recent western cruisers

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viet630

Guest
WE are going on the western itinerary in a few weeks and I would like to know what condition Jamaca and grand cayman are in. Hurricane Ivan was rough on them. Have they recovered? Whats it like?
Viet
 
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Claudette Slabaugh

Guest
We were just there in the begining of March we didn't see any damage in Jamica, Grand Caymen was much better then what had heard. Snorkling wasn't real good all the coral was damaged , All the shopping in town up and going. You can still see where buildings have tarps on them waiting to be roofed,From what they say it will take some years to bring it back to where it was. There were five ships at port when we were there and thats what they need money from us to be able to get everthing back to what it was. We had a great time at both ports. I'am sure you will enjoy yout time there.
 
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lizzitish

Guest
We were in Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios in Feb (20th -27th).... We didnt do anything but walk to Margaritaville in Ocho Rios(not my fav. port)and do some shopping, and we went to Stingray City at Cayman....The area around the tender pier in Cayman is up and running....shops are just fine. On the ride to the boat to Stingray City you can see the devastation....houses/hotels in ruin, some with cosmetic damage, others with no roofs windows blown out etc. What hit me the most was the lack of vegetation. We were there back in '99 and I remember lush greenery, flowers and the like. That's all gone, and from what we were told from the shop owners, the southern part of the island got hit hardest. The salesman at the Passman gallery said the "windometer" blew off at 203mph on the fire station....they are trying to rebuild, and are happy for the business.
 
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viet630

Guest
Thanks to all who responded. I geuss we won't plan on doing much in Grand Cayman. Maybe we can take acab ride or something. Thanks again
Viet
 
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shellfreak

Guest
We were in Grand Cayman on 3/31 & it was fantastic. We walked down to where the sub excursion is. There is a bar/restaurant next to it. You can eat & drink there then you can snorkel off the back of the seating area for free. We were in the same area where the people paid for the excursions. Clear water, a little cold, but well worth it. We didn't get to Stingray City but we snorkled in a couple of different areas, went shopping and then back to the ship. You can tell that some places are still in recovery, just like my neighborhood in FL. Hope you have a wonderful time in Grand Cayman.
 
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viet630

Guest
We just returned from our western cruise. I will have to say that Grand Cayman, except for the downtown shopping area is pretty well torn up.We saw very little damage downtown. I t was mostly the southern end of the island. WE hired a cab and toured the island and were surprised at the damage, especialy the trees and landscape.Jamaica showed no signs of damage at all. Grand Cayman was almost as bad as S. W. Florida, but I think it will take them longer to rebuild than it will us, they seem to not have much Government help at all.
Viet
 
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