Cayman, new rules

[Seaawgs]

We recently visited Grand Cayman and were able to experience, first hand, the new rules they have in effect.  Beverage packages, Caribbean complacency and construction have been reducing the number of passengers going ashore. On the Celebrity Constellation, only the pool bar was open. All others were closed until we left Cayman water. The scene at the pool bar an hour before departure was very entertaining,  not in a good way.  We felt so sorry for the bartenders who had been dreading it all day.  

Unsure of how to react to Cayman extortion, we went ashore anyway because the tender ride is a nice excursion. Since we enjoy and respect Guy Harvey, we ate in his restaurant and shopped in his store. Nothing else. In the restaurant we had a nice 2nd floor view of a massive construction zone, which is the port, and all of the noise that goes along with it. When on the ground you're treated to construction dust and dirt. Things are getting better but this area has been like this for many years. Maybe one day they'll finish and no longer have to force cruisers to visit. 

 

[3Sisters]

@Seaawgs That's very interesting! It seems the new rules in place are no fun. I can't believe only the pool bar was open on Celebrity Constellation! I didn't realize Grand Cayman was enforcing such strict rules around cruising and drinking. When did these new rules come into effect? At some point (after all of the construction is complete), it has to get better for guests. When are all of the construction and additions supposably finished? This news sounds like a bad look for Grand Cayman. I hope this all changes soon.

[Seaawgs]

@3Sisters it's probably like building roads in FL. The growth of cruising along with safety concerns at Western Caribbean ports makes Cayman an increasingly popular port. Finishing one project only to find it is inadequate is probably an issue. Lunch for two with a couple of drinks cost us about $100 at Guy Harvey's. These prices are normal in Cayman leading to people's desire to stay on board. Cruise lines want you off the ship on a sponsored excursion which is also highly priced. 

I'm not sure when the new rules began. I heard about it a couple of months ago. The concept isn't new. Casinos and shops have been closed in port for years, just add bars to the list. I expect this trend to catch on.

[3Sisters]

@Seaawgs Grand Cayman has certainly grown over the course of the past few years. The area regained popularity and got back to pre-pandemic numbers very quickly in comparison to other Caribbean cruise ports. 

https://www.cruisehive.com/caribbean-cruise-destination-goes-over-1-million-passengers/119622

That's steep but not surprising for such a popular dining destination. Are there any other things to do that would interest you to enjoy in Grand Cayman? I know snorkeling and boat adventures can be worth while. The idea of drinking in Grand Cayman is unrealistic due to the prices. Especially if you have the drink package onboard, it just doesn't make sense to spend all the extra to drink off-ship. I hope this trend doesn't continue across other local areas. That would deter guests from going off of the ships. I like when guests get off of the ship so I can have the pools to myself! I often opt out of getting off the ship, staying onboard is easier and oftentimes more fun.

[Seaawgs]

@3Sisters there are plenty of things to do in Cayman but like my friends in Barbados say, everyone has palm trees and sunshine. The water and beaches are nice but the same are available at other ports at a much lower cost. Port days with an empty ship are glorious!

[3Sisters]

@Seaawgs That makes sense. Grand Cayman doesn't stand out to you amongst other Caribbean cruise ports. I do enjoy the beaches there and the culture of the island is quaint. Unfortunately, Grand Cayman isn't the only area that is upping it's prices for tourists. The Bahamas has increased it's taxes and fees for cruise guests.

This is one example of that. https://www.cruisehive.com/bahamas-to-impose-new-tax-on-cruise-line-private-islands/122912

The fact that the cruise industry is continuing to grow and expand post-pandemic while prices continue to increase means the demand is still there and the prices aren't much of a factor. Cruise guests are willing to spend and visit the beautiful destinations without thinking twice about the "port taxes and fees." Seasoned cruisers notice these price hikes and changes but the general public of cruisers could really care less, taking no mind to the changes.