George Town Grand Cayman

[jaguarstyper]

With some trepidation, we decided to book a Western Caribbean cruise on Zuiderdam in October. After last summer, we're certainly concerned about the hurricane season. We thought we played the odds that its unlikely there would be 2 horrific hurricane seasons in a row. I hope we're right on this.

That said, I know that Grand Cayman suffered terrible damage in the 2004 hurricanes. Has anyone been to the Grand Cayman recently. How has the island and beaches recovered? I know our only objective at GC will be to park our lazy butts on Seven Mile Beach and enjoy the day.

Also, what are some good ways to spend the day at Costa Maya. In general, We just love hanging out on the beaches.

Thanks,

Tim

[lipoppop]

In December it was still a mess. Didn't see a tree that wasn't knocked over or toped. Many houses missing shingles and windows boarded up. The fallen vegitation hadn't been cleared but the roads were in good shape. The only thing that didn't reflect the hurricane were the bank buildings.

[lindleyjulie]

Cant believe no one answered this question, have been trying to ask the same thing for weeks cant post a thread, everytime I write the whole thing down and try to post it just wont post,:( I was also wondering about the damage we would like to go to Grand Cayman this year please reply somebody:)

Julie:cool:

[lindleyjulie]

Sorry Lipoppop, we must of been posting at the same time, still want to know about the beaches and turtles:confused:

Julie:cool:

[lipoppop]

Sorry Lipoppop, we must of been posting at the same time, still want to know about the beaches and turtles:confused:

Julie:cool:

The turtle farm IMO is a waste. They raise a couple of turtles for preservation but the majority are raised for food and their shells.

They charge, five dollars, if I remember correctly to see the tanks. I'm sorry I went, not for the money but because it is a scam.

I didn't go to the beaches but they loked pretty good from the road.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I reported a little on Grand Cayman when we returned a couple of days ago from our Westerdam cruise.

Many parts of 7 mile beach are still in ruins. Some of the hotels were to re-open this march but now they say they won't re-open until June or July. The downtown area is fine.

Tours are going to Hell and the turtle farm and around the island. Stingray City back in operation.

[mcduck]

We were at GC over Christmas. The stores by the pier are all open, and 7 mile beach looked cleaned up when we drove past. The vegetation has taken a major hit, as could be expected, and as a result, from the ship the island almost looks brown rather than green (like fall after all the leaves have fallen). There were a lot of people on the beach, so that is a sign that the beach was in good shape.

What was a beautifully clean island has a lot of trash, knocked down trees, telephone poles and so on, but clean up continues. There are a lot of residences with tarps over the roof, and many buildings that were simply destroyed.

It was an educational experience to see the destruction that Ivan left, even after the many months that have passed.

The Atlantis sub is out of commission, the turtle farm is not much, just a bunch of tubs with turtles in them in an open area (of course, I do not know what else there would be), so unless you have a burning desire to see a turtle up close, I would not bother. They do have a new facility under construction that looks like it will be very impressive.

[janisutx]

:) I was there in late December and enjoyed the HAL snorkel by boat excursion. I chose the afternoon time and it was only half full. The service was excellent. It was the highlight of my trip! Hope you have a wonderful time too.