Cayman Island exchange

[Debs Hill]

Has anyone out there stayed at any of the world passport resorts in the Cayman Islands? Or even just been there independantly? Would love to hear what it is like, have only ever been to Barbados in the caribbean before and have heard that the Caymans are beautiful. All honest opinions appreciated!

 

[debbiebones]

Haven't been to the world passport resorts, but I have been to the Cayman Islands....once in 1979 before it was built up to what it is now, once on a cruise and once for a week's stay back in 1998.

The Caymans are beautiful....and can be expensive. Gosh, knowing what a deal we got back in '79 makes it all the more harder to take now! We had a charter flight plus 7 nights at the Holiday Inn which at the time was THE big hotel...for something like $379! Now, it costs that much per night in some places.

Anyway, I still think it's a beautiful place and if you don't mind spending a bit more for things, you won't be disappointed.

Deb

 

[AnnMorin]

In December our cruise stopped in Grand Cayman and it was breathtakingly beautiful. However as the previous poster stated very expensive. People were talking about 35.00 for a pizza!

 

[Dean]

I haven't been there except off a cruise but can tell you from the reveiws that I'd only consider the Royal Reef and Grand Caymanian and not Plantation Village. Getting an exchange should be easy if you're outside Xmas to Easter and nearly impossible otherwise, same can be said for Cancun, Key West and the rest of the Caribbean to a certain extent.

 

[disney4me4ever]

Dean~

A little OT, but wondering about the properties offered at St. Maarten? Any recommendations of one over the other?

Thanks as always,
Nancy

 

[Dean]

From what I know, they're pretty equal and both below the quality and value of DVC though well worth visiting. I'd look for a direct exchange and try to trade less points than through DVC for the same trade. I'd also look at the Atrium and Sapphire Beach club. Don't forget the independent exchange companies for these type as well.

 

[RWishbone]

In 1992 and 1994 we stayed at the Grand Bay which is located on 7 mile beach opposite to Georgetown. They were wonderful vacations. The accomodations were a two bedroom lockoff with a pool on the beach. Snorkeling was great right off the beach and you could ride motorbikes from one end of the Island to the other and easily find secluded spots. It remains one of my favorite vacations. Now that I have 4 kids and have become a DVC nut, I still dream of scuba diving some day at Cayman Brac with my kids when they grow older. Don't let the talk of the high prices turn you away. We had a full kitchen in our unit and we bought food and rum at the store and had a super time with an occasional dinner out. Also do not let the talk of the buidup scare you off. Even if Grand Cayman is too congested for your liking, try the two smalller Islands..Brac and Little Cayman, since they are still relatively undeveloped...Rich

 

[missyndda]

I have not tried any of the DVC options in Barbados and Grand Cayman, but I have visited both off cruise ships. Both islands are places I have looked into going back to. The scuba diving in Grand Cayman is breathtaking! I know that Cayman is expensive as previously mentioned...$20 for a 12 pack of beer, and $5 for a gallon of milk. However, I would not let that be a deterrant; it just needs to be budgeted for.

Have you ever been to Aruba? It is also fantastic! There are some great resorts on Palm Beach.

 

[mb168]

I second RWishbone. I spent a week on the Brac in '96 at Brac Reef Beach Resort. It was meant to be specifically a dive trip as there is nothing, I repeat NOTHING else to do there if shopping and nightlife are your ideas of a vacation. We dove every morning and did little the rest of the day, AND IT WAS WONDERFUL!!! I took a book with me, figure I'd be bored, I never cracked it open. The best thing of all was we bought a meal plan and a drink plan. They had a buffet style meal and small bar outside. I NEVER had a meal that I would compare to any other buffet anywhere, it was all great.

If your idea of vacation is boat drinks and hammocks, I'd recommend the Brac over Grand Cayman.

 

[Debs Hill]

Dean: Can you tell me what is better about Royal Reef and Grand Caymanian? Has Plantation CLub had bead reviews? When you say it's almost impossible to get somewhere between Xmas and Easter, is that the case even if you book way in advance?

Missyndda: Tell me more about Aruba! Did you stay at one of the exchange properties?

Anyone else out there have an opinion on Aruba?

Thanks everyone!!

 

[missyndda]

is a top notch, 5-star resort. It has won numerous awards and was on Travel & Leisure's 2002 World's Best list. Their web site is: www.playalinda.com. I believe the pictures speak for themselves. (Check out their photo gallery.)

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by missyndda
is a top notch, 5-star resort. It has won numerous awards and was on Travel & Leisure's 2002 World's Best list. Their web site is: www.playalinda.com. I believe the pictures speak for themselves. (Check out their photo gallery.)

PL is not an II 5* resort, maybe it shoud be but it's not. Some really like it others are not that thrilled.

 

[Patricia]

Hello Debs,
We visited Grand Cayman from a cruise also and just loved it. We have spoken about returning but haven't managed to get there. Disney continues to call us home! The beaches are lovely and the people are warm and receptive. That is an important part of an island vacation to me. I also LOVED Bermuda for the same reason. Not much specific information, but an endorsement nonetheless.