I've been to Aruba twice, both times the Radisson. I'm unable to get tickets from my flyer miles to Aruba in August but can get Grand Cayman in August, (Aruba was 1st choice). Never been to Grand Cayman, but hear that 7-mile beach is now pretty much back to normal afet Ivan. Has anyone been to both? We can get a great deal on the new Ritz Carlton on 7 mile beach and are heavily considering it. I've heard good about Grand Cayman, but have never made it there and now have the chance. Input please, thanks in advance!!

We have been to both and LOVED both....I always said that Grand Cayman had the most beaustiful beaches I've ever seen - the sand is like cream of wheat...I've never felt sand like that anywhere and we have been to just about every Island in the caribean. It is expensive to eat out in Grand Cayman...maybe alittle more than Aruba, and I felt that the people working there were not as friendly as the staff in Aruba (most of the staff in the Cayman's are from England)-they do not dote on the tourists like they do in Aruba or Mexico-that was my experience...it was 9 years ago....so it could have changed=but I still would go back. Also-the scuba diving is amazing!!!!

I have never been to Aruba (going next month) but I went to Grand Cayman last April before the hurricane damage. It was fabulous. Culturally not much different from the states except they are British so they drive on the wrong side of the road. They speak English (the natives have a very unusual accent) however a large population from Jamaica live there too. The people were very friendly-although sometimes you have to speak first as they can be reserved. The food was wonderful at several places-The Reef, Calypso Grill and the chinese place in a stip mall just south of Treasure Island resort was also surprisingly good. If you go, DO NOT MISS Stingray City or Rum Point. If you love to snorkel or dive this is a great place for you too. I recommend Captain Marvin for snorkeling. Since the hurricane, most of the hotels are back or will be within the next month or two. The vegetation is coming back. I don't know if it will be back fully by August. The island is expensive, so expect to pay. The U.S. dollar is only worth about 80cents there. They take U.S. money but give Cayman money in change. I found it easier to change over when I got there. One caution-if you go to Georgetown to shop, look at the cruise ship schedule first. When they are in town, the cruise passengers take over and it is very crowded. 7 Mile Beach is beautiful. When I was there, the Ritz was still being built. It is huge! Looks like it will be a great place to stay on a great stretch of the beach. Also consider snorkeling at Cemetery Reef. Do not waste your time at the turtle farm unless you have small children. The Cracked Conch Restaurant next door is worth trying though.
I am looking forward to Aruba this April as I always want to see new places. But I did have a good time on Cayman. If you go, I'm sure you will have a great time!

Hi Cassie,
I have been to Aruba twice and Grand Cayman twice (going to Aruba for 3rd time this June). I love both places but did find that Grand Cayman is more expensive and has almost no nightlife...no casinos or shows. 7 mile beach is beautiful with soft sand; you have to be careful on some other hotel beaches with so many sharp shells there is no way you could walk with bare feet.We found the snorkeling beautiful on both Islands; maybe a little better in Grand Cayman. Hope this helps..let me know if you need any more info.

Happy Travels,
Nancy

Hi Cassie,
We have been to Aruba twice and Grand Cayman twice(going to Aruba for 3rd time in June). We found Grand Cayman more expensive and it has no nightlife to speak of..no casinos or shows. 7 Mile Beach is beautiful with soft white sand; many other hotel beaches have small sharp shells so you can't walk barefoot or lay on a towel. We found the snorkeling great on both Islands...with Grand Cayman being #1 (in our opinion); plus there is the fun of "Sting Ray City". Hope this helps. If you need any more info I'll be glad to help.

Happy Travels,
Nancy

cassie,

have been to the caymens twice before and going back to aruba for the second time in may. i love the caymans and def. would not hestitate going there especially if you can get a deal. the caymen islands is quite expensive but beautiful 7 mile beach is great, just as nice as eagle or palm. last year i was in the turks and caicos and the caymens reminded me a lot of it, except the turks is more pristine but in 5-10 years it will be just as built up. last time i was there food was just as great as aruba, people just as friendly, and the beaches were great...have fun. i would say go to the caymans, if you like to snorkel or scuba dive thats the place to do it, much better than aruba for that.

Hey there,

Well never been to Grand Cayman either.

However been to Aruba so many times and I absolutely luv luv luv it..lol

I would say go for Grand Cayman. Get to know the island. So that way you can compare both islands.

Either way heard great stories too about Grand Cayman and would like to go one day.

You know you'll love it cause you are in the nice warm, cool breeze, tropic , exotic, CARIBBEAN..lol

Take care,

Good luck with making your decision.

We went to the Grand Caymans in August. Did not stay at the Ritz but saw them building it. It looked great. It is hot that time of the year and the beaches are nice. It is beautiful there and many families go there. They drive on the other side of the road and you need a car, or take taxis every place you go. I say go for sure. It isnt Aruba but you will enjoy it for sure. Make sure you take a tour and swim with the sting rays. It is soooo much fun. You can e mail me Samf21@aol or call me 914 4281261. Go to trip advisor and check it out.

I've been to Aruba and Grand Cayman and they are both great if you cant go to aruba i would definatly go to grand cayman. you just go into the ocean right in front of you hotel and there is fish and coral right there you do not even need to go on a snorkling trip you just go right in front of your hotel. it was really nice i would go there if i were u you will have a great time

ive been to both and they both our really nice places, in grand cayman there is really nice snorkling and u can even just go off the beach n there will be coral n fish, both places are very nice and if you have a chance to go to grand cayman go