I was going to do this post this morning, but having read the sad news of Meghann‘s sweet puppy Abbie this morning, I just couldn’t bring myself to post an excited cruise recap at the time. Just didn’t seem right. We all love you and are here for you Meghann, and all know how much Abbie meant to you!
We were so excited to step off the boat and see what Grand Cayman had to offer!
Our first sighting of G.C., which we enjoyed over our breakfast.
We got off the boat a little early and had some time before our excursion so we decided to just wander a bit by ourselves.
Now after much debate over which excursion to do, we decided to do an Island Highlights Tour. We figured it would be the best way to see the most of the island and still give us plenty of time to explore. Plus, the tour was supposed to include drive bys/ stops at a castle at San Pedro, pirate caves and tombs, and a stop at the Blow Holes (a spot a dear friend had told me was really cool and that we should definitely try to see). The Blow Holes were definitely the selling factor for us!
Well, unfortunately the tour ended up being a huge disappointment. There was never a castle, the pirate caves were a Class A Tacky Tourist Attraction and our tour guide skipped over the Blow Holes just to stop 2 minutes at the 7-mile beach (no big deal for us – we live in Florida so you kind of get to the point where a beautiful beach is a beautiful beach).
The Pirates Cave were decorated with lame Halloween party decorations. For real?
If you enlarge this picture you’ll see a stuffed hanging bat (it looks like a bat beanie baby) and fake skulls. What you don’t see on the other side are the plastic “R.I.P.” tombstones and cheesy treasure chests.
After hemming and hawing we decided to file a complaint with the Explorations Counter on the ship that we booked the excursion with. Two days later they apologized and fully refunded our tickets. So it all worked out well and Royal Caribbean handled it very graciously! (Sometimes it does pay to speak up and voice a complaint!).
Before we even got off the tour bus we decided that we were going to not let it bother us and we were still going to make the most of our day at Grand Cayman! We ran into a lot of little iguanas and lizards…
And chickens and roosters were running around everywhere!
We learned about Akee fruit, which is very popular in the Cayman Islands and a staple in several popular local dishes.
We discovered the joys of rum cake.
Chocolate rum cake, coconut rum cake, pineapple rum cake, key lime rum cake and so many more flavors! We enjoyed all the rum cake samples.
Since our tour bus stopped for (literally) two minutes at the 7 mile beach, we hopped off to get a picture, because like I said – we wanted to make the best of it!
Eventually the time came to board the Enchantment again. Until next time, Grand Cayman!
I got to sport my new bracelet (and sexy tan/ burn lines – that crazy Caribbean sun!) at dinner that night.
We ended our evening watching a storm roll in. It was actually really peaceful and relaxing. Right up until the wind and rain actually hit us like a wall and that we raced to close windows on deck 9.
*****
And that was the end of our first day at port! Tomorrow we’ll discuss Cozumel!!
Just a reminder to everyone – my posting “schedule” will be sporadic the next week or two as we get ready to move next week. Lots of craziness is going on! But if I disappear a day or two, just know that I’m still kickin’!
Good luck to my little sister Megan taking her GRE tomorrow! Love you and I know you’re going to do AWESOME!!!
Peace out chickadees! 
P.S. What do you think of the winner of the Next Food Network Star? (No names named for those who haven’t seen it yet). It’s who I thought it was, and I can see why the winner was chosen and think they’ll do a great job.
That water is so blue!!!
Wonderful pictures once again : )
I agree, as much as I hate to complain about things, sometimes it really is neccessary! Glad you got a refund for your lame tour, lol!
I am glad of the winner of "Next Food Network Star." I loved the other contestant too tho! I think both of them could have a great show that I would watch.
great pics u two look sooo happy!
Wow! Everything looks so beautiful!
What gorgeous pictures!! Sorry about the pirate's cave issue – at least it was corrected by refund
ohhhh…such a great looking trip!!! sounds awesome!
One of the best things about having cruise ship jobs is that you are able to visit places like this. Although work is tough, the pay is very good and people are very friendly. Its a nice way to have friends from different cultures and country. those are some really awesome pictures BTW.
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