<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="destination.xslt"?><destination_content id="GCM" author="Apple Vacations" title="Destination Content" version="1.0" generated="21-Sep-2005 10:45.03 EDT"><general_info title="General Destination Information"><gg_content_a datatype="image" title="Weather Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_sun.gif</gg_content_a><gg_content_b datatype="text" title="Weather Text">The Caymans are warm in the summer (May to October), when the average daily high reaches 85°F (29°C). This is also the rainy season, but the showers are brief. Winter (November to April) is drier and cooler, with average daily highs of 75°F (24°C).</gg_content_b><gg_content_c datatype="image" title="Destination Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/destination/main_dest_gcm_1.jpg</gg_content_c><gg_content_d datatype="text" title="Destination Name">Grand Cayman</gg_content_d><gg_content_e datatype="text" title="Destination Description">&lt;FONT FACE=&quot;ARIAL&quot; SIZE=&quot;2&quot; COLOR=&quot;#000000&quot; CLASS=&quot;H3STYLE&quot;&gt;&lt;B&gt;A Diver&apos;s Dream&lt;/B&gt;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Tales of buccaneering feats and shipwrecked sailors... the legend of Blackbeard. These islands have a rich seafaring history which has reached near mythical status. Today, modern adventurers flock to Grand Cayman for treasures of another kind. A tranquil atmosphere, sweeping white sands, sunken ships from centuries past, stunning coral formations and turquoise waters. Regarded as a world-class scuba diving destination, Grand Cayman is a diver&apos;s dream. Over 200 different dive sites feature everything from stunning wall and cave dives to easy drops for first timers. Whatever your pleasure, Grand Cayman is a perfect vacation destination for fun above and below the water.</gg_content_e><gg_content_f datatype="image" title="Destination Map">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/destination/map_dest_gcm.jpg</gg_content_f></general_info><destination_hotels title="Hotels In Destination"><hg_content_a title="Grand Cayman"><hotel_list_item title="200169"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman on Seven Mile Beach</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">At the Hyatt Regency, discover all that Grand Cayman has to offer, with world-class service, luxurious accommodations, and...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>6</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/gcm_200169paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="212198"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Situated in the heart of exclusive Seven Mile Beach on the island of Grand Cayman,</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>6</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/gcm_212198paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200171"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Westin Casuarina Resort &amp; Spa</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">The ambiance of sea meeting shore, gracefully swaying palms and the rush of waterfalls awakens the human spirit, and invites...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>6</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/gcm_200171paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200393"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Enter Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort and be transported into a lush paradise adorned by fragrant flora, colorful fauna, and...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>5</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/gcm_200393paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200644"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Courtyard by Marriott Grand Cayman</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">The Courtyard by Marriott Grand Cayman (formerly Holiday Inn Grand Cayman) is located directly across from famous Seven Mile...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/gcm_200644paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200540"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Regal Beach Club</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">The Regal Beach Club is situated on famous Seven Mile Beach, overlooking the spectacular turquoise waters of the Caribbean. This...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/gcm_200540paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200344"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Beach Club Hotel &amp; Dive Resort</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">All-Inclusive</marketing_info><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">This Georgian/Caribbean style resort is ideally located on Seven Mile Beach. A wide variety of watersports, both above and...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>3</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/gcm_200344paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="210919"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Comfort Suites &amp; Resort</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">This brand new all-suite resort is nestled in the heart of &quot;Hotel Row,&quot; just 300 feet from beautiful Seven Mile Beach. Start your...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>3</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/gcm_210919paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="210220"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Wyndham Sunshine Suites Grand Cayman</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Located in the heart of the Seven Mile Beach area adjacent to the Links at Safehaven Golf Course, the AAA Three Diamond All Suite...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>3</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/gcm_210220paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item></hg_content_a></destination_hotels><destination_about title="About Destination"><ag_content_a title="Things To Do &amp; See"><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Cayman Maritime Treasure Museum">Dioramas show guests how the Caymanians became seafarers, boat-builders and turtle breeders.  Also an animated &quot;Blackbeard the Pirate&quot; tells stories of the buccaneers that called the Caribbean their home.  The museum is owned by a professional treasure salvaging firm so there are many artifacts on display.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Pedro St. James Historic Site">After seven years and 7.5 million in transformations, the Cayman Islands government has created the country&apos;s first national landmark. St. Pedro James Historic Site is a historically accurate reconstruction of the original 1780 Great House and a spectacular showpiece for the birthplace of Democracy in the Cayman Islands.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Hell">Visit this small village and be sure to stop at the post office where you can purchase stamps and postmark cards from Hell!</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park">This 60-acre wilderness preserve is home to a variety of habitats and plants native to the island.  At the halfway point of the walking trail is a walled compound housing the rare blue iguana found in remote parts of the Cayman Islands.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Cayman Island National Museum">Built in 1833, the structure was used as a courthouse, a jail, a post office and a dance hall before being reopened as a museum in 1990.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Cayman Island Turtle Farm">The most popular attraction on the island and the only green sea turtle breeding farm in the world. Don&apos;t miss the adjoining cafe where you can sample turtle delicacies while observing a turtle exhibit.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Beaches">Grand Cayman&apos;s famous Seven Mile Beach is best known for its wide array of watersports, sparkling white sands and translucent aquamarine waters. The beach is litter free and sans peddlers so you can relax in an unspoiled, hassle-free atmosphere. Best of all, the average water temperature is a balmy 80°F. Other beaches which are less visited but just as fabulous are the Cayman Kai, Rum Point and Water Cay. All three beaches are a favorite hideaway for residents and have become a popular Sunday picnic spot.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Old Homestead">Built in 1912, this pink-and-white Caymanian cottage is available for tours led by MacBothwell, who grew up in the house.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="George Town">The capital of Grand Cayman.  Be sure to visit Fort Street, a main shopping street that is home to a clock tower dedicated to King George V.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Getting Around">Influenced by British custom, cars have steering wheels on the right and are driven on the left side of the road. Renting a comfortable Jeep is a fun way to get around the island as are bicycles and motorbikes. A private bus line on Grand Cayman runs from the morning to early evening from George Town along Seven Mile Beach. In addition, reasonably priced taxi cabs are always available on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="About the Cayman Islands">The Cayman Islands are made up of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. The largest of the islands is Grand Cayman - 22 miles long and 8 miles across at its widest point. The Cayman Islands lie 480 miles due south of Miami and 180 miles west of Jamaica near the Cayman Trench, the deepest part of the Caribbean at 24,720 feet below sea level. Grand Cayman is actually the top of an underwater mountain whose side (the Cayman Wall), plummets straight down for 500 feet before becoming a steep slope that falls away for 6000 feet to the ocean floor.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Watersports">Whether it&apos;s windsurfing or a jet skiing, Grand Cayman offers rentals and instruction for all watersports activities.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Deep Sea Fishing">Land that catch of a lifetime with a fishing boat charter.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Shopping">Having no sales tax and a large selection of duty-free merchandise, Grand Cayman offers bargains galore.  For some of the island&apos;s best buys, visit any of the shopping districts including Elizabethan Square, Cardinal Avenue and Kirk Freeport Plaza.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="The Jolly Roger">Vintage pirate style dinner cruise ship.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Dining">Seafood is the most popular dish served in the Cayman Islands. A delicious Caribbean lobster is a definite treat. And just-caught, unbelievably fresh grouper, snapper, dolphin or marlin served Cayman-style make a tantalizing dish. Most restaurants are casual (slacks and sun dresses) and offer an alfresco dining section for those who wish to dine under the stars.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Atlantis Submarine">Visitors can take one of two 50 minute dives. The Expedition and The Odyssey offer a chance to see the undersea life of the Cayman Islands up close and personal.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Golf">Grand Cayman offers two remarkable courses, the first is a Jack Nicklaus - designed course at the Hyatt Regency Britannia Golf Club (which can be played as either an Executive 9 or Championship 18-hole course), and the other is The Links at SafeHaven, a USGA Par-71 Championship 18 hole course.&lt;BR&gt; &lt;BR&gt;&lt;B&gt;Hyatt Regency Britannia Golf Club&lt;/B&gt; offers a masterful course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Reminiscent of legendary courses such as Royal Troon, Turnberry and Berkdale on the other side of the Atlantic, Nicklaus has sculpted a picturesque course with a Scottish flair, featuring grassy mounds, rolling dunes, lakes and oversized bunkers. The course has all the natural challenges and hazards of a traditional seaside or links layout. On some holes blind tee shots, pot bunkers and two-tiered greens test the golfer. On the 5th hole, the tee shot must carry over the Caribbean Sea, while on the breathtaking 562-yard hole 9, three different shots will carry you over water hazards. The Britannia course is unique in that it can be played two different ways: as a Championship course, or as an Executive course. The Cayman Ball is optional on Mondays and Fridays. Located at Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, Britannia will challenge every golfer, from the novice to the pro!&lt;BR&gt; &lt;BR&gt; &lt;B&gt;The Links at SafeHaven&lt;/B&gt; is a USGA Par-71 course, 6,605 yards long from the Championship tees, and proud winner of &lt;I&gt;Caribbean World Magazine&apos;s&lt;/I&gt; &quot;Best Caribbean Golf Course&quot; award three years in a row. With its sun drenched greens, tradewinds, and coastal setting, it is reminiscent of a Scottish Links course. There are five tee placements at every hole, so that the course offers great variety and interest, and provides a challenge for the best professional golfer, especially the par 3,235 yard, 11th hole (the Links Signature hole). The excellent Clubhouse features one of Cayman&apos;s top restaurants, a patio bar, a fully stocked Golf Shop, a golf professional and ample practice facilities.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Diving and Snorkeling">The Cayman Islands are a diver&apos;s paradise with the largest variety and number of dive sites of any Caribbean locale. The Caymans have walls of extraordinary coral formations and more than 60 shipwrecks to explore, plus the water is a comfortable 82 degrees and visibility is usually from 100 to 150 feet. As you dive into this underwater world, look for elephant-ear sponges and gorgonian fans in the coral gardens just a few feet from the shore. Stingrays, accustomed to friendly divers, will swim right up to you as if welcoming you to their home. Silvery barracudas hover just far enough away while moray eels, giant green turtles, peacock flounders and French angelfish seem to stay around long enough to pose for a picture. Diving equipment can be rented on the islands. Various dive operators offer everything from beginner&apos;s certification courses to advance deep water diving along with underwater photography classes and tips on diving among shipwrecks.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="The Nautilus">A semi-submersible vessel that offers various tours and cruises. Captain Nemo&apos;s Adventure Tour is one of the most popular excursions, giving visitors the chance to snorkel or swim at the end of the trip.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="The Valhalla">Sunset and dinner cruises offering guests food and spirits during their sea adventures.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Nightlife">Grand Cayman has several exciting hot spots from which to choose. The Island&apos;s popular discos tend to feature live entertainment and theme nights while local establishments have Karaoke and a great happy hour.</activity_list_item></ag_content_a><ag_content_b title="Travel Information"><airport datatype="text" title="Airport Info">Travel to and from Grand Cayman uses the &lt;b&gt;Owen Roberts International Airport&lt;/b&gt;.</airport><taxes datatype="text" title="Departure Taxes">Departure taxes are generally &lt;b&gt;$12.00 U.S.&lt;/b&gt;</taxes><rental_cars datatype="text" title="Rental Cars">You can rent from agencies at the airport or have a car delivered to your hotel. The required driving permit is available from your rental agency for approximately US$7.50; you must be at least 21 and carry a valid driver&apos;s license from your home country.</rental_cars><currency datatype="text" title="Local Currency">The currency in Grand Cayman is the &lt;b&gt;Cayman Islands dollar&lt;/b&gt;.</currency><proof_of_citizenship datatype="text" title="Required Proof Of Citizenship">Valid US passport or state-issued birth certificate with raised seal and a photo ID.</proof_of_citizenship><minors datatype="text" title="Traveling With Minors">Minors traveling with only one parent or adults other than their parents must have a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) authorizing them to be taken out of the country.  If the parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate will be required for  check in at the airport.</minors><tips datatype="text" title="Tips">Many hotels add  5% to 10% to your bill; restaurants usually add 15%. If not, a tip of 15% is expected.</tips></ag_content_b><ag_content_c title="Special Notes" datatype="text"/><ag_content_d title="Wedding Requirements" datatype="text">There is no residency requirement, couples must arrange for a Cayman Islands Marriage Officer before applying for the license, the approximate cost of the license is $200 US, both parties must have proof of citizenship, marital status, and legal entry.</ag_content_d></destination_about></destination_content>