Question about Cayman Isands

[PJK]

I am planning on getting married in the Cayman Islands May 5, 2010. My biggest concern about this is missing the port. I have read that this port is missed alot due to high winds. Whats the chances of high winds and/or a storm the beginning of May? Is there a website anyplace that tells you how often ports are missed and during what months?

 

Thanks in advance

[firefly333]

Iv never seen statistics kept by date/month. Iv missed Cayman Islands myself. We went there and after we got there, they wouldnt let us into the bay because they said the waves were too high for the tender boats to take us off safely. So, we could wave at it, didnt exactly miss it .... just werent allowed to go ashore.

[cruzeluver]

I would not plan a wedding at ANY port during a cruise unless I had a back-up plan. Too many potential issues. Having said that, I would be especially hesitant about Grand Cayman.

 

Missed it once in December due to high winds. Missed it once in October due to high winds. And nearly missed it in April due to high winds (we eventually were allowed to tender in to an alternate location, however, only three of the six scheduled ships made it in that day as the alternate spot can only accommodate three ships).

[Sargent_Schultz]

You can generate one from the port website.

 

Put in the month for this year, year before, etc. and check to see what time the ship actually was in port. A little tedious. Not sure if there is any indication if the ship just sat there without tendering.

 

http://www.caymanport.com/shipschedules.php

[RollerCoasterLover]

I have only been to Grand Cayman once, and had no problem going ashore. We were there early June 2007. In fact, we are scheduled to be back in the Caymans this upcoming May (Sailing May 15, 2010 out of Mobile). Have not heard of this being an issue in this time frame, however, like suggested, I would have a back up plan.

[sunseeker09]

Even if you find stats that say that the port barely ever gets missed, and/or lots of people here reassure you, all it takes is the ship missing the port that one very important day and your wedding plans are messed up. Why add all that undue stress to your pre-wedding time?

I agree with the PP who mentioned having a backup plan. Everyone who wants to get married in a port on a cruise should have a backup plan, such as getting married on the ship (if you can do that), and be 100% ok with it if the backup plan needs to take place. Personally I think a port from a cruise wedding would be way too much stress. Even if the ship does make the port, you have a limited amount of time on the island, so everything better run smoothly and right on time.

We had our beach wedding in Jamaica in an AI resort. We were there for 2 weeks for our wedding and honeymoon. We had time to relax a few days before, as well as after. The resort wedding coordinator took care of every little detail, and most everything was included.

I realize this is a cruise site and the people in the wedding section will tell you not to worry, but obviously you are worried. Just putting the tropical resort destination wedding out there because it was so incredibly wonderful and stress free. If you are set on getting married on a cruise then why not get married on the ship instead?

[Socref124]

I am planning on getting married in the Cayman Islands May 5, 2010. My biggest concern about this is missing the port. I have read that this port is missed alot due to high winds. Whats the chances of high winds and/or a storm the beginning of May? Is there a website anyplace that tells you how often ports are missed and during what months?

 

Thanks in advance

 

In May of 2006 we were on the Triumph and did not get into Grand Cayman. The winds were not bad, however, the seas were a little to rough and the Port Authority would not open the port. Perhaps you can have a backup plan where the Captain performs the ceremony if you are not able to get into port that day. There isn't anything Carnival can do about this, it is the Cayman Islands Port Authority that makes the decision on wether ships can port or not.

[G'ma]

I'd never, ever plan something as important at a cruise port. There are simply too many things that can happen to prevent docking or anchoring....

 

Cayman is notorious for this. When the sea is too rough or the wind is wrong, the local Harbor Master closes the port. It's not a Carnival decision at all.

 

I'd say out of 10 cruises, I've probably missed Caymen 3/4 times. That's not good odds at all.

 

It's not just weather either. If there is a medical emergency onboard and a passenger needs to be evacuated...or a man overboard...or saving a boat load of refugees from Cuba or Haiti or somewhere... An engine problem...too many things could cause the ship to miss a port....

 

I would advise against it. There are NO guarantees at all and, as you probably know, Carnival wouldn't be responsible for any monies you might lose because the ship missed the island.....

[Kurbanfan]

To be married on a Carnival ship it has to take place before it leaves the port of embarkation...........so that cannot be used as a back up plan..........Princess does have ceremonies at sea done by their Captains.........but not Carnival nor do their Captains perform wedding ceremonies.........

We have never missed Grand Caymans port..........

Good luck OP!

[cb at sea]

I agree--there's no guarantee that you will hit ANY of the scheduled ports. Get married either onboard, or before you leave, and use the cruise as a honeymoon!

[MicksMom]

There is a thread on the Carnival board about a family attending a wedding on Tuesday in Key West (not sure if entire wedding party was on board or meeting up with family) The Conquest left a day late due to Port of Galveston being closed due to fog. They are now scheduled to be in Key West on Friday.

While I think the idea of a wedding on Grand Cayman sounds great, as others have said, have a back-up plan.

 

Good luck!

[sparky791]

We are due to be in Cayman Islands this tuesday the 22nd, but now it looks like wind could be a problem. We maybe waving as we go by. From what I have been able to research, the Cayman Islands are hit and miss. I would not count on having a wedding that day without a back up plan somewhere else.

[suzy1212]

We've cruised to Grand Cayman 4 times. We've never missed it, but a medical emergency turned our itinerary backwards one time and we weren't in Grand Cayman the day we expected to be.

[steelmanga]

You must be crazy to plan such a special day on a cruise, To many variables to mess it up. Get married before you go and then go on the cruise. We could not tender twice when we stopped at GC. Maybe this 3rd time will be the charm