Day 09 - Grand Cayman

Oct 30, 2018 - if you have been following this blog, you know that we are big fans of The Sanctuary on Deck 15 aft. So, today, while most guests will be tendering ashore to shop and explore the many wonders of Grand Cayman, we will be enjoying one of The Sanctuary's three cabanas.

The Sanctuary is an adults-only retreat, available by reservation only. Large, comfortable loungers are available for $20 (half-day) or $40 (full day). There are three cabanas available for $140 (half-day) or $220 (full day). One of the first things we did when we boarded Island Princess was to reserve a cabana for a full day while the ship was in Grand Cayman. Most people would reserve a cabana on a sea day. But, since we have been to Grand Cayman several times, we would rather stay onboard and enjoy The Sanctuary.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Wilson, one of The Sanctuary crew. Our cabana was ready and waiting for us. Special towels have been spread out over the loungers. The loungers themselves are much more substantial and comfortable than you will find anywhere else on the ship.

Sun Loungers

A basket of fresh fruit has been provided. A flat-screen television carries all of the ship's programming. There is a small mini-fridge, but it is not stocked with any drinks.

Flat-screen TV and fruit basket

We brought a bottle of champagne with us to The Sanctuary and it was iced down for us, and champagne glasses were provided.

Champagne on ice

It was sunny and hot today, so I spent most of my time inside the cabana. A ceiling fan helps to circulate air and curtains can be drawn to keep out direct sun if you want. Rickee spent most of the day on one of the two loungers right outside the cabana. I was able to get a good WiFi connection in the cabana and work on the blog and ship review and sort through the 1,000+ photos we have taken this trip. The sectional sofa in the cabana can easily seat four adults, and there is a large wicker chair with comfortable cushions. The wicker coffee tables is perfect for enjoying lunch, or, as a work desk in my case!

Working in the cabana

There are a couple of electrical outlets if you need to charge your phone or laptop. At 11am, lunch orders are taken. Once again, I order the cheeseburger and Rickee has the Princess Smoothie. The cheeseburgers are much improved over what I remember from our 2014 sailing on Royal Princess.

Cheeseburger

If you enjoy spending time in the sun, or just enjoy getting away from the crowd, The Sanctuary is the place to be. After our time in The Sanctuary, we enjoyed dinner again at Horizon Court. Tonight, they were featuring a Brazilian Buffet with carvings of roast beef, lamb and sausage. The roast beef with Chimichurri was delicious.

After dinner, we relaxed at Crooner's Bar and reminisced about all of our travels over the years. Tomorrow is our last day at sea, and our last day aboard Island Princess.