SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Sample some of Grand Cayman’s most characteristic rum, beer and cuisine and discover how they are produced using locally sourced ingredients. Rum has long been associated with the Caribbean as it is typically made with sugar or molasses, two products prevalent in the islands. Grand Cayman is no exception as you will discover while touring a rum distillery, after which you will be offered a tasting of the spirit. The island may be even more well-known for its cakes made with barrel-aged spiced rum, which you will enjoy during another sampling. An enlightening tour and tasting at a local brewery will reveal some of the tropical flavors such as mango that are used in the production of beer. Although jerk-style cooking may have originated in Jamaica, it has long been long popular on Grand Cayman. However, the spices can be somewhat different, which you will likely notice at yet another sampling.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour a rum distillery, a rum cake factory and a brewery on Grand Cayman.
• Sample a variety of spirits, beers and the island’s signature rum cake.
• Enjoy a tasting of jerk-style cuisine that is characteristic of the Cayman Islands.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

A warm Jamaican welcome awaits you from your hostess who will greet you under the great mahogany tree, planted by Sir Winston Churchill in 1953. Be escorted on a scenic walk through a beautiful ornamental garden where you’ll see a wide variety of herbs and tropical plants such as Cat Whiskers, Plumbago and the Canon. Pick an herb or two! At the end of the garden path, experience an awesome panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea! Then it's off to the verandah of the historical and majestic Great House that was once a Fort, where your senses will be tantalized by the different herbs and spices that you’ll be using.

Each person will have their own workstation with a clear view of the Chef “Irie” as he instructs and guides you in the preparation of the special blend Jerk Sauce, Jamaican festival (knead your own dough) and preparation of the callaloo for steaming. After learning how to prepare these delightful meals, you’ll enjoy your authentic Jamaican lunch, consisting of your own Jerked Chicken. Your meal is served with Fruit Punch.

Jamaica's riverside scenery, outdoor adventure and authentic flavors are on spectacular display as you float downriver in an inner tube before soaking up the sun and having lunch at Bamboo Beach Club. You'll kick off the day with a scenic drive to a picturesque river nestled among the tropical jungle environs. After a short safety briefing, you’ll climb in your inner tubes and float through gentle rapids downstream. Your river guide will entertain you along the way until the end of your journey where the river runs into the Caribbean Sea.

Then travel to Bamboo Beach Club where you'll be served champagne welcome drinks, escorted to the VIP section, and given a padded lounge chair. Sip on specialty house cocktailsand house sodas, and enjoy a four-course lunch, including fresh fish and chicken, fish tartare, jerk chicken spring rolls with mango chutney, and rum raisin bread pudding. Hostesses will deliver everything to your chair so you can watch light entertainment by our staff and see our bartender’s daily mixology demonstration as they create the special cocktail of the day. On the way back to the ship there will be a stop for souvenir shopping if time permits and at the discretion of tour guide.