K&KSk

Two options we can highly reccommend:

1. Playa Forti, near WestPunt. This was a small, very very quiet beach, surrounded by rock walls on three sides. Pebble beach, not sand, but still great for swimming and stretching out. Plenty of room to spread a towel, and there was one table with an umbrella -- which we happily occupied. You must climb down a stairway to get to the beach - but we had it all to ourselves for at least an hour before heading down the road. There is a restaurant on the hill south of the beach, but there are no washrooms on the beach. Although this may seem remote, Playa Forti was a highlight of our December 2013 cruise - having the place to ourselves was a wonderful surprise/treat. Public/no charge/free parking.

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playa_Forti

Link2: http://*******/maps/5EQuL

2. Playa Daaibooi - a larger, wider, sandy beach - frequented by friendly Dutch speakers. Very friendly staff at the on-beach/casual restaurant (Daaibooi Beach Bar) where we enjoyed a great Heineken and "Dutch hotdog". Try it. Yum. Feral chickens running around. Plenty of umbreallas and tables, if that's what you want, also plenty of open-sand and open beach area, as well as washrooms. Beautiful spot, fun vibe. Free parking/No charge beach access. Great snorkelling.

Link: http://www.daaibooi.com/

Link2: http://*******/maps/Kz5cv

We rented a car, so unsure about the public transit - but the rental was *well worth* the experience. We walked off the ship, rented the car within ~30 minutes.

Best wishes for a great holiday!

K&K

For those who've had Verandah suites, what advantages are there to booking a cabana?

Is the "stuff your laundry in a bag" deal roughly midway through the itinerary?

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I was wondering the same thing & appreciate the feedback here. I love this community!

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I want to know what you do/did in Grand Cayman, and your assessment of it? It's on our upcoming itinerary and I'm struggling with what to do there.

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Our 14 day cruise has 4 formal nights.

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When are the formal nights, typically?

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Any leads on who's performing on the eurodam in December?

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I didn't find it to be a party boat - there were couples, & families on our trip. While drinks are served it is very low key.

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We have only done the Champagne Cat Sail, & plan to do it again this December. Great excursion, in my opinion.

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My limited experiences with FoD meetings were that all were monosexual individuals having a great vacation. I think most would agree that greater diversity only augments the experience. More importantly, perhaps, is that all would agree that cruises should be fun & inclusive of all. Be yourselves, have fun. Others will be grateful for your courage & impressed by your commitment.

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We were also just looking at this & also wondering what CC's collective wisdom is?

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Thanks for the fab tip - this is our first trip with HAL, so not sure what all to expect.

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Anyone else on-board?

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Had booked last week, and TA got the credits applied for upcoming trip 1 - hurrah!

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Thanks for the great tips. Looking forward to same itinerary in just over two weeks now!