tofubeast

We used Butts Up last week when in Belize that we had booked in advance online. They met us just outside the port. There was a little hangup with the van/bus, but they put us with another family and we ended up having a very small tour group. That was awesome for us. Daton, our guide, gave us a lot of information about Belize and was an excellent guide when it came to being at the site. Heads up, it takes about an hour to get to the site. We passed larger groups when hiking to the cave, and it was nice to feel small AND not have to lug the tubes. We also lucked out with cooler weather. I think doing this tour during the height of the heat and humidity in Belize would be pretty intense. Be sure to wear crocs or water shoes that have a very solid flooring. Bring you bug screen with you. The cave was insanely amazing and is a must-see experience. We were just in awe the entire time. For my Disney Parks loving friends, it was like being on Big Thunder, meets Pirates, meets Jugle Cruise, meets Kali River Rapids. We saw parrots, too. BOOK THIS!!!

Native Choice was an amazing tour experience to see Chacchoben in Costa Maya. They provided a comfortable small van, and we beat most of the big tour buses to the site. We got to spend over two hours touring, and our guide (Ivan) was outstanding. He really knew his Mayan history, and he brought the ruins and temples to life. His assistant and driver was wonderful as well. They provided chilled water during the tour, too. I highly recommend booking through them rather than booking your cruise line’s excursion to the site. You’ll spend a significant more time on the site and won’t be rushed. Our group was small enough, we could ask Ivan many questions and could take pictures of the ruins with few people around. He paced the tour perfectly.They ensured we returned to the port with plenty of time before our ship left. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I was on a sold out 3-night cruise on the Divina in Oct 2022. As others have noted, the only time it ever felt really busy with the first day.Other than that, we were able to find many places that were empty or less crowded. Never had much of a wait for drinks, etc. We had no one sitting with us at our dining table. Also, on Ocean Cay, there were SO many places that you could explore and feel like you had the entire beach to yourselves. MSC felt no different than other cruises I have been on. In fact, the busiest I was ever on was the Disney Dream (and we still loved that one, too!)

We brought our snorkeling gear and used it in the "lagoon" area that looks out toward the YC's section. Unfortunately, we didn't really see all that many fish. I think when we go this year, I might leave the fins at home.

True. Thanks.

We are currently booked in a Fantastica mid-ship balcony cabin next door to a suite that has a hot tub. I know you never know who’s going to be next to you…. BUT, do you think it might be extra loud on the balcony next-door due to the hot tub or not? I first chose the room on Seashore because I liked that the railing curves right after ours, and we get to see the backend of the ship. However, now I’m wondering if it might be extra loud next to us due to the hot tub suite and perhaps we should change staterooms. What would you do?

Here’s a first class menu from early 1900s.

True. I’d say the salads are better then what they might have been like (at least on this cruise). As I was a kid, I probably fought not to have salad at dinner. 😂

I remember as a kid touring some cruise ships. I remember seeing a Carnival ship around the mid 80s. If I recall, one could arrange with a travel agent to tour a ship, so long as you exited when they made the call for non-passengers. Not sure when that stopped, but it was fun for a few hours. Although I’d be jealous I didn’t get to stay on.

I thought fellow foodies might enjoy seeing menus from a cruise I took with my family nearly 40 years ago on Chandris Victoria (now Celebrity Cruises). In the summer of ‘84, we took a week-long cruise out of Puerto Rico. It was my first cruise. Even as a kid, I remember the food was delicious, and we had a fabulous waiter from the Philippines, JoJo. Of course, my palette wasn’t as sophisticated as an adult, so I wish could have experienced these meals like my parents did back then. In those days, you could get copies of the dining room menus as a souvenir. It’s amazing to see what was offered versus what you see on a typical cruise today. I remember it being so much more formal. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into the past.

Great suggestion! I’ll do that now.

Glad you enjoyed seeing them. I was a little kid when I sailed this cruise, so I didn’t have as sophisticated of a palette as I do as an adult. Looking back and what was offered in those days in a regular dining room? Wow.

Haven’t stayed in YC but we’ve had a great experience on MSC. Friendly staff, good food, nice staterooms, and the pizza is DELICIOUS! I think you’ll have an amazing time.

We booked early seating, but now I’m reading that there are (or were) different times you can be assigned. I don’t want super late dining but I don’t want anything before 6 either. Can anyone explain the current dining room times and if we can make changes when we board? (We’re Fantastica) TIA

Sharing menus from a cruise I took with my family nearly 40 years ago on Chandris Victoria (now Celebrity Cruises). In the summer of ‘84, we took a week-long cruise out of Puerto Rico. It was my first cruise. Even as a kid, I remember the food was delicious and we had a fabulous waiter from the Philippines, JoJo. Back then, you could get copies of the dining room menus as a souvenir. It’s amazing to see what was offered versus what you see on a typical cruise today. I remember it being so much more formal. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into the past.

Thanks for all the replies to my post. We had a lovely and relaxing day on Ocean Cay. Despite our sailing being sold out, there was still plenty of space on the island if you wanted to be away from crowds. Gorgeous weather this time of year as the humidity is going down. Sharing a couple pics from this past Sunday.

The Oct 21st cruise was completely sold out. It was quite busy, but you could still find quiet spots onboard and plenty of quiet beach space on Ocean Cay. The ship was pretty well maintained. Nice customer service. Attentive waiters and canine steward. Food pretty good, too. We had a relaxing time.

First time visiting Ocean Cay. (Not sailing YC.) What’s the best swimming spot to spend the day? How about for snorkeling? I know from experience on Castaway Cay and Coco Cay, many tend to park at that first beach. Sometimes it’s better to walk a bit away from the crowd. What say you about Ocean Cay? Any and all tips appreciated.