What's new at Sunset House?

Nonstop Cayman Airways Flights to and from Chicago resumes in November

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:06:00 GMT

The winter schedule of Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) features its popular twice-weekly nonstop service between Chicago�s O�Hare airport and Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands.

With roundtrip airfares starting as low as US$314 (plus taxes and surcharges), the flights resume on November 21st, 2010, operating on Wednesdays and Sundays. Flight KX505 departs O�Hare at 12:40pm and arrives on Grand Cayman at 5:35pm. The return flight, KX504, departs Grand Cayman at 8:15am, arriving in Chicago at 11:10am

Business Class is available for this service and all other Cayman Airways flights. The Chicago flights offer a free full meal service with complimentary rum punch, sodas and juices. Passengers in economy can check in two bags free, while Business Class passengers can check in three bags free. Baggage size and weight conditions apply.

The quoted fare is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Seats are limited on each flight at this rate so customers should book early. Blackout dates and other conditions will apply.

To book, call 345-949-2311 (within the Caribbean) or 1-800-G-Cayman (within the US), book online, www.caymanairways.com, or contact your local travel agent or dive retailer.

Fall Sunset House "Dive, Dive, Dive & Sail" Special

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:54:00 GMT

August 23rd to December 22nd, 2010.
Just what you had in mind for that perfect fall dive vacation. Beautiful spacious Oceanview room, as much diving as you can possibly do and sail into the sunset on a stunning 65'catamaran sailboat!

For more information, jump to www.sunsethouse.com/specials_home.php

Billfish Catch-and-Release Tournament Sign Up at Sunset House

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:46:00 GMT

This weekend local anglers can hook fish for cash prizes. The annual billfish catch-and-release tournament takes place 21-22 August around the waters of Grand Cayman. Anglers will be looking to nab various species of billfish including blue marlin, swordfish and spearfish. Interestingly August is historically a good month to catch billfish.

A number of prizes are on offer for the most catches. First place nabs US$3,000 while second place earns $2,000 and third place gets $1,000. Junior and lady anglers are eligible for special awards. Prize-giving is slated for next Tuesday 24 August at 7pm in Sunset House.

The registration deadline for this year�s event is this Thursday 19 August. Prospective anglers can sign up at Sunset House. The entry fee is CI$300 per boat. There are no limit on anglers this year although all competing fishermen are required to be angling club members.

For more information log on to www.fishcayman.com

Cayman Airways 42nd Anniversary Sale

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:25:00 GMT

Roundtrip flights from Miami/Tampa for $142 and New York for $242. Book now and travel 1 September - 7 November 2010. Some restrictions apply.
Book Now

Attention All Canadian Travellers!

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:31:00 GMT

Just passing along introductory fares on Westjet to Grand Cayman departing from Toronto starting Nov 4 2010. GREAT DEAL!

Urgent Message: Kittiwake sinking delayed

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:39:00 GMT

We regret to inform all CITA members, media, residents, potential visitors and travel trade about the delay of the Kittiwake Sinking. Please see the official statement below

PRESS RELEASE: Sinking of the Kittiwake delayed

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, July 9, 2010. The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) regrets to inform the public of an urgent situation that has arisen which will cause the Kittiwake sinking events scheduled to take place between July 24th - 27th, 2010, to be postponed.

The CITA has done everything in their power to execute the necessary preparations to have the ship towed, but unfortunately, due to circumstances out of their control, the ship is unable to be towed from the US to Grand Cayman by the necessary date. This delay means that the Official Sinking dates will be moved further out. Based on all of the factors involved, the sinking will take place post hurricane season. The exact dates will be announced as soon as possible.

The CITA is taking comprehensive measures to mitigate the effects of this inconvenience on media, visiting journalists, guests and ex-crew members who all planned to attend and witness the sinking of the ex-USS Kittiwake in the Cayman Islands.

When notifying ex-crew member John McGrath, who had been awarded a trip as a prize for the best story in a contest, he responded with the following comment in a lighthearted manner; �This isn�t the first time that the old girl has been late for an assignment! If the US Navy, with all the power and money backing them, has delays, then I can certainly see why the Cayman Islands would have delays!�

The CITA apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause to all parties involved. As soon as more information is made available, it will be shared. Any further inquires can be made to the CITA by contacting 345-949-8522

Canadian Airline WestJet adds Grand Cayman

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:08:00 GMT

Airline unveils new destinations and routes for the winter of 2010-2011

CALGARY, July 7 /CNW/ - WestJet today unveiled its winter schedule for 2010-2011, featuring three new destinations, 10 new routes and expanded service on more than 30 others - and at everyday low fares all year-round.

Beginning in November, WestJet will launch seasonal, non-stop service to New Orleans, Santa Clara (Cuba) and Grand Cayman Island, all from Toronto's Pearson International Airport.

"This winter schedule is a measured, balanced and strategic approach to domestic, trans-border and international growth," said Hugh Dunleavy, Executive Vice-President, Strategy and Planning. "Along with our high-value frequent guest program we launched in March, additional service to and from Ottawa expands upon our growing business travel offering. And, the introduction of new southern destinations from more Canadian gateways offers our guests more choices for their winter vacations."

"We are also pleased to announce seasonal, non-stop service to three new destinations from Toronto's Pearson International Airport," continued Hugh Dunleavy. "Our valued relationship with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority is a key building block to our ongoing, strategic approach to growth from Toronto."

"WestJet's continued commitment to growing services for the benefit of passengers using Toronto Pearson has been shown again by the announcement of these new routes," added Pamela Griffith-Jones, Chief Commercial Officer for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "We will continue to work with WestJet to support their needs and to help offer more choice and more routes for the communities we serve."

Here are details of WestJet's new service to New Orleans, Grand Cayman and Santa Clara:
Toronto - Grand Cayman Island
Nov.4, 2010

Three Times Weekly Tuesday, THursday, Sunday

Outbound
9:40 a.m./1:45 p.m.

Return
2:35 p.m./6:30 p.m.

Introductory fares starting at $189.00

Note that fares quoted do not include applicable fees, taxes and surcharges

Enjoy These Savings Flying Cayman Airways

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:24:00 GMT

$99 Roundtrip from Miami
$129 Roundtrip from Tampa
$249 Roundtrip from New York (JFK)
Book now and travel before 2 July 2010. Conditions may apply and seats are limited.

Book Now

U.S.S. Kittiwake to Sink off Seven Mile Beach This Summer

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:48:00 GMT

Ex-U.S.S. Kittiwake to Sink off Seven Mile Beach This Summer - Book Your Package Now to be One of the First to Dive Her!
The Cayman Islands is now the proud owner of the ex-U.S.S. Kittiwake, soon to be Grand Cayman�s newest dive attraction. The Kittiwake left the James River Reserve Fleet in St. Eustis, Virginia on February 18, 2010 and will be towed to Grand Cayman after being cleaned. The 251-foot military vessel will be sunk on the north end of Grand Cayman�s world famous Seven Mile Beach, providing underwater enthusiasts of all skill levels with a new year-round diving destination that is both easy to access and a thrill to explore.

The 5-deck, 2200-ton Kittiwake was originally commissioned as a Chanticleer-class submarine rescue ship in the United States Navy during World War II. Now it will join the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts, a Russian Frigate sunk off the coast of Cayman Brac in 1996, at the forefront of the artificial reef movement in the Caribbean.

The Kittiwake will be an interesting attraction, with lots of rooms such as the recompression chamber, air bank storage, engine room and dive locker for divers and snorkelers to explore. Being sunk in only 65 feet of water, the top of the bridge and smoke stack will be 20 feet from the surface -- perfect for snorkelers.

The Kittiwake was selected for the reefing project due to her size and height being suitable for Cayman waters, as well as her overall weight, being a very heavy, solid steel ship with 18 bulkheads. This type of ship will have the longest life underwater and will be less susceptible to break-up and damage due to storms.

Prior to sinking, the Kittiwake will be thoroughly prepared for guests. All hazardous materials and chemicals will be removed to ensure that they won�t leach into Cayman waters. Multiple vertical and horizontal cutouts will open up the ship to allow natural light to flood the body and enable divers to explore the entire ship.

May 26 3rd party inspections by EPI
June 2 3rd party inspector final report on PCB
June 14 - 18 Final inspections (DOE, MARAD, EPA, Coast Guard, DMG, CITA, WIM)
June 21 - 23 Hull Cleaning
July 9 - 20 Tow to Cayman (first in the port then to sinking site)
July 20 - 25 Final preparations in Cayman for sinking

Sinking Event & Dates:

July 24/Saturday Dinner, presentations & auction - venue TBD/Dress will be Island Elegant. Auction some Kittiwake artifacts & tickets to be the 1st one to dive/snorkel/sub on it. Stories from crew

July 26/Monday Top side viewing - open to public 9am - 2pm
Closed 2 - 4pm for setup
Onboard Ceremony & Dedication 4 - 5pm (invitation only)
Unveiling of the plaques

July 27/Tuesday Sinking event - 10am - 2pm After sinking - closed to public

July 28/Wednesday Closed to public (Inspections, anchor setting, safety checks, moorings, etc.)

July 29/Thursday 8am - 11am Private tours - media, first divers / snorkelers, VIP, etc.

11am Open to public!

Schedule dependent on weather cooperation and final inspections stated above passing. Everything we know as of now, it is a go!!!

For more information on the sinking and your reservation, contact Kim at
(800) 854-4767 [345-949-7111] or email reservations@sunsethouse.com

Delta Air Lines To Introduce Direct Flight From New York to Grand Cayman

Wed, 19 May 2010 08:26:00 GMT

Flying to Grand Cayman will get a little easier with Delta Air Lines' new nonstop weekly service between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Grand Cayman starting June 12. Delta's direct flight will arrive and depart every Saturday and are part of the airline's expansion throughout the Caribbean.

Christmas / New Years Special But you must act now!

Thu, 06 May 2010 12:09:00 GMT

For Travel December 22, 2010 - January 4, 2011
Must book by July 9th, 2010!
Come stay and dive with us during this festive time of the year!

Book a minimum 5 night stay this holiday period before July 9th, 2010 and get the low season rate that you find right now!

Hurry, this is one of those deals that come around once!
Three night non refundable deposit required!

Packages include accommodations, 2 tank boat dives, unlimited shore diving, breakfast, transfers from and to GCM, welcome drink and welcome gift!

5 Night Dive Package US$923.50 Courtyard Dbl Occ
7 Night Dive Package US$1309.30 Courtyard Dbl Occ

Upgrades available!

SCUBA Connections "Big" Suprise!

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:51:00 GMT

Imagine, hanging out on a safety stop at 15 feet after a spectacular dive on Orange Canyon.... Boring, right?

Until a baby whale shark decides to cruise through!!!!

Photo by Laurie Kramer

Everyone in the group from Hillsborough, NJ got to see the 10' - 12' shark, which is a rarity in the Cayman Islands. Scuba Connections is a Five Star PADI IDC (Instructor Development Center) Dive Center and Sunset House fans!

Keep your eyes open! You never know what will cruise by! ;-)

Cayman Cowboy Bucket List

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:31:00 GMT

Circle the date! Circle the wagons.
The Cayman Cowboys are coming back to the West Indies.

On November 5-6-7, 2010 we are holding a
Cayman Cowboys Bucket List Reunion
in Grand Cayman.

Everybody who was involved in the diving
industry scene prior to Jan. 1, 1990 is
invited.

At present we have over 215 names on the
list....and the list keeps growing.

Like most diving endeavors this is a non-profit event.
We have secured discounted rates from seven
hotels/condos.......good from Nov 1 to 15.

We have planned a Welcome Cocktail Party at
the Sunset House on Friday night. Saturday
will be a series of 1 and 2 tank boat dives
followed by a Gala evening dinner. Sunday
you may either take a CAT trip to the
Stingray City/Sandbar or an Island
Tour....both events ending up at Rum Point.
You can do as much or as little as you
desire.

A simple Registration Form follows. This
form with a small registration fee of $US
25 registers you for the event and provides
admission to the Sunset House Welcome
party. If you plan on attending please
complete and mail this form. This will give
us some idea of attendance and place you by
priority for a choice of boats, etc.

We have a Web Site at:
www.ronkipp.com/reunion. Check
out all the details and potential attendees.

We hope to see everybody in Cayman.

Rod McDowall Ron Kipp
Co-Coordinator Co-Cordinator

============================================

CAYMAN COWBOY BUCKET LIST REUNION: Registration Form

Names:

Registration Fee by US Check Payable to Cayman Reunion 2010
US $25 each. Total enclosed_____________

Postal Address

Telephone

Email Address

Please airmail to: Cayman Reunion, PO 30855, KY1 1204, Grand Cayman

============================================

Fare to Excellent on Cayman Airways

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:56:00 GMT

There's never been a better time to visit the Cayman Islands. Now you can
do so for even less. From April 9th through May 27th, when you book
round-trip airfare from Tampa, Miami, and New York aboard Cayman
Airways, you'll have a chance to experience our national carrier's legendary
hospitality and service for a remarkably low price.

Book by April 9 for travel through May 27, 2010
Round-trip fares on Cayman Airways starting as low as:
Tampa $178
Miami $166
New York $262

Manta and Seahorse, all in One Dive!

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:41:00 GMT

A beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon with seas like glass and a perfect time for a dive.

Two of Sunset House's guests, Steve & Stanley, came back from the mornings dives, had lunch then suited up for a splash off Sunset Reef. An awesome dive for them both was to come. They got to see a Manta Ray cruising on by then in 60 feet of water they got to see a 4 inch Seahorse! Also, pictures to prove it! Enjoy! ;-)

CARIFTA Games Soon Come!

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:21:00 GMT

For only the second time in its existence, the CARIFTA Games are coming to Cayman.
As the premier regional youth track and field championships, the event will draw the best the region has to offer to Cayman
from 3 to 5 April.

Names like Usain Bolt and Cayman�s own Kareem Streete- Thompson grace the event�s record books and Cayman Olympians Cydonie Mothersill and Ronald Forbes both made their mark in the competition. Spectators
can expect to see youth athletes who will in future dominate athletics on the world stage.

Few package remain at the resort for this week. Please call the hotel for booking the CARIFTA Package. (345) 949-7111

Top Honors for Cayman Islands in Scuba Diving Magazine's Reader's Choice Awards

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:01:00 GMT

The January/February 2010 issue of Scuba Diving Magazine features the 2010 Readers� Choice Awards, revealing the Cayman Islands as one of the top Scuba diving locales in the Caribbean/Atlantic region.

The Cayman Islands received First Place in four of the nine categories: Top Overall Rating of the Destination, Wall Diving, Visibility, Health of Marine Environment, and Diving for Advanced Divers. With more than 250 dive sites and a long dive history, the destination continues to thrill dive enthusiasts with new initiatives and programs such as Dive 365, designed to ultimately offer a different dive spot for every day of the year on all three islands, and the sinking of the de-commissioned naval ship, the USS Kittiwake, providing a beautiful new wreck for divers to explore.

The Cayman Islands also placed Second in the Marine Life and Overall Rating of the Diving categories, and Third in the Underwater Photography and Shore Diving Categories. The Cayman Islands� Scuba diving resorts, businesses, and initiatives are committed to protecting and preserving the natural environment of its renowned underwater world, keeping it alive and thriving for generations of divers to come.

Scuba Diving is the leading publication for divers across the globe. It has a circulation of 85,000 and its readership includes dive enthusiasts interested in travel features, ocean-related environmental news, destination profiles, and reviews of dive equipment and literature.

GET AWAY TO THE CAYMAN ISLANDS ON THE NEW

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:01:00 GMT

Delta Air Lines service from New York-JFK to the Cayman Islands
begins June 12, 2010
� Residents of the tri-state area can even more easily escape the hustle of everyday life and head to the gorgeous Cayman Islands for fun and sun this summer, thanks to the new Delta Air Lines non-stop service. The launch of this new flight route on the world�s biggest airline, coupled with the Cayman Islands� unique family-oriented summer promotion, will allow visitors to experience an unforgettable, hassle-free summer vacation while taking advantage of incredible savings. To book, go online to www.delta.com, contact your local travel professional, or visit www.caymanislands.ky.

Effective June 12, 2010, flights will operate once a week on Saturdays using the 160-seat Boeing 737-800. Guests will depart from New York and from the moment they step on the plane will begin to experience the comfort and pleasure of a Delta flight.

New York, JFK - Grand Cayman
Flight Departure Arrival Frequency
Delta 0568 8:10am 11:10am Saturday

Grand Cayman - New York, JFK
Flight Departure Arrival Frequency
Delta 0569 12:00pm 5:15pm Saturday

"Added airlift from New York City is welcomed, particularly by an airline partner like Delta Air Lines, that has the ability to draw customers from New York and beyond, given its extensive network and presence in the region,� said Cayman Islands Acting Director of Tourism, Shomari Scott. �We look forward to providing even more New Yorkers and Delta customers a memorable, easily accessible Caymanian vacation this summer.�

The Cayman Islands 2010 summer promotion will be valid for travel May 15 � September 6, 2010 and includes discounted accommodations, activities, meals, car rentals, attractions, and more. Booking updates will be available soon. Travelers of all ages are sure to leave the Cayman Islands feeling invigorated, with lasting memories and experiences to carry them through the rest of the summer. For more information, visit www.caymanislands.ky.

MIA - GCM only $84.00

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:19:00 GMT

Miami, FL (MIA) to Georgetown, Grand Cayman Island (GCM) $84 on American Airlines!

International Fares For Next Weekend Prices above are each way, based on round-trip purchase! Can't beat it with a stick! Come on down.. No excuses! Purchase by Sunday, January 31, 2010. Travel is valid 2/2/10 through 2/10/10. Taxes, fees and conditions apply.

No Damage After 5.8 Earthquake Rattles Island

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:19:00 GMT

Some residents didn't even feel the earthquake this morning... Some, in office building of George Town said they felt quite a tremor and books fell off shelves...

For guests at Sunset House???? Kevin radioed the shop to ask if anything funny was happening on land because all the guests under the water heard it and all the fish freaked out!

For those concerned about coming to on vacation; No problems at all in the Cayman Islands.. :-) ;-) :-D Drinks Will be "Shakened, not Stirred" at My Bar tonight!

At 9.23 am the USGS reported a moderate earthquake of magnitude 5.8 occurred 32 miles ESE of Bodden Town, 40 miles ESE of George Town, 45 ESE of West Bay.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 6.2 miles.
There have been no reports of damage or injuries received by 911.
There is no threat of a tsunami from this event.