rum, which is distilled on the island and served in a fruity punch, among other cocktails. For something authentically local, order a mudslide, made with vodka, Kahlua, Baileys, cherry, and cinnamon.

Christopher Columbus reported sighting the Cayman Islands in 1503. While not home to any permanent settlements, the islands were visited by indigenous tribes and were populated by crocodiles and iguanas, with seas teeming with turtles. Turtles remain a symbol of the islands today, although their population was drastically reduced by passing ships hunting them for their meat.

Throughout the 17th century, the islands were frequented by pirates and privateers. British settlement began in the mid-17th century, primarily by individuals of British, African, and Jamaican descent. Until the mid-20th century, islanders mainly relied on fishing, subsistence farming, and employment in the merchant navy for foreign ships. However, a shift began with the opening of the first commercial bank, the establishment of hotels, the creation of the world’s first scuba diving center, and the government's encouragement of the growth of the international finance industry — which thrives today thanks to zero taxation, a British legal system, and political stability.

Although many Caymanians have emigrated to work abroad, a strong sense of national identity has been maintained, with many individuals eventually returning home. Today, the Cayman Islands enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean and remain a British Overseas Territory.

The easiest way to get around Grand Cayman if you’re not joining a shore excursion is by taxi, and you’ll find cars waiting at the port. There are no rideshare services here. Otherwise, the island has an efficient bus network, with minibusses operating multiple routes to all the main attractions. You can wait at a bus stop or simply flag the driver down. 

Mopeds, bicycles, and quad bikes are available to rent, but do remember that driving is on the left here, as it is in Britain.

George Town has a wide range of elegant shops, many specializing in high-end jewelry and luxury labels. Be on the lookout for colorful Caribbean art, antique maps, and even shipwreck coins. Local jams, spicy sauces, and rum cakes make great gifts to take home. For something really unusual, look for jewelry made from Caymanite, a gemstone that comes in a spectrum of earthy colors. It’s found only in the Cayman Islands and made into beautiful bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and cufflinks by local craftspeople.

The local currency in George Town and the rest of the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Islands dollar, which is pegged to the U.S. Dollar at $1.20 U.S. to $1 Cayman. Most places will display prices in both currencies. You’ll find that U.S. dollars are widely accepted, although you may be given change in local currency. If you do need Cayman Islands dollars during your Grand Cayman cruise, you’ll find ATMs located throughout downtown George Town.

A tip of 10% to 15% is expected when dining at restaurants in Grand Cayman, unless service is already included. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, although you could round up the bill, and it’s customary to tip a good tour guide $5 to $10 per person.

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