Grand Cayman

Here we are in Grand Cayman, a tiny island roughly 70 square miles. We arrived about 8:00 and were tendered up and able to get on the tenders by about 8:30. Keep the tendering detail in mind -- it'll be important later.

We did a private (i.e., not booked through the ship) tour -- Moby Dick Tours -- for swimming with the stingrays and snorkeling. They took us by bus to the marina where we all got on a boat (small fishing boat type), then about 30 minutes offshore to a sandbar called "stingray island." There were several other boats out there, but it didn't seem crowded, as each group stayed near its own boat. The swimming part is a misnomer -- it's only waist deep:

Here's Steven, Amanda and me (I'm the one with the hat). You might notice the dark thing in the water in the top left of the photo. That's about how big the stingrays are. There's a guide to show you how to "pet" them safely. (I did not pet them. The guide said it's like petting a cat, but in no way do these things seem like my cat. Instead, I squeeled every time one brushed by me.)

After about 45 minutes there, we went about 100 yards beyond to a reef where Amanda and Steven went snorkeling:

Tony and I opted to stay on the boat and take photos. Amanda and Steven said it was awesome. I cannot get coordinated to breathe through this pipe underwater, so I'll take their word for it. (Trust me, I do not mind missing the snorkeling.)

After 30 minutes there, we headed back in, then the bus took us back downtown. Ordinarily it would have stopped at 7 Mile Beach, but by this time it was raining.

Back at the drop-off point near the terminal, we went to Senior Frogs for drinks and appetizers. Let me give you a tip: Be sure the price you see is in U.S. dollars. The bill was a lot higher than we thought. They gave it in Cayman dollars and U.S. dollars, which was about 30% more. Whew! Anyway, we were seated on the balcony upstairs, and by the time we finished, it was pouring on us and we had to throw our towels over our shoulders.

We headed back to the ship -- and found a long line waiting for the tenders, which snaked through the terminal area and out onto the sidewalk -- uncovered, so we stood there with our towels over us and got drenched. The rain wouldn't have been an issue except that we were tendered and, even though they were running the tender boats as quickly as they could, it was still about a 45-minute wait in a downpour. (To be honest, it probably would have been worse had it been hot sun.)

But then we were finally back on board, and after a quick shower and a champagne cocktail, all was forgiven. heh...

Tomorrow: Cozumel, where we're hoping for clear skies. We're docked, so either way it'll be easier getting on and off the ship.

p.p.s. To answer a few questioned posted earlier: We do have Captain Per, and he's great. Last time on Mariner we had Captain Johnny, who was a hoot. Formal nights are Monday and Thursday -- at least on the Western -- and Thursday is also the chocolate buffet, not to be missed! We'll post details of the menu with the full review when we're back.