Destinations - Caribbean - Georgetown, Grand Cayman Island

The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman, is one of the Caribbean’s favorite getaways, particularly for watersport lovers. The Caymans fully deserve their reputation as a paradise for divers: Translucent waters and a colorful variety of marine life are protected by the government, which has designated a number of marine parks. Several shipwrecks add to the underwater attractions and the number of professional diving companies outrank those in any other Caribbean island.

Diving is not the only sport here; visitors can engage in numerous other watersports, in addition to golf and tennis.The beaches are gorgeous, with white, soft sand and clear, blue-green water protected by coral reefs that ensure calm swimming conditions.

When Columbus sighted the islands in 1503, he noted that the surrounding sea was alive with turtles. Hence the original name of Las Tortugas, which was later changed to Cayman.The many caves and coves soon became a favorite hideout for pirates like Blackbeard and Henry Morgan. Many a ship floundered on the treacherous rocks - often with the help of the inhabitants who lured the vessels ashore with beacon fires. The legend of the wreck of the Ten Sails had a lasting effect on the Caymanians. After the islanders saved everyone off a shipwrecked convoy in 1788, a grateful King George III decreed that Caymanians should forever be exempt from conscription and never have to pay taxes.

Today Grand Cayman is one of the most prosperous islands in the Caribbean. Its tiny capital, George Town, boasts some 500 banks and is home to numerous international companies. George Town can easily be seen on foot. Duty-free stores and local souvenir shops abound.There is a small museum located in the restored Old Courts Building with exhibits that provide a good introduction to the history, plant and animal life in the Caymans.The Cayman Maritime and Treasure Museum near the Hyatt Regency features a collection of gold and silver relics from sunken Spanish ships.

View all the cruises that call at Georgetown, Grand Cayman Island, Caribbean cruise destination

Companies: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Fred.Olsen Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Royal Caribbean International,

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