Miami Cruise 4

This is a series about a cruise from Miami port to 3 different countries. 

Part one is HERE. Part TWO. Part THREE. 

In the last post, we were finishing up a plantation tour in Ochos Rios, Jamaica. After that, we headed to our final, and most famous destination, Dunn's River Falls. In Jamaica, climbing waterfalls is a popular tourist activity and my friend wanted to try it. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, and we ended up walking along the river in a downpour. Instead, I snapped photos of those brave souls marching up the river in the rain....


A note about Dunn's River Falls:
It's a tourist trap. They (guides) will say you must have special water shoes, which you have to buy for $10 ~ 15. We didn't buy anything and noticed once we got to the falls, you don't need shoes at all. The "must have water shoes" is a scam; don't fall for it.








Once returning to port, our ship, the Norwegian Epic, sailed on to Georgetown, Grand Cayman Islands. The Caymans were first settled by the British back in the 1700s. Now, Georgetown is most famous for its international banking and lovely beaches.

My friend booked a full day snorkeling tour of Stingray City -- a popular place to see these creatures up close. I was excited to be on a ship again...

Our tour boat, a welcome sign, the Epic and Cutenekko:

After approximately 30 minutes, our boat arrived at the sand bar which featured numerous stingrays. Now, I know that the great Aussie, Steve Irwin died from an attack from one of these, so I was cautious and a bit frightened of these creatures, even if the guide was hugging one! 

Fish, guide with a guest, overview of the sandbar, my friend:

The tour included a professional photographer and a guide, who would put a stingray on your back, let you hold one and if you wished; guests were also welcome to feed and kiss the sea creatures! Of course, souvenir photos were later sold at the end of the tour. 

By 4pm or so, we headed back to our cruise ship. I enjoyed the local sights of the island from our mini-bus -- strip malls, condos and the like. All cruise passengers were pleasantly surprised at the dock, where Norwegian staff greeted our return with cool drinks (free!). 

When I spoke with my parents later, we all agreed we needed to come back for a longer holiday on this island. The Caymans were beautiful! 

Information

The Cayman Islands are located a stone's throw off the coast of Cuba. Wiki page is HERE. 

When to go

May to July, when hotel rates are low. 

Rainy season is May ~ October. (US Travel News)

What to do

Snorkeling, scuba diving. The water visibility is really good with lots of tropical fish and rays.

This stop was part of a 7-day cruise aboard the Norwegian Epic. Cost: $345 USD for an inside room. $100 onboard spending credit included (which I used to buy an underwater camera!). 

Norwegian Cruise Line site is HERE.