While this is not an ideal situation, passengers will still be able to enjoy all the ship’s amenities and service even if they aren’t stopping at any ports.
Carnival Cruise Line provided the update to booked guests on Thursday morning, September 12, 2024, after confirming that the ship would already be delayed at least a full day in returning to Port NOLA.
“We remain in close contact with port officials in New Orleans and are still working on our operational plans for your cruise, which we expect to depart tomorrow, Friday, 09/13/2024,”the brief email update read.“Given the shortened duration, we will operate as a voyage without a port of call visit.”
Carnival Valor had originally been scheduled to depart on Thursday, September 12, for a 4-night Western Caribbean itinerary. The only planned port of call was Cozumel, Mexico, where the ship was to have spent the day on Saturday, September 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Because the ship will now not be leaving until Friday, September 13, there is not enough time for the vessel to cover the approximately 700 miles from New Orleans to Cozumel with adequate time for guests to enjoy the destination.
While details are still being worked out, Carnival Cruise Line will undoubtedly refund all port fees and taxes related to Cozumel to passengers’ onboard account.
While no other compensation is required, there may be additional onboard credit or a partial refund offered as a gesture of goodwill and acknowledgment of the dramatic vacation change.
Any pre-paid shore tours booked through Carnival Cruise Line will also be automatically cancelled and refunded, as is standard practice whenever a port of call is cancelled.
Guests may also be permitted to cancel their sailing for a full refund, but that decision is up to the cruise line and has not yet been confirmed. A further update for available options will be provided later on Thursday afternoon.
“Thank you again for your patience and please do make sure you stay tuned to the text alert and your emails,”said John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador.“I truly hope everyone is safe that has been or will be in Francine’s path.”
What About Guests Onboard?
Of course, with Carnival Valor delayed, guests onboard are also having an unexpectedly extended cruise. To be clear, the vessel is in no danger and all onboard operations – hotel features, entertainment, navigation, safety, restaurants, etc. – are perfectly fine.
Instead, Carnival Valor is remaining at sea until Port NOLA has cleared inspections and is able to safely resume operations. This includes ensuring the mouth of the Mississippi River is clear of any debris and navigable for different vessels.
Guests currently on the ship have received updates about their extra day onboard.
Photo Credit: Carnival Valor in New Orleans
“It will take some time to fully assess the Mississippi River channel to ensure that the ship can safely sail into New Orleans,”the letter delivered to staterooms read.“It is now clear that we will not be able to return to port until sometime Friday, September 13. We do not yet know the actual arrival time, but we will advise you as soon as possible so you can accurately make travel plans.”
To help guests make plans and stay in touch with family and friends not on the ship, internet service is being provided for all guests at no charge.
Furthermore, there will be no charge for the extra cruise day, including for any pre-purchased beverage packages, Wi-Fi, or gratuities.
Finally, Carnival Cruise Line’s partners at the Port of New Orleans will be waiving the extra day’s parking fee for any travelers who have a vehicle parked at the port.
“We know you are eager to get home and appreciate your patience and understanding. My team and I will continue to take great care of you during our extended time together,”the letter finished, signed by the ship’s master Captain Giuseppe Castrogiovanni.
Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for further updates on Carnival Valor‘s status and how the next sailing will be impacted by any further delays.
Carnival Corporation is continuing to make strides in sustainability, installing solar panels at its two Port of Barcelona terminals, a first for the port.
The project, which began installation in July 2024, involves roof-mounted solar panels at the two-story 107,639-square-foot Palacruceros (Terminal D) and 134,548-square-foot Helix Cruise Center (Terminal E).
The panels are expected to generate enough energy to power the daily operations of both terminals.
The initiative, in partnership with a local Catalonia-based solar provider, will help the terminals run entirely on renewable energy, reducing overall electricity consumption.
Carnival Corporation operates eight cruise lines that call on Barcelona annually, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard.
Karin Plettner Rutishauser, vice president of global ports and destinations strategy for Carnival Corporation, said of the installation, “The shift to renewable energy is an integral part of our global strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize our environmental footprint at the beautiful destinations we visit.”
She continued, “By partnering with Port of Barcelona, the solar panels at our terminals will significantly contribute to the product of clean energy, benefiting both the local community and our over 1 million cruise guests who enjoy this vibrant city each year.”
The solar panels are expected to produce over 866,000 kilowatt hours per year. Additionally, the panels are expected to generate 32 percent more power than needed, particularly at Helix Cruise Center. This excess will be fed back into the port’s local grid.
As one of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean, Barcelona was also the first port in the area to supply cruise ships with liquefied natural gas. It is also working on air quality improvements to reduce emissions.
“Sustainability has always been our main driving force,” said Port of Barcelona President Lluis Salvado. “Through this latest project with Carnival Corporation, we are laying the foundation for our new energy model based on renewable energy, energy storage, and a smart electricity grid.”
Salvado said the port’s efforts put it at “the forefront of generating environmental and economic prosperity in our great port, city, and region.“
Sustainability Improvements as Overtourism Remains an Issue
As the port and Carnival push towards sustainability, the City of Barcelona is grappling with overtourism, particularly from cruise visitors. The influx of over 3.5 million cruise passengers who arrived in 2023 is taking a toll on the city’s infrastructure and resources.
The dramatic surge in tourism – up 13.7 percent since pre-pandemic highs – has led city officials to push for an increase in its tourist tax for cruise visitors. Currently, cruise passengers who spend less than 12 hours in the city pay a tax of €3 per person. Those who stay longer pay €3.50.
Cruise Ships at Barcelona North Pier (Photo Credit: terekhov igor / Shutterstock)
However, city leaders are pushing to increase the tax by as much as 50 percent. This would raise the fee for short-term visitors to €4.50 and €5.25 per person for those staying longer.
The additional funds would be directed towards maintaining public services, enhancing infrastructure, managing waste, and supporting the preservation of the city’s historic sites.
Additionally, the tax increase will support sustainability efforts, such as reducing emissions from port activities and improving air quality.
In July 2024, Barcelona opened the first onshore power supply system, providing docked vessels with 100 percent renewable electricity.
The new system can power two ships simultaneously at Hutchison’s BEST terminal and is expected to reduce emissions by 2,500 tons annually, as well as improve air quality. The terminal aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 80 percent by 2030.
In the cruising community, it’s widely known that in order to board, guests must present certain documents as proof of their identity and citizenship – with requirements varying based on the cruise line and where the cruise will be sailing.
While adults based in the US can typically show some combination of their passport, a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, and/or a trusted traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), it can be a little more complicated for kids.
Since kids cannot have a driver’s license and likely wouldn’t possess a government issued ID, the standard at Disney Cruise Line is to verify citizenship and identity using birth certificates for children under the age of 15.
However, the family friendly cruise line is cracking down on their policy so that crew members will only accept original state-issued birth certificates at the cruise port going forward. Photocopies of birth certificates will no longer be accepted.
“For round trip sailings departing from the U.S., Guests using a birth certificate as citizenship documentation are reminded that only an original state-issued birth certificate is acceptable. Guests 16 years of age and older are also required to present a physical government-issued photo ID,”states Disney’s policy.
“Children 15 years of age and younger will need to present an original state-issued birth certificate but do not need to present a government-issued photo ID. Photocopies of birth certificates will not be accepted,” continues the policy.
Photocopies are also not permitted for other official documents, including passports and IDs, as the crew members, as well as border control and customs, must check the real documents very carefully.
These rules apply to the entirety of Disney’s fleet– including the soon-to-launch Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny – with no exceptions.
Depending on the state, it can take around a month to receive an official birth certificate once the request has been made – so parents will need to plan accordingly.
Don’t Forget to Check Passport Requirements
Speaking of which, a must-do prior to any cruise is checking to see if a passport will be required, while it’s still early enough to get one if necessary.
A good rule of thumb is to bring this document along if there is any doubt – and to note that the passport must be valid with an expiration date of at least 6 months after the disembarkation date.
Indeed, it’s also generally a good idea to have your passport on hand even if you don’t need it in case of emergencies or diversions that might bring you to another country unexpectedly, or if you lose your other form of ID.
Additionally, if you are mistaken about passport requirements and don’t have yours with you, the cruise lines may deny boarding without a refund.
There are some situations where a passport may not be required, such as a closed loop sailingthat begins and ends at the same port within the passenger’s home country, and never enters international waters.
This also applies to domestic cruises in the U.S., that embark and disembark within the country, even if the ports are not the same, and stay in American waters.
However, a passport or visa is always required for international sailings – or if the cruise line requires the document at embarkation regardless of the type of voyage.
What many people also do not realize is that passports are universal regardless of age, meaning kids also need their own. Even infants need passportswhen traveling internationally.
While last minute passports can be expedited to be issued in a matter of days for a fee (around $60 USD), standard processing is much less expensive and takes around six to eight weeks.
This is another situation where parents will want to plan ahead to avoid extra fees, account for delays, and avoid not having the document in time for embarkation day.
As specific cruise lines and sailings will vary on what documentation they require, it’s always important to check your cruise line’s policies – and many brands will make it easy and issue guides telling guests exactly what they need to bring to the port.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Valor is unable to return to her homeport of New Orleans as planned on Thursday, September 12, 2024 due to the lingering influence of what is now Tropical Depression Francine.
Instead, the ship will not return to Port NOLA until Friday, September 13, once the port has been inspected and safely cleared to restart operations. Booked guests have been notified of the delay and will be further updated as the situation is clarified.
“If you are living in an area that is being affected by Hurricane Francine, we hope you are safe,”the notification email from Carnival Cruise Line began.“The storm made landfall in Louisiana earlier this evening, and the New Orleans Area is still being affected.”
Power outages, localized flooding, and minor damage is being reported in New Orleans as the storm moves further out of the area.
“It will take some time for port officials to fully conduct a post-storm assessment tomorrow, September 12, and it is now clear that the ship will not be able to return to New Orleans until sometime Friday, September 13, 2024,”the email explained.
The post-storm assessment will include inspection of the cruise terminal and docks to ensure the ship can be safely accommodated, as well as checking relevant channels and basins for debris that might impact the ship as she sails into port. Power must also be restored to the cruise terminal so the ship can be processed for debarkation and embarkation.
Such inspections are carried out as soon as safely possible once a storm moves out of the area and wind speeds drop appreciably.
Carnival Cruise Line has not yet confirmed exactly when Carnival Valor will be able to dock for disembarkation and embarkation for incoming guests, but will provide a further update as soon as more details are confirmed.
For now, the ship remains well south of New Orleans in smoother waters, waiting for clearance to return to the port. Guests onboard have reported rough seas, but otherwise, the ship is unaffected, and all onboard operations are as normal.
Safety is always the first priority for a cruise line, and when hurricanes threaten either ports of call or homeports, ships may be rerouted or delayed as needed to keep the ship, passengers, and crew safe.
The 110,438-gross-ton, Conquest class Carnival Valor is homeported year-round from New Orleans offering primarily 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean sailings.
The current cruise, now extended for an extra day, was originally a 5-night voyage that departed on Saturday, September 7 and called on Cozumel and Progreso.
Because of the delay, it is likely that the next itinerary – a 4-night trip to Cozumel – may also be adjusted.
Tropical Depression Francine Update
While Francine has been downgraded to a tropical depression and is now located over central Mississippi, she is still generating significant rainfall and showing sustained wind speeds of 35 miles per hour with higher gusts at times.
Tropical Depressions Francine
The storm made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane at approximately 5 p.m. local time in Terrebonne Parish, roughly 80 miles southwest of the Port of New Orleans.
As is typical once a hurricane makes landfall, the storm weakened quickly and slowed, but that also raises the risk for flooding and damage. Fortunately, while New Orleans is prone to flooding, the area does also drain quite rapidly once rainfall stops.
Travelers with any cruise booked during hurricane season – June 1 through November 30 – should always stay alert to weather forecasts and sign up for text and email alerts from their cruise line to be updated immediately in case of weather-related itinerary changes, delays, or other adjustments.
Now that Royal Caribbean’s record-breaking Ultimate World Cruise has ended, the cruise line has released amazingly impressive statistics that ensure the voyage’s place in the history books.
First, the statistics of the ship itself are widely known, and have been since before the cruise set sail on December 10, 2023. The 90,090-gross-ton, Radiance class Serenade of the Seas first joined the Royal Caribbean fleet in 2003, and she can welcome 2,146 passengers at double occupancy. Up to 2,476 guests may be onboard when the ship is fully booked with all berths filled.
The voyage lasted an unprecedented 274 days, the longest world cruise ever offered and fully sailed by Royal Caribbean. To further break that down – that’s 9 months, or just over 39 weeks, or 6,576 hours, or 394,560 minutes, or a whopping 23,673,600 seconds.
This included many outstanding ports of call that other ships are unable to visit due to time, distance, or simply the challenges of scheduling such a varied and unique itinerary.
Along the way, guests had the opportunity to enjoy 8 World Wonders, including the Great Wall of China in Beijing, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Taj Mahal in India, and the Colosseum in Rome.
The incredible journey has allowed each guest to collect an average of 20 passport stamps, the first being in Brazil after the ship departed PortMiami in the US. To think, I’ve been cruising for 20+ years and have yet to get half as many passport stamps!
But while the voyage itself it nothing short of spectacular, there have been many amazing moments and milestones onboard as well, from simple things to more amazing accomplishments.
Ultimate World Cruise Facts
The diverse passenger manifest included 103 nationalities, different guests from different cultures who enjoyed sharing their time aboard and making new memories together. Those memories included 5,877 birthdays for guests and crew members, great milestones celebrated around the world.
Even seemingly mundane tasks have added up immensely over such an impressive cruise. In 9 months, for example, I might get 5 haircuts – but onboard Serenade of the Seas, a staggering 1,174 haircuts were given during the Ultimate World Cruise.
A Life-Changing Cruise – And More to Come!
While any cruise can be potentially life-changing – the cruise where a couple gets engaged or married, where a family celebrates a special milestone, or when a traveler reaches a top tier loyalty status – the simple scale of the Ultimate World Cruise has been life-changing in itself.
“What an amazing voyage these brave travelers have made. Over the past days they have shared their stories, many telling of a true life changing experience and sharing such joy and emotion over new relationships formed and bonds created with fellow travelers and crew,”said Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
“Serenade of the Seas has become such a warm, friendly community and emotions run deep.”
Bayley joined the ship for the final few days of the sailing and hosted a series of commemorative events celebrating the culmination of the outstanding voyage.
Special awards were given to both Captain Stig and Captain Kjell for their safe and comprehensive navigation around the world, and a tremendous crew party celebrated the accomplishments of every one of the ship’s 891 crew members.
A very special announcement was also made, a 7-night reunion cruise in Alaska to depart from Vancouver, Canada on September 7, 2025. The roundtrip sailing will include visits to Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, and other ports of call in one remote part of the world that Serenade of the Seas did NOT visit over the last 9 months.
During that special reunion cruise, the announcement for Royal Caribbean’s next Ultimate World Cruise will be made, and the passengers from this voyage will have the special advantage of being the first to book passage.
Are you ready to set sail on such a spectacular voyage? What would you change from this first Ultimate World Cruise? Share your dream world cruise on the Cruise Hive boards!
Guests on a 5-night Carnival Cruise Line Western Caribbean voyage have discovered they may spend more time at sea due to a homeport closure.
The Port of New Orleans closed on September 11 due to Hurricane Francine, which is currently bringing 90 miles per hour winds to Louisiana.
The hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 1 storm today, is bringing life-threatening storm surges and hurricane-force winds to the coastline of Louisiana and Mississippi and is not expected to pass until early morning hours of September 12, as it heads inland.
As a result, the 2,974-passenger Carnival Valor, which had set sail ahead of the storm on September 7, 2024, will not be able to make its 8 a.m. arrival on September 12. The news comes during a sea day after the ship enjoyed calls in Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, posted the news on his Facebook page, stating, “It is now clear that the ship will not be able to return to New Orleans at the scheduled time tomorrow.”
He continued, “At best, we are very tentatively anticipating arriving tomorrow afternoon.” He also said the arrival could be delayed further “depending on the storm’s impact.”
Carnival officials will provide further updates for passengers on the 110,000-gross-ton ship, as well as those scheduled to sail on its next voyage, a 4-night roundtrip cruise to Cozumel, which was scheduled to depart at 5:30 p.m. on September 12.
“As the safety of our guests and crew is our priority, we will continue to monitor the storm, and factor in guidance from the National Hurricane Center, U.S. Coast Guard, and the local port authorities to provide timely updates as more information becomes available,” said the cruise line.
Carnival Valor, along with its sister 3,756-passenger Carnival Liberty, homeports in Port NOLA. However, Carnival Liberty is currently in Roatan, Honduras, and its itinerary is unaffected by the storm. It will return to NOLA on September 15.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Getaway and Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas, also homeport in New Orleans but are currently spending the remains of summer and fall in the Aegean Sea and Alaska, respectively.
The port also services six river vessels that sail along the Mississippi River, including those operated by American Cruise Lines and Viking.
The port’s operations are pending until terminal operators can assess damage after the storm. It is hoping to resume operations at noon on September 12, weather-permitting.
Francine Evokes Memories of Katrina
Francine developed as a tropical storm off the coast of Mexico on September 9, with weather forecasters accurately predicting it would intensify into a hurricane by September 11.
Originally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration initiated a Storm Surge Watch for the Upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines, prompting the Port of Galveston in Texas to warn vessels to make storm preparations.
Hurricane Francine Track (Credit: NOAA)
However, Francine experienced an eastward shift on September 10, sending the storm directly towards New Orleans, which infamously endured the wrath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
That storm, a Category 3 with wind speeds up to 140 miles per hour when it hit the Louisiana coastline, brought intense flooding that destroyed the city’s levees, placing 80 percent of New Orleans underwater.
It took NOLA 18 months to dry out from Katrina, which killed nearly 1,400 people and is one of the deadliest hurricanes in the United States.
As Francine pummels the area, it is expected to intensify into a Category 2 hurricane, with the City of New Orleans closing government offices and more than 130 flights at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport cancelled.
A family vacation meant to celebrate a birthday aboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas turned into a tragedy on September 7, 2024, when a 12-year-old boy fell to his death from the balcony of his family’s cabin during the cruise’s return journey to Galveston, Texas.
The heartbreaking event unfolded during a sea day on the 14th deck of the 226,963-gross-ton ship. The boy fell to the Central Park atrium below on deck 8 around 5 p.m. while playing with friends.
The incident occurred in front of numerous passengers who were sitting in the area’s bars and restaurants.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the guest of one of our guests,” a Royal Caribbean International spokesman told People.“Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time.”
The passenger and his family were sailing a 7-day, roundtrip Western Caribbean cruise that had departed from Galveston on September 1, 2024, aboard the 5,479-passenger vessel. With 18 decks, the ship is divided into seven neighborhoods.
The Oasis-class ship’s Central Park neighborhood, filled with more than 12,000 plants, is flanked by interior cabins with balconies that face the open-air area. It is surrounded by some of the ship’s most popular eateries, Park Café, Jamie’s Italian, Trellis Bar, 150 Central Park, Rising Tide Bar, and Chops Grille.
Witnesses reported that the young boy had been playing with friends he had met on the ship shortly before the fatal fall.
Despite immediate efforts by ship staff to provide medical assistance, the boy succumbed to his injuries before the ship could reach its homeport.
Guests on the ship, which had visited Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras, recounted seeing cops investigating the room, which still had birthday decorations on the door and inside the room, and “a chair pushed against the balcony.”
This is not the first such incident on Harmony of the Seas. A similar tragedy occurred in 2019 when a 16-year-old boy fell to his death, also on Deck 8, while attempting to climb into his stateroom from the balcony after he had forgotten his room key.
Similarly, a 16-year-old boy died after falling from the interior balconies on the 225,282-gross-ton sister Oasis class Allure of the Seas. That voyage, which departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, took place on November 24, 2023.
Harmony of the Seas (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Photos from various Oasis class ships have shown guests sitting on and walking along the balconies, despite warnings from the cruise line that specifies, “sitting, standing, jumping, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers is strictly prohibited.”
Emergency Prompts Delay
Due to the incident, Royal Caribbean had to delay the sailing of its following cruise on Harmony of the Seas, departing September 8. Passengers anticipating their voyage received a special advisory from the cruise line adjusting their arrival plans for the departure.
“Due to an emergency on our previous sailing, our boarding tomorrow will be delayed. As a result, the terminal will be closed until 12 p.m.,” said the message. “To ensure a smooth boarding process, all guests must arrive one hour after their pre-selected arrival time.”
It continued, “Plan on arriving no later than 3 p.m. All guests must be checked in and onboard by 3:30 p.m.”
The ship departed on its 6-day Western Caribbean cruise at 4 p.m. and is currently in Roatan following its first call in Costa Maya on its roundtrip journey.
Grand Cayman Cruise Port, located in George Town, is the busiest in the Cayman Islands. Even though it’s a tendering port, its three terminals handle over 2 million cruise passengers each year. And there’s a $240 million renovation on the horizon! This guide will explain everything you need to know about this efficient port.
As mentioned, Grand Cayman Cruise Port is located in George Town, the capital and most populated city in the Cayman Islands. Like the city itself, the port is located on the southwestern shore of the island, providing convenient access for cruise ships traveling from or on their way to other popular western Caribbean cruise ports, like Cozumel and Montego Bay.
Since the cruise port is purely a tendering port, visitors will arrive at one of three terminals, which all surround Hog Sty Bay and are within walking distance of each other.
While it may sound strange, the main terminal, Royal Walter Cruise Terminal, sits a 3-minute walk north of the North Terminal. The South Terminal is located almost directly beside the south, with just a gap of water big enough for tender boats to enter, separating the two.
No matter which of the three terminals you arrive at, you will walk out of the terminal gates and enter Harbour Drive, a busy road lined with restaurants, bars, and shops that cater to visiting cruise passengers.
If you are looking for the cruise port on a map or plan on driving there from elsewhere on the island, all three tendering terminals that make up the Grand Cayman Cruise Port can be found by searching the following address:
Cruise Port Address:
45A Harbour Drive, George Town, Grand Cayman Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman Cruise Port Terminals
George Town Cruise Port Area (Photo Credit: Simon R B)
As discussed above, the entire cruise port functions as a tendering port, as Grand Cayman does not currently have piers that can extend to the waters deep enough to accommodate full-sized cruise ships.
While there are plans to eventually construct dedicated cruise berths and piers as part of a partnership between the Cayman Islands, Royal Caribbean International, and the Verdant Isle Group, this $240 million project has not yet begun.
Currently, it consists of three dedicated tendering terminals: North Terminal, South Terminal, and Royal Walter Terminal. While all three terminals offer adequate facilities to accommodate the needs of visiting cruise passengers, Royal Walter Terminal is by far the largest, busiest, and most well-outfitted with amenities.
Here’s a basic breakdown of the three terminals:
Royal Watler Terminal
As the busiest of the three terminals, Royal Watler Terminal is where most cruise passengers will arrive. The terminal has a vibrant atmosphere with various amenities not provided at the other two terminals, including the following:
Duty-Free Shop
Souvenir Stalls and Other Vendors
Tour and Excursion Operator Booths
Dedicated Tourist Information Stand
The Green Parrot Bar and Snack Stand
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Public Restroom (fully wheelchair accessible)
North Terminal and South Terminal
North Terminal at Grand Cayman Cruise Port (Photo Credit: eric laudonien)
When more than one cruise ship needs to ferry passengers to or from the cruise port, the North Terminal and South Terminal can be used. As mentioned, these two smaller terminals are basically used for spillover when the port is busy.
Since they are used basically to deliver visitors from cruise ships to the island, both terminals pretty much consist of a single small tender pier leading to a fenced walkway. From there, both walkways have a gate that opens to Harbour Drive.
Beyond passenger-controlling gates and a few shaded benches that act as a waiting area, there is not much more to these two terminals. With that said, all three terminals are within short walking distance of some of George Town’s main attractions.
If you arrive at either the North Terminal or the South Terminal, you can just walk roughly 500 feet between the two terminals and the Royal Watler Terminal.
Since they are so close to each other, you can even wait for your tendering boat to arrive at the North or South Terminals in the nearby Green Parrot Bar or duty-free shop at Royal Walter.
Cruise Lines that Visit Grand Cayman
Cruise Ship in Grand Cayman, Caribbean (Photo Credit: eric laudonien)
Despite the relatively small and simple cruise port, Grand Cayman is a popular stop for numerous major cruise lines. The three terminals receive over 2.1 million cruise passengers per year, which is due to the island’s strategic location for western Caribbean cruise itineraries.
The following are just some of the cruise lines that regularly tender at the Grand Cayman Cruise Port:
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
Holland America Line
Celebrity Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Traveling to Grand Cayman Cruise Port from the Airport
Owen Roberts International Airport (Photo Credit: Blue Sky imagery)
The primary airport serving all of Grand Cayman is Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM), which is located roughly 2.2 miles from the cruise port. Given the airport’s close proximity, those arriving by plane can easily make their way to the cruise port.
Taking a taxi is by far the most popular mode of transportation between the two, but some will opt for a rental car, especially if they plan on spending a few days on the island before their cruise.
Driving Directions
If you do plan on driving from the airport to the Grand Cayman Cruise Port, you can follow these simple driving directions:
Exit the airport onto Roberts Drive
After 1 mile, enter the roundabout and take the 2nd exit onto Elgin Ave
After 0.7 miles, turn left onto Shedden Road
At the end of Shedden Road, turn right onto Harbour Drive
Look for signs for Grand Cayman Cruise Terminal and turn left into the parking lot
Getting Around Grand Cayman
Transportation in Grand Cayman (Photo Credit: Angela N Perryman)
While George Town is very walkable, you can also take the following transportation options to explore the city and beyond:
Taking a Taxi
If you prefer to take a taxi, taxis are readily available outside the arrivals gate at GCM. You will find them waiting at a designated taxi line, so there is no need to call or flag one down.
To regulate taxi rates on the island, the Grand Cayman Tourism and Transport Board introduced an updated fare schedule. From the airport to anywhere in the city of George Town, there is a flat rate of $25, which includes two pieces of luggage. Since this covers the cruise port, you can expect to pay exactly $25 to get there via taxi.
For even greater convenience, the move to regulate fares also aimed to encourage fare transparency, so the CI:GO taxi fare calculator and tracker were introduced.
Much like the Uber App, this user-friendly mobile app allows visitors to book pickup and drop-off locations, calculate costs ahead of time, and even digitally fare split. It’s a convenient app that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
We recommend downloading theCI:GO Taxi Fare App before you go! It makes getting around Grand Cayman incredibly easy.
Booking a Rental Vehicle
If you’ll be on the island for a while and prefer the flexibility of driving yourself, rental vehicles are readily available at the airport and throughout the city.
Rodney’s Car Rental is just a 10-minute walk from the cruise port, but the island is also home to most of the major car rental providers, including Budget and Avis, which both have offices at the airport and other locations throughout George Town.
By Shuttle Bus
Since relatively few cruise ships list Grand Cayman Cruise Port as a homeport, there are few shuttle options from the airport to the cruise port. That said, some hotels offer complimentary airport pickups via shuttle bus.
You can also pre-book an airport shuttle if you have a larger group. We recommend Prime Time Shuttle, which has reasonable rates and can be booked and paid for beforehand.
You can also book shuttle services to any destination on the island so that they can be a practical option for groups looking for more organized transportation.
Beaches Near Grand Cayman Cruise Port
Grand Cayman is renowned for its white sand beaches scattered along the island’s entire coastline. Lucky for visiting cruise passengers, many are easily accessible from the port:
Seven Mile Beach
Cruise Visitors on Seven Mile Beach (Photo Credit: eric laudonien)
Located 2.8 miles north of the port, it’s possible to walk to Seven Mile Beach along restaurant and store-lined West Bay Road in about an hour, but most people opt for a taxi. Tripadvisor named the award-winning beach the 4th best beach in all of the Caribbean, and we can’t disagree.
The turquoise waters and powdery sands make this highly popular public beach one of the most popular destinations on the island. As the name implies, the beach is seven miles long, so it’s easy to find a quiet spot to relax. The beach is also lined with palm trees, beachside restaurants, bars, lounge chairs, and more.
You can also book about any type of water activity imaginable or even take a horseback ride along the shoreline. Visiting the beach is a must-do activity when visiting Grand Cayman.
Smith’s Barcadere Beach
Smith Cove (Photo Credit: eric laudonien)
If you go 1.5 miles south of the cruise terminals, you will find Smith’s Barcadere. Also known as Smith Cove, it’s a wonderful beach for relaxing and swimming. The beach is bookended by two large limestone formations, making it great for photographs.
The turquoise waters feature a child-friendly sandbar, but they lead to a steep, deep drop-off that makes the area perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
With local souvenir stalls and a few nearby bars, there’s also plenty to do if you get tired of relaxing on the sand. Free public restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic benches make it an excellent option for those looking to escape the crowds of Seven Mile Beach.
South Sound Public Beach
If you want to go further south, you can find South Sound Public Beach, one of the quietest beaches near George Town. Located on the island’s southwestern tip, the beach is a bit of a hidden gem.
It’s fairly bare bones in terms of facilities, but it offers stunning views and plenty of shady palm trees. We think the two-mile journey is well worth it if you want to escape the crowds.
Rules for Fishing and Collecting Shells
Fishing in Grand Cayman (Photo Credit: Brandt Geer)
The government of the Cayman Islands is stringent when it comes to protecting the country’s natural environment with regulations. Even if you’re just visiting, make sure you adhere to the following rules:
Visitors are allowed to line fish from the shore or a boat without a license, but catch-and-release rules are enforced for non-residents. Spearfishing of any kind is strictly prohibited without a specialized permit.
Certain fishing charters you can book have a certification allowing their guests to remove fish they catch over eight inches, so check with your booking group if you have decided to take one of these excursions.
Coral, marine plants, and sea turtle eggs cannot be removed under any circumstances. Removing a conch is not allowed without a permit, and even then, conch season only runs between May and October. In fact, you’re not even allowed to purchase more than five conch shells or take them out of the country.
While you are allowed to take shells you find on the beach, they could be confiscated if they are found to be in prohibited quantities.
While these rules may seem strict, they were put in place to protect marine life and the natural ecosystem of the Cayman Islands from the damage of overtourism.
If you want to play it safe, we recommend purchasing shells and other natural souvenirs from reputable vendors, as they will have all of the required permits.
Currency and Tipping Expectations in Grand Cayman
Cruise Passengers in George Town, Cayman Islands (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
Although the Cayman Islands is classified as a British Overseas Territory, its official currency is the Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD). With that said, the US Dollar is widely accepted throughout Grand Cayman and the other islands.
Remember that the US Dollar is worth a bit more, but some vendors will only offer you a 1:1 conversion, so it can be worth using the local currency if you are going to be in Grand Cayman for a while.
Most retailers and just about every restaurant and bar will also accept the major credit cards, so that is another way to avoid overpaying on conversion rates. However, if you plan to shop locally-made souvenirs at some market stalls, you will likely need cash.
Like most places in the Caribbean, tipping is also customary in the Cayman Islands. For sit-down restaurants, a tip between 15% to 20% of the bill is standard.
For larger groups, the tip is sometimes included in the bill, so you’ll want to check ahead of time. Tipping your taxi driver is also considered relatively standard, with tips between 10% and 15% being seen as polite.
You can also tip a few dollars to hotel staff, tour operators, and other service people, but this is more at your own discretion than tipping in restaurants and bars.
Dining Near the Cruise Port
Casanova Restaurant (Photo Credit: Angela N Perryman)
The three tender piers that make up the Grand Cayman Cruise Port sit right within George Town, far from various restaurants and bars. For a mix of local and international cuisine, we recommend the following:
Sandbar Daiquiri Bar & Grill Grand Cayman
Located just steps from the Royal Watler Terminal, this small but lively bar and restaurant serves various delicious skewers seasoned to local tastes. They also served grilled seafood that is about as fresh as you will find anywhere.
As the name implies, no visit is complete without ordering a daiquiri or other frozen cocktail. They have a huge selection of flavors, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, so you’re sure to find something that will cool you off. Plus, this waterside restaurant and bar offers amazing views of the port.
Lobster Pot
For a more formal dining experience, head north along North Church Street for half a mile. Here, you’ll find the Lobster Pot, one of George Town’s most iconic restaurants. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious seafood right on the waters of the Caribbean Sea for over 50 years.
The upscale menu features a wide range of gourmet seafood dishes, and the wine list is tailored to pair with just about every dish perfectly. If you’re planning to go for dinner, we highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time!
The Brasserie
Another more formal option, The Brasserie is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Grand Cayman. The menu mostly features seafood dishes served in Caribbean style, but the upscale venue and carefully selected ingredients give the restaurant a very upscale atmosphere. There is a significant focus on local, seasonal ingredients, both for the dinner and drinks menus.
It’s only 0.7 miles from the cruise port, so you can easily walk there and enjoy exploring the streets of George Town on your way. Keep in mind that it is fairly expensive, especially by Caribbean standards, but it can be a memorable experience that is well worth shelling out a bit extra for.
Casanova Restaurant
If you’re not sold on seafood, Casanova Restaurant serves up classic Italian dishes with a bit of a Caribbean twist. The food is delicious and allows picky eaters to still get a taste for local flavors without having to commit to an unfamiliar dish fully.
It’s only a 5-minute walk north of the George Town Cruise Port along North Church Street. You can even watch the tender boats come and go from the port as you enjoy dining outside on one of the three decks of outdoor seating.
Shopping Near the Cruise Port
Shopping in Grand Cayman (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Since Grand Cayman has become a premier destination for cruise ships, it offers many shopping options, including luxury boutiques, duty-free shops, and plenty of local vendors. Here are just a few of the options in and around the port:
Shopping at Royal Watler Terminal
If you don’t want to travel far, a fairly large, air-conditioned duty-free shop is in front of the Royal Watler Terminal. Here, you can buy jewelry, designer watches, perfume, imported alcohol, sunglasses, and more.
If you’re looking for something more unique to the island, you’ll also find a variety of local vendor stalls selling locally-made souvenirs and snacks.
Kirk Freeport
Just a few steps south of the South Terminal, you’ll find Kirk Freeport, a well-known duty-free shopping store specializing in imported luxury items and cosmetics. It’s a great place to score a deal.
With cruise passengers spending an average of $585 on watches, jewelry, perfumes, and other luxury items when they visit, it’s no wonder Grand Cayman is such a popular destination for shopping enthusiasts!
Cayman Craft Market
If you’re willing to walk half a mile north of the cruise port, you can find your way to the Cayman Craft Market, where you’ll find the widest selection of uniquely made Cayman Island souvenirs.
Not only is this a great place to find a gift or souvenir, but it’s also a fun shopping experience that really gives you a feel for the island’s unique culture. Find anything from handmade beachwear to hot sauces made using old family recipes. It’s definitely worth visiting!
The Best Time to Visit Grand Cayman
Photo Credit: Angela N Perryman / Shutterstock.com
Like the other Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman enjoys a year-round tropical climate, making it an enjoyable place to visit throughout the year. However, most people tend to visit between November and April, which is considered to be the most pleasant stretch for weather.
While the temperature tends to sit between 70° and 85°F throughout the year, the rainy season runs from May until October, with the summer months particularly wet.
While Grand Cayman rarely deals directly with hurricanes, stormy weather, and heavy rainfall can increase drastically if a hurricane occurs elsewhere in the Caribbean. For this reason, we would avoid visiting in July and August, or at least check the forecast for delays before you go.
With cooler and drier months between November and April increasing demand, many cruise lines relocate ships from Europe to the Caribbean, increasing the number of itineraries that include stops in Grand Cayman.
This means you can expect bigger crowds in George Town and throughout the rest of the island, but it also means that finding tickets for a cruise that visits Grand Cayman will be easier.
If you want to experience the island’s culture, you can also enhance your visit by visiting the Cayman Islands’ only national carnival, the Cayman Carnival Batabano, which runs in early May. You can also check out the Pirates Week Festival in mid-November!
The launch of Villa Vie Odyssey, the residential world cruise ship that was supposed to start sailing in May 2024, is again delayed, leaving an unknown number of disappointed guests stranded in Belfast, where the ship is docked.
Two of those guests are Angela and Steve, American travelers who chronicle their cruise adventures on their YouTube channel Midlife Cruising. The couple booked a stateroom onboard the ship, which is slated to operate continuing world cruises, each 3.5 years long.
Like others, the couple has been waiting in Belfast for the ship to launch, but more bad news arrived from the ship’s owner, Villa Vie Residences, on September 10, 2024.
“We just got some devastating news. We received an email from the CEO, I think it was released around midnight, so you wake up this morning and find out there are still some problems. The sea trials weren’t that great, and they still have to get through some final certifications,” Midlife Cruising’s Angela says in the latest video.
Moreover, Villa Vie Residences informed guests it will no longer pay the living expenses of guests who have been waiting for the ship to launch in Belfast.
Starting in late May 2024, the company accommodated guests in Belfast hotels and provided food, excursions, and other services while work on Villa Vie Odyssey proceeded.
The Midlife Cruising couple will now return to the US rather than remain any longer in Belfast, since air travel back to the States is cheaper than staying in Northern Ireland and paying their own living expenses. Villa Vie Residences told the cruisers it would be at least another seven days until the ship can launch.
In his notice to guests, CEO Mikael Petterson explained that the company has already spent about $500,000 on supporting guests in Belfast. While Villa Vie Residences has revealed the ship’s latest problems to guests, it has made no official public statement, and no firm launch date has been set.
The latest challenges involve sea trials, which are a series of evaluations that test the ship’s major components, including propulsion and speed, equipment, and safety.
Following successful sea trials, ships receive needed certifications, allowing them to operate. Villa Vie Odyssey set off on her sea trials on September 4.
Operational Problems Discovered in Dry Dock
During the last few months in dry dock at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, the ship has had a series of operational problems with, among other things, her gray water tanks, which hold water from kitchens, showers, and laundry facilities. Repairs were needed to meet environmental standards for water treatment.
Also problematic were her rudder stocks, which enable the ship’s steering gear and are essential for maneuvering a vessel. Parts needed to be ordered from Denmark in July, pushing back the ship’s debut even further.
In their newest video, the Midlife Cruising couple said they have left and returned to Belfast four times previously, as new launch dates were announced.
“This is the hardest blow yet, but it’s our dream and we’re going to hang in there, and stay positive,” said Angela, of Midlife Cruising.
Villa Vie Residences in December 2023 announced it had purchased Braemar, a 32-year-old vessel that formerly sailed in Fred Olsen Cruise Lines fleet. The 924-guest ship was rechristened Villa Vie Odyssey, and was set to undergo a major refit.
Guest waiting to embark Villa Vie Odyssey paid cabin rates that start at $99,999 (USD) for an inside stateroom, rising to $299,999 for a balcony stateroom, and to $349,999 for a balcony suite.
The 23,344-gross ton ship is scheduled to visit some 145 countries on seven continents, and call at a total of 425 individual ports every 3.5 years.
