Best Caribbean Christmas

Christmas celebrations in the Cayman Islands are a reflection of the diversity of people who live there. From beach parties to spectacular light displays at private homes, fireworks, many activities, and wonderful decorations, Christmas is a festive time of the year.

Caymanians didn’t wonder if Christmas would be “white.” They celebrated having a “white” Christmas every year with a Sand Yard. White sand was carried from the beach on moonlit nights. On Christmas Eve morning the sand would be raked into intricate patterns and decorated but could not be walked on until Christmas day. A footpath made of gravel and lined with conch shells was provided for guests. Many of the owners of the old Caymanian houses still maintain this unique tradition.

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Holiday food is a big part of the Christmas celebration in the Cayman Islands just as it is elsewhere around the world. Fresh meat used to be a very rare treat enjoyed on Christmas if possible. To maintain this tradition, fresh beef and pork, often cooked in the same pot, are the preferred choice for a Christmas meal today. In addition, both heavy and light cakes are served along with a Caribbean drink called Sorrel.

Santa Claus is an integral part of Christmas for Caymanian children but he makes his appearance in very different fashion from what we are accustomed to in the north. He arrives by airplane or by boat and not a sleigh.

The display of Christmas lights is a somewhat recent tradition in Cayman. Each year there is a competition with prizes in several different categories. These displays, which might include animated figures and intricate scenery, seem to be getting more extravagant each year!

To learn more about the Christmas customs and traditions of the Cayman Islands, I highly recommend you visit the website for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. Here you’ll find more of the history of Christmas celebrations on the Cayman Islands along with a list of upcoming events and activities for this year’s Caymanian Caribbean Christmas.

Cayman Islands Christmas Decorations and Lights

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Image via Wikipedia

There are a lot of advantages to making your trip (especially a first trip) to the Caribbean a cruise trip. Have you considered all the possibilities? Here are 7 top reasons why a cruise may very well be your best choice for travel to the Caribbean.

1. First and foremost is the value you receive for the cost of the cruise. For one price you are paying for most of the expenses you will encounter on your trip. One fee pays for your cabin, meals (usually 1-2 meals a day at minimum), shipboard activities, and entertainment. In addition, if you live within a few hundred miles of the coast you can save on airfare. Cruises to the Caribbean depart from many U.S. cities including Baltimore, New Orleans, Galveston, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Miami.

2. The Caribbean is by far the top cruise destination. This means you will have many choices for picking the cruise itinerary that suits you best.

3. Cruises are no longer just about bingo, shuffleboard, and entertainment that might have excited people a decade ago but not today. The three top choices for activities include intriguing educational opportunities, enjoying outstanding cuisine, and taking advantage of comprehensive fitness options.

Explore educational possibilities such as music classes, digital photography, acting, web design, pottery and many more. Enjoy delicious food everywhere you turn from buffets to ice cream parlors, pizza stands, food and wine festivals, and specialty restaurants. If you are concerned about overindulging then take advantage of the many ways you can get a workout. Most cruise lines offer gyms with the latest fitness equipment and pools. In addition you might find yoga classes, pilates, wave simulators, and more. There’s also plenty of excellent entertainment. Enjoy live music, disco, dance extravaganzas, gambling, or simply lounging on deck while taking in the sights and sounds.

4. Going on a cruise can be a great way to sample the various cruise destinations. Stops at different ports of call will give you first hand knowledge about different Caribbean countries so that someday you can plan a trip to your favorite place for a longer stay. The Caribbean Sea covers a huge geographical area extending in the north from the tip of Florida to the edge of South America in the south. On the western border is Mexico and Belize. And on the east you’ll find a string of islands with a wide diversity in cultural heritage.

5. It’s simple! A cruise ship is a floating hotel so you don’t have to do extensive research to find the perfect place to stay. And there is no need to make elaborate travel arrangements. An experienced travel agent can help you choose a cruise and then handle all the details. Or you could sign up online to be notified by travel agents when a cruise that best meets your specifications becomes available at a price you can afford. Try MyBestFareFinder or CruiseCompete.

6. Cruises are great for families. Many cruises offer special activities for kids. This includes designated areas of the ship where kids can enjoy a variety of fun supervised activities giving adults time to relax onboard or go sightseeing on their own at a port of call.

Cruises are great for couples. There are private activities for couples located away from the high energy and noise of kids. Some cruises are designated as adult-only. You can enjoy secluded beaches, spa services, or dining for two on your own private balcony overlooking the sea.

Cruises are great for singles. The best are those that specialize in providing service for the single traveler. For more information you will want to read “Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers.”

7. You have an opportunity to experience small privately owned islands that are not reachable any other way. Some of the cruise lines actually own the islands and the exclusive rights to the unspoiled beauty. Many people report that these private island get-aways are their favorite destination or port.

So take a look at the cruise opportunities available. Give a cruise a try and you just might get hooked. Cruises are for everyone.

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