The Cayman Islands are 341 nautical miles from Cozumel. We docked in George Town, capital of the Cayman Islands, which is located on Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands that comprise this British Overseas Territory. It is a whopping 22 miles long and eight miles wide at its widest point.

Most places that are served by cruise ships rely on tourism as a major part of their economy. Although happy to have us, the Caymans have a different claim to fame: they are the world’s fifth largest financial center with close to 600 banks and trust companies. There are branches of 40 of the world’s 50 largest banks and they are the second largest captive domicile in the world. I just report the facts; I have absolutely no idea what a captive domicile even is!

The four of us booked an excursion that would allow us to be in shallow (3-7 feet) water with friendly stingrays that would tolerate feeding, touching, and swimming with them. We were really bummed when the excursion was cancelled due to rough water between George Town and the sandbar where the rays hang out.

That meant we were on our own for the day. We got a map and did a short walking tour. The town center was small and tidy with a few nice statues and memorials plus a museum, library, and post office…all painted white. Once we had the lay of the land we grabbed a local bus, think woman with an over-sized minivan, and headed to Seven Mile Beach, so named because it is seven miles from the center of town. We rented chairs and umbrellas and wiled away the afternoon walking the warm sand, napping, and popping in and out of the clear water. Heaven.

We shared a cab, think large mini-van, for $2.50/person back to the dock and were on board ship in time to clean up and exercise our drinks package once again at cocktail hour. A four course meal followed and then the Celebrity Singers and Dancers did a spectacular production to end our full, fun day.