Belize

Mr TOm's Cave Tubing review

cruisinIC — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:36:05 GMT

Here is my en tire cruise review, I put the part about Major Tom in BOLD. I highly recommend his tour, it was awesome and the best excursion we have EVER taken. We have been on three cruises and used both Carnival and independent operators with good and bad results from both. Hope this is useful info to someone out there :)

Hi Everyone!
This was our third Carnival cruise in three years :) and we're back!
We took Valor to the Western Carribbean: Grand Cayman, Honduras, Belize and-supposed to go to MExico but due to Swine Flu, we went to Key West Florida instead. Here is my review of the ship, what we did, etc.

Cabin: it was our first time sailling in a balcony and we will never NOT have a balcony statemroom again. It was awesome! You can get away with a lot out there--it's private! It is like your own little adults only Lido deck without any noise! It is great!!!! HIGHLY recommend that. We were on Verandah deck. THere was a little more motion up there than on Main or Riviera, the last two decks we stayed on, but I wear that little prescription circle seasick bandaid behind my ear so it didn't bother me. Rocks you to sleep!

Itinerary/ Excursions: Best itinerary yet! I say that everytime. But I really do prefer S. America to the Virgin Islands, don't know why. Anyway, here is what we did at each place:

Grand Cayman: "Semi-Sub" (glass bottom boat type)- I am claustrophpbic and this didn't bother me! It was awesome! We did this through Carnival. The tour operators were awesome, and it seemed like everyone on the boat had a great time. Pictures didn't come out well, but that's okay. The driver and person who was explaining what we were looking at spoke good clear English and was funny! Overall, 4 out of 5 stars. It left LOTS of time for shopping. I think it was a LITTLE high priced only because it didn't last very long. But I'd do it again!

Honduras: we did the Carnival excursion "Tabyana Beach Break". It was a gorgeous paradise! The ride up there though, I thought I was going to die, literally. THe problem is, the busses HAVE TO go really fast to keep accellerating up those huge hills. That said, there is NO guard rail but basically a STRING and you are in the school bus from hell death ride all the way there. I literally thought I might die. On thew ay back I asked the driver in spanish to mas despacio por favor (much slower please!) and he did. He was awesome. I recommend asking the driver if you are scared! Anyway the beach was a paradise, lots of shade, cabanas, and neat shops in there. Someone is walking aroudn asking if you want drinks all the time, but they do cost. They were a LITTLE slow to get them to us, but that's okay. Water was gorgeous and warm. Paradise! NOt a lot of kids, thats a good thing for us.

Belize: Major Tom's cave tubing. I think the website is cave-tubing.net. We were hesitant to book outside of carnival for such a long excursion, but everything went really well and this was the best excursion of the trip, hands down. We met Major Tom personally before and after our trip. He was waiting at the pier, very sharp dresser, by the way!, and helped us get to our bus, where he then left and we had three or four guides plus a very large driver. All four were dressed rastarafarian style and were the nicest most informative tour guides we have had so far. THe entire drive--which is LONG!--they told us what was what, like sightseeing. Very good and funny info. Once we arrived we grabbed our cave tubes, light, and lifevest and were off. You could buy juice, soda, water, and waterproof camers, but bring cash only! and be prepared to pay 20 for a piece of crap waterproof camera :) anyway then we walked through the rainforest for about---40? minutes. We sampled different things in the rainforest were showed medicinla plants, and had the chance, if we wanted, to eat a termite, which I did! We also got to jump into the water from a rope swing or a small cliff if you wanted, but no pressure. So awesome! The cave tubing itself was cool--it was about 45 minutes on a lazy river, no crazy currents at all, and 3/4 of the time someone is literally pulling your group through by hand. We were all linked together and felt very safe. Once in a lifetime experience and best excursion I have been on. I will also note some of the other operators we saw didn't seem to have as good tour guides--they weren't talking up the clients like ours did! Highly recommend :)

Key West--first i want to note I booked for Mr. Sanchos Beach Break in Cozumel and the website says "NO PORT NO PAY"--like you should get a refund if you don't dock there----which we didn't due to swine flu---and i never got my refund!!!!!!!!!! I have been home over two weeks. No response to my email. I would NOT book Sanchos beach break through tourcozumel.net!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, now that I am done with that, Key west was okay. YOu have to understand that we really really really love Mexico and wanted to go there! But the swine flu diverted us, so we hadn't had time to plan excursions in Key West, so instead, we went to the hotel bar that is outside right at the port---the first one you see at the Westin? I think---and drank mojito after mojito. The mojitos were awesome, the food was only so so. The mojitos were made by a bartended named Jimmy who is known as Mr. Mojito. If you want to sit around and get sauced sit at that bar! That's all we did.

The ship was gorgeous and fun. Activities seemed a little slimmed down, just slightly. After three carnival cruises the entertainment seemed sort of the same, but it was great fun. We had an excellent time!

Lost World Canopy Tour

Crab11 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:54:59 GMT

Has anyone been on this excursion and if so, can you let me know how it was? At first I thought it might be a zip line tour but now I am thinking it is more like a rock climbing thing. Please help! We are cruising in January and want to get some things booked ahead of time.

Thanks!

Cave Tubing Advice

hatched4 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:26:13 GMT

Has anyone taken a family with children cave tubing in Belize? We're thinking that's a good way to see the countryside and have a little adventure in this port. Any advice?

Zip Lining Vs Snorkeling

Cdunn514 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:10:35 GMT

My boyfriend and I are going to be in Belize in December and are debating on either snorkeling there or doing to zip lining and cave tubing, we have heard that the zip lining is fun but that you have to wait in long lines the whole day while you are waiting to do it, just wondering if anyone had any idea which would be a better use of our short time there

Sergeant's Cay snorkel adventure

jenfiu — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:09:06 GMT

I was wondering if anyone has been on the sergeant's cay snorkel adventure. The manatee research station, is this like a zoo setting with manatees in tanks? Did you enjoy this excrusion? We are trying to decide on an excrusion for our Carnival Legend trip in July. The many options are overwhelming.

Belize Lost World Canopy Tour

NW Cruiser — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:46:16 GMT

My wife and I are booked on the Carnival Legend for our third cruise scheduled for April 2010. On our last cruise, we did the canopy zip line tour in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and loved it. Has anyone taken the canopy tour in Belize? Would like to hear about your experience. Thanks and happy cruising!

SHOPPING IN BELIZE

Heidi — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 22:54:16 GMT

I have read that you can purchase prescription drugs in Belize for real cheap if so what kind do they have?

Altun Ha River Wallace Tour - Book with Carnival or Local?

SactoSkip — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:52:20 GMT

I have decided to book my Panama tour through a private company based upon recommendations.

This tour looks good and comes recommended; I am wondering if anyone has used a private company for the same tour and saved the big upcharge carnival adds to their excursions?

We sail 1/31/2010.

Belize vs. roatan for snorkling?

jag — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:09:03 GMT

Hi,

Could someone please tell me if it is better to do a snorkle tour in belize or roatan?

I love the beach and to swim but i only want to do one organized snorkle trip.

Thanks

Tubing and zip line with actionboysbelize.com

LazXXct — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:38:10 GMT

I am taking my family on our first cruise in December and we are thinking about booking tubing and zip line with actionboysbelize.com . I noticed that they offer the combo tour for $95.00. I just need to know if I should worry about missing our ship. The tour looks really interesting and the kids are excited about it. Thank you in advance for your input

Air boat tour

cruzingal — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:43:37 GMT

Has anyone done this excursion? If so, what did you think about it???

Lamani Review

cruiser — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:29:23 GMT

Just return from the Glory. Cozumel,Costa Maya, Belize & Bahamas. In Belize I booked an independent tour for the Lamani Mayan Ruins. I was nervous about booking it but all of that went away as the tour began. It was very HOT and I mean crazy hot but it kinda felt like being on the National Go Channel, it was wild! The tour operator was well aware of what time we needed to be back on the ship and planned the day accordingly.

We had plenty of time to explore the ruins, it realy is amazing. They provided a local lunch, which was wonderful. We also had more than enough time to shop. I recommend this tour. It was the highlight of our cruise. Very cool stuff.

Land Rover & Cave Expedition

MrsLewis — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:57:01 GMT

Hello-

Has anyone gone on the Land Rover & Cave Expedition excursion offered through Carnival? I'm wondering how bumpy or jolting the Land Rover ride is?

Thanks!

Bacab Eco Prk Kayak Creek

Sunshinelady — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:09:08 GMT

Anyone been on this Carnival cruise out of Belize? Considering it when we stop there on Glory in late July. Thanks for any input

Beach in Belize

sthilaire — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:48:58 GMT

I would like to spend the day at a beach but Carnival does not have a beach excursion......any help about why or where?

What is there to do in Belize?

beautifulblueii — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:02:27 GMT

My Husband will be in Belize on the day of our 10th anniversary and we have a dilemia! When we get up that morning we want get room service and kinda take it easy. Then in the late afternoon we wanna get massages. So I read alot about the lack of things to do in Belize besides an excursion.......Does anyone know of a decent excursion that won't take several hrs to do?

things to do close to port

prissy8 — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:32:59 GMT

1st time to Belize-not comfortable about booking excursions-are there shops, bars, beaches, close to port?

Suggestions for family that can't walk very much?

CruisinPenguin — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:06:45 GMT

Can anyone tell me if any of Carnival or none Carnival excursions would be good when a family member can't walk a whole lot but wants to do something?

I understand the excursions that are labeled with walkers and which ones to chose from being on several in the past, I guess I was more looking for personal suggestions from people in the same situation and ones they thought were fun. Thank you for your responses.

Belize or Cozumel for snorkeling

laurie9 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:16:45 GMT

HI, I AM LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO GIVE ME SOME TIPS ON WHICH WOULD BE BETTER TO GO SNORKELING AT. WE ARE ON THE CARNIVAL VALOR IN OCT. IS THE SNORKELING BETTER IN BELIZE OR COZUMEL OR BOTH? ANY HELP WOULD BE GRATEFUL. THANKS.

belize lighthouse

GAcruiser — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:55:57 GMT

I see the Belize city tour mentions the Belize lighthouse. Does the tour stop there that you can actually 'see' and tour it? Does anyone know if any of the tours do indeed go to the lighthouse?

Belize time

laurie9 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:34:42 GMT

hi, i have gotten two different comments on the time change for Belize. Carnival says when you dock, its really 6:00 a.m. instead of Belize time which is 8:00 a.m. and therefore, you have plenty of time to get to your shore excursion which may start at 8:30 like we do. I understand that you have to get a tender to get to Belize from the ship. Has anyone ever had a problem or does anyone know the actual time frame that can help me? Thanks!

what is the best/safest thing to do in Belize?

dana — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:09:30 GMT

We are taking our first cruise in less than 2 weeks and I have been trying to figure out what to do at this port. Very skeptical of booking outside of carnival, as I have read about it not being safe. We have considered doing the cave tubing but not really liking the thought of an hour ride Has anyone had a problem with this excursion or can anyone make any suggestions? We are traveling with my nine year old son so looking for family activity to do.

Thanks in advance!!!!

Also I have read about both

Cavetubing.com

and Cavetubing.net with Tom any suggestions HELP!!!

Snorkeling

helot — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:58:17 GMT

There are several shore excursions for Snorkeling. I have snorkeled once on our last cruise and loved it. As anyone out there done a Carnival Snorkeling trip that can give me the low down and tell me which one they think is better. I would like to see the most I can while I am there.

Thanks

reef bottom fishing

spelt27 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:39:33 GMT

sailing out on the legend oct. 4! Has anybody done the reef bottom fishing. Any reviews would be helpful. We are also stopping in Cozumel and they have a deep sea fishing tour. I'm just trying to figure out which one is better!

Xuanantunich

cjk — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:05:15 GMT

My husband and I returned a little over a week ago from our cruise aboard the Legend. On the stop in Belize, we chose the Xuanantunich tour. We boarded the tour bus that would take us to the site. We had just barely got out of the city when we had to change busses. We were not told why we had to change. The bus we got on was too small for the group and some people had to stand for most of the way to the site. We changed busses again at the place we were going to have lunch at. We were offered a free drink for the inconvience. The tour of the site was really good even though we could not go all the way to the top, and the guides were great. After the tour we reboarded the bus and went back to the lunch stop. After lunch we got on the bus again only to have this bus break down and a replacement bus come to our rescue. A total of four buses were used. Needless to say this was not a fun way to go on a tour.