Travel Tips
Baggage
Please be sure to print your name and address clearly on each tag and then affix them firmly to each piece of luggage. Many of the major carriers like American Airlines, Delta and US Airways will impose an extra fee if checked baggage exceeds a maximum of 50 pounds or 62 inches in overall length, width and height per piece or if the total number of pieces (checked and carry-on) exceeds three.
Your one carry-on bag must be small enough to fit beneath your seat o r in the overhead compartment on board the plane. This carry-on bag should not weigh more than 40 pounds and should not be more than 21 inches long and 8 inches in height and 16 inches wide.
We suggest that you make a detailed list of everything you would like to bring to Grand Cayman. This will expedite the “search-and-claim” procedure in the case of missing or delayed luggage. As a further safeguard, it's a good idea to place name-and-address information inside each piece of your luggage. We also recommend that you pack essential medicines and toilet articles in your carry-on bag in the event you are separated from your luggage overnight. If you do, remember the 3-1-1 rule outlined below.
If you wish to carry any toiletries on board, passengers may bring through the security checkpoint travel-size toiletries (3-ounce containers or smaller) that fit in 1, 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-lock bag (the 3-1-1 rule). The bag must be completely closed and sealed and must be submitted for inspection separately from other carry-on baggage. Examples of allowed toiletries include the following; lotion, mouthwash, perfume, shampoo, toothpaste, eye care products, and cosmetics.
New Current Baggage Restrictions (subject to change).
All airlines have recently revised their baggage allowance policies. The following is a short synopsis of regulations for major airlines in effect at the time of publishing but it is essential to realize that these are subject to change without notice. Check the website of the airline on which you are traveling for the most up-to-date information.
JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways. JetBlue and American Airlines allow the first checked bag at no charge and $40 for the second checked bag, Delta and USAirways are charging $25 for the first checked piece, $35 for the second checked piece at a maximum of 50 lbs and 62 total linear inches (total length + width + height). There may be an additional $5.00 charge for paying these fees at the airport. Exceptions apply for Elite Frequent Flyer members. Please check with your carrier before departing for your flight to make sure you have the latest and most up to date information.
Locking your checked baggage.
In some cases screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked, TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will simply open and screen the baggage. However, if you decide to lock your checked baggage and TSA cannot open it through other means; the locks may have to be broken. TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.
TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by using a TSA recognized locking mechanism. These "special" locks can be opened by TSA using special keys without damaging the locks or your luggage.
Interlining your baggage.
If you are making flight connections en route to Grand Cayman be sure to have your baggage checked straight through (interlined) to that final destination. This interlining procedure is for your traveling convenience and is the tried-and-true method of getting luggage efficiently to the airport in Grand Cayman. The airport designation code is GCM. This code should appear on your baggage-claim stubs.
Banking
Banks are usually open Monday to Thursday 8:00a.m. until 2:00p.m, Friday from 8:00a.m. until 4:00p.m. and Saturday 8:30a.m. until 11:30a.m.
Climate
The best time to visit is from December to April, when the temperature averages a pleasant 79°F during the day and about 72°F in the evenings. Humidity is also at its lowest during this time. Use these guidelines when planning clothing for your wardrobe.
Clothing
Travelers should pack lightweight, breathable clothing, and expect to dress in layers, as air-conditioned hotels; stores and restaurants can sometimes be chilly compared to outside temperatures. Sunscreen is a must, as are hats, because the sun is quite strong during the day. Attire is generally resort casual which consists of nice pants, skorts, skirts, nice top, casual dress, sundress, nice sandals or casual shoes for the ladies and shorts with a golf/polo shirt for men.
Currency
The official currency is the Cayman Islands dollar (CI$), permanently fixed at an exchange rate of CI$0.80 to US$1 (CI$1 equals US$1.25). Cayman dollars and US dollars are accepted throughout the islands and you should not need to exchange currency, although you’ll usually get change in CI$ even if you pay with US$. The local currency comes in CI$1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 notes. There is no 20 note. All major currencies can easily be changed at any bank. ATMs are easy to find across Grand Cayman.
Electricity
Grand Cayman uses the same voltage (110-volt AC, 60 cycles) with the same electrical plugs as the United States, so adapters and transformers at the Westin Grand Cayman are not necessary.
Film
As is the case in most resort areas, film and film processing can become very expensive. We recommend that you pack at least one roll of film for each day you are there. If you have a digital camera, we recommend that you bring an extra memory card with you.
ID Requirements
As of January 23, 2007, all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea are required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the local Department of Homeland Security. All travelers must have a valid passport and a return or ongoing ticket. Non U.S. Citizens, please be sure to check with the consulate of the country for which you are a citizen of as you may require getting a visa to enter Grand Cayman. Don’t pack your passport — for you will be asked to show it as part of the check-in procedure on your day of departure and again on your return trip.
Included Features
As a Windstream ELITE participant, your Grand Cayman program includes: round-trip economy class air transportation from your designated airport for program dates; hotel accommodations for three (3) nights on program dates, hotel taxes and gratuities; baggage handling on transportation to and from Westin Grand Cayman; ½ day group Stingray City; one (1) company hosted pre-selected activity per person; full breakfast buffet daily on program dates; lunch and dinner daily as indicated on the daily itinerary with beverages each day during the program as indicated in the daily itinerary.
Air upgrades or deviations will be at your personal expense as well as any pre or post extensions.
Language
The official language of the Cayman Islands is English, spoken with an accent reflecting the British Isles.
Laundry/Dry Cleaning
The hotel offers a rather expensive laundry service and dry cleaning. It is suggested that you bring garments that don’t require dry cleaning. A spot remover is a handy item to have with you. For wrinkle removal, irons and ironing boards are available or you can use the traveler's reliable trick of hanging your rumpled clothing in the hotel bathroom, running a hot shower and waiting for the creases to disappear. And remember that drip-dry fabrics make it all the easier to pack for a trip to a warm-weather destination.
Meals
A full breakfast and dinner will be provided as part of each day's group program while we're together in Grand Cayman. Lunch will be provided on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 8 and 9. Breakfasts and lunches will be at leisure during posted hours in the hotel. Lunch on arrival and departure will be at each guest’s own expense. For at leisure breakfasts and lunches in the hotel just print your name, room number and Windstream on the check before signing it. Dinners for three nights during the program will be provided at the times and locations indicated in the daily itinerary.
Name Badges
We ask that you wear your name badge to our Welcome Function and Awards Banquet — as a courtesy to your fellow travelers and hosts as well as to quickly identify yourself to the travel staff as a guest of Windstream.
Personal Expenses
Any incidental charges incurred, such as additional meals, personal bar bills, laundry/valet service, room service, telephone calls, etc., will be your own personal expenses. The hotel will keep a separate record of these expenditures. Please be sure to settle your incidental account with the front desk in adequate time prior to checkout. For your convenience, traveler's checks as well as American Express, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted for payment.
Shopping
Shopping in the Cayman Islands has improved drastically because of all the new business generated by cruise ship arrivals. Although the Cayman Islands are definitely not a shopping destination in the league of St. Thomas and St. Maarten, they do offer a vast array of merchandise, most of it imported. Because there's no sales tax, you'll find duty-free shopping galore, ranging from jewelry and toys to coral and rum cakes.
You can get good deals here on island-made art, crafts, and other products. Some handicrafts are artistic statements in their own right and have more lasting value. Jewelry fashioned from caymanite, a hard, marble-like stone harvested in the cliffs of Cayman Brac, is especially popular. In recent years, local art has made increasing strides, finding a ready market among the constantly arriving cruise ship passengers and expat villa owners who want to brighten up their surroundings.
Many products, including jewelry, are fashioned from black coral. Eco-sensitive visitors urge other travelers not to purchase these products. Much of the black coral comes from Central American countries such as Honduras and Belize. The Cayman Islands themselves have strong marine laws to protect their reefs, but countries to the south often do not, and the coral reefs can be seriously harmed or damaged when harvested. Since black coral is known to grow at a rate of only 3 inches per decade, it qualifies as an endangered species.
Since the Cayman Islands are under the rule of Great Britain, you can sometimes get good deals on British imports. You'll find an array of top-quality jewelry, some of it comparable in quality to jewelry in the stores of London, Paris, and New York.
Grand Cayman, especially around George Town, abounds with imported luxury items. For example, you might find French and American perfumes; Spanish, French, and Swedish crystal; Swiss watches; premium liquor; Japanese cameras; and English china. However, the prices for some of these items are often on par with what you might find in your hometown. Know the average cost of a desired item before you head to the Caymans, so you'll know whether or not you're getting a bargain. Some of the best deals we've discovered have been on native crafts, watches, jewelry, rum, designer sunglasses and clothing, art, cameras, crystal, and cosmetics. Cuban products such as cigars are sold, but you can't bring them back into the United States. The carefully packaged Cayman rum cake is the most popular purchase.
Most stores keep regular business hours of 9:00a.m. until 5:00 or 6:00p.m. Monday thru Saturday.
Sun Warning
The sun in the Caribbean is glorious, but it is stronger than it feels! Bring plenty of suntan lotion with a sunscreen formula that's best for your type of skin. Be sure to always apply sunscreen whether you’re at the beach or just out sightseeing and especially on our snorkel sail! Remember to reapply it several times during the day to prevent burning. It is advisable to limit your sun exposure, especially during the first days of your vacation. A good pair of sunglasses and a hat is also recommended.
Telephone Calls
The area code for Grand Cayman is 345. You can make calls to or from the United States as you would for any other area code in North America. Many international cell phones work in the Cayman Islands, though roaming charges can be significant. Mobile phone rental is available from LIME and Digicel, which are the two major providers.
Sprint and Verizon have developed global phones which include a SIM card and can operate on the GSM Network. The phone owner must however contact the provider and ensure that the Global SIM is activated and ready to be used outside of the United States.
Check with your local carrier to see if your cellphone will work in Grand Cayman but be aware that roaming rates can range typically $1.00 - $4.00 per minute. Texting is less expensive and rates are typically $0.50 to send and $0.05 to receive.
Phone cards can be used at public phones and are available in various denominations. Since each room includes free internet access, consider using VOIP if you will be bringing a computer or Wi-Fi enabled phone.
Time Zone
Grand Cayman is currently on Standard Time which is the same time as the East Coast.
Tipping
Ample gratuities are provided for hotel personnel, all services connected with group activities and meals. It is, however, recommended that you tip on your own for any special or personal services you may receive during your trip.
Valuables
We strongly urge you to leave your valuables safely at home. If you insist upon bringing expensive jewelry, watches or other such belongings, safe-deposit facilities and in-room safes are available for you.
Water
Bottled water is suggested and widely available.
