Here's an update from another tReceived this today.
Hurricane Ivan scored a near direct hit on Grand Cayman back on September 12, damaging most homes and businesses, knocking out power and phones, contaminating water and fuel supplies and bringing tourism--vital to the island's economy--to a complete halt. For a while, four feet of water covered the entire width of the island at famous Seven Mile Beach, and Grand Cayman was actually two islands. If you've ever flown into Grand Cayman, you may be able to visualize the airport area covered by the sea, waves rolling down the runway. It was indeed a terrifying and traumatic experience for every resident.
I'm happy to report that while repairs and reconstruction are ongoing, conditions have improved sufficiently to allow cruise lines to return. The Grand Cayman Port Authority will allow up to two ships per day to call for the first week of November, gradually increasing thereafter, and has released an official schedule of port calls for November 1-13.
Grand Cayman is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, and both cruise passengers and Caymanians are anxious to see port calls resume. There is no word yet as to which shore excursions will be available on these early cruises, but the island's shops and main attractions are coming back online. The world-famous reefs are intact, with most coral in excellent shape and plenty of sea life, though some sport a new look due to shifted sand. Both Stingray City locations--the shallow sandbar area where it is possible to stand and the deeper area--were unaffected, and stingrays still troll the clear water looking for tourists and their squid handouts. The Turtle Farm sustained minor damage, but no turtles were hurt. And Seven Mile Beach is in great shape and actually gained sand in some places.
It will take many months to repair the more than $1 billion in damage, and the defoliated island will have a different look for awhile, but the first cruise passengers setting foot on shore there this week will be warmly welcomed, I am certain.
hread...........
Hurricane Ivan scored a near direct hit on Grand Cayman back on September 12, damaging most homes and businesses, knocking out power and phones, contaminating water and fuel supplies and bringing tourism--vital to the island's economy--to a complete halt. For a while, four feet of water covered the entire width of the island at famous Seven Mile Beach, and Grand Cayman was actually two islands. If you've ever flown into Grand Cayman, you may be able to visualize the airport area covered by the sea, waves rolling down the runway. It was indeed a terrifying and traumatic experience for every resident.
I'm happy to report that while repairs and reconstruction are ongoing, conditions have improved sufficiently to allow cruise lines to return. The Grand Cayman Port Authority will allow up to two ships per day to call for the first week of November, gradually increasing thereafter, and has released an official schedule of port calls for November 1-13.
Grand Cayman is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, and both cruise passengers and Caymanians are anxious to see port calls resume. There is no word yet as to which shore excursions will be available on these early cruises, but the island's shops and main attractions are coming back online. The world-famous reefs are intact, with most coral in excellent shape and plenty of sea life, though some sport a new look due to shifted sand. Both Stingray City locations--the shallow sandbar area where it is possible to stand and the deeper area--were unaffected, and stingrays still troll the clear water looking for tourists and their squid handouts. The Turtle Farm sustained minor damage, but no turtles were hurt. And Seven Mile Beach is in great shape and actually gained sand in some places.
It will take many months to repair the more than $1 billion in damage, and the defoliated island will have a different look for awhile, but the first cruise passengers setting foot on shore there this week will be warmly welcomed, I am certain.
hread...........
