Thirsty Cruiser

On 5/29/2019 at 3:29 PM, CCLcruiser91 said:

Update - MSC changed my status match from "classic" to "gold"

I was granted gold for platinum CCL status in October.

Just got off Vista last week, and lemonade is still there, but I was unable to find pass-o-guava 😒

Anybody know if they still have “pass-o-guava” juice in the morning? Lemonade still available all day? Any other fruit juices available? It’s been years since I’ve been aboard.

Update: I brought on a can of cream of coconut and came up with this beauty

8oz pass-o-guava or equal parts pass-o-guava and OJ

1 heaping tsp cream of coconut

3-6 oz rum ;-)

People on this board baffle me. On one hand people are spoken down to because they should have searched for their issue... now a post where someone does, and gets told this. :rolleyes:

 

If you do not want to participate in the thread, then don't... no one is forcing you to read or post.

Love seeing this resurrection —like a family reunion :D

Princess rates this excursion as being strenuous but I am thinking it would be more likely moderate if one did not climb the ruins. Would this be a correct assumption or are there steep hills one has to climb? Also are there places to sit while waiting for others to climb the ruins? Was the bus a regular coach bus with a/c or old school bus vehicles. Any additional info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Sandy :D

Well, as I said it's about a mile walk on mostly level gravel. Time is tight so they walk you at a brisk pace. There are no benches that I recall. Climbing the tall temple was the highlight of the trip. At a minimum, a person should be capable of walking a mile over gravel roads and standing for about an hour. For the temple, they should be able to climb 4-5 stories of stairs.

Bottom line is if someone is not in decent shape it might not be the best choice.

Did you book through the ship or independently?

Through the ship. Independently seemed too risky given the length of the tour.

When you say 4 flights of steps, how many steps per flight would you say there was? If I am slow going up the steps, is that going to create a problem for others? If I decide to turn around and go back down, is there room to do so? Do I need to wear a long sleeve shirt? Did you bring bug spray?

Looking at the sign (see image) it's 33 meters to the top. I'd guess it's like climbing a 4-5 story building to get to the stone steps.

No worries about slow - the stairs are plenty wide enough to be passed or turn around if needed. There are railings as well.

Aside from the fire ants, I was not bothered by insects. I had mosquito spray but did not use it. I'd bring it. Long sleeves might be too warm.

If you have time, you might enjoy seeing my wife's pictures on her website at the link below.

 

Lamanai Mayan Ruines & River Boat Excursion

 

Seeing pictures will give you an idea of what to expect and help you decide. Happy cruising!

Thank you for sharing the pictures. This looks like a very interesting tour. Loved the pictures!

San :)

Bear in mind the pics Jim posted are outdated. You will not climb the face of the temple. It has been replaced with wooden stairs and hand rails on the back of the temple.

Also, I cannot vouch for RCCL, but the boats and facilities for my recent CCL excursion for the river portion of the trip are different from what Jim is showing.

Just got back yesterday, and I'm seeing a lot of questions about Lamanai, so posting here. Overall, it was one of the best excursions I've ever been on. The guides are with you from the time you step off the tender for the entire day, and are knowledgeable, humorous, informative and very entertaining. The combination of narrated bus ride with a boat ride to and from the ruins makes for a great experience. The new embarkation facility where you board the boat, the grounds and trails at the site, and the ruins themselves were all in excellent shape. This was a top-notch operation that exceeded my expectations.

Here's how your trip might go if you take the ship excursion:

Our group met in the forward lounge and all got on the tender together. At the port, they met us at the tender and walked us over to the other side of the #4 building while some used the rest room before the hour and fifteen minute bus ride.

*Tip 1: If you want a seat near the front, this is the time to hang back towards the parking lot, then be the first in line behind the guide as he leads you to the bus.

The bus ride passed quickly, as the three guides used that time for a very interesting presentation on wildlife and Maya and Belizean language, customs, etc. The ride takes you through some beautiful countryside where you could see some wildlife (we saw monkeys), over some primitive bridges, and at the very end a couple miles of dirt road. Overall, however, the roads are in pretty good shape.

At the boat dock, there is a newly-built bar, restaurant, and shop where you will have a very short time to use the restrooms before the half hour boat ride. You can grab a coke or water here.

* Tip 2: Buy a drink here if you don't already have a drink with you. This is your last opportunity to purchase a drink and you need to stay hydrated while walking the trails and climbing the ruins.

* Tip 3: The boat ride is about a half hour, and there are a limited number of seats with shade from the hot Belizean sun. If you want a spot in the shade, line up early after arriving at the boat dock.

The boat travels down a brand new man-made canal, then up a creek before joining the New River. From there you will head down the river at high speed.

* Tip 4: Be careful to hold onto your hats and loose items on the boat ride. Someone lost a backpack and was lucky it didn't sink before we could get turned around to retrieve it.

The boat ride ends at the dock near the ruins. The guided tour will take you in a loop of the 5 ruins, which I'd estimate is about a mile loop on mostly gravel-lined trails.

* Tip 5: There are fire ants everywhere. I was bitten up pretty badly. Be careful in the gravel as they will get in your shoes and bite the heck out of you.

* Tip 6: The tour is through mostly shaded but humid jungle, so you'll get pretty sweaty. Bring a hand towel from your stateroom to deal with that.

You will climb one of the ruins -- the tallest temple -- via a system of wooden stairs with hand rails that was built around the sides and back of the temple. The pinnacle is then reached via some very steep stone steps, and the very top is only about 20 feet across with no railings. It can get crowded up there so take your time for it to clear out. The guides will take your picture so bring your cameras.

* Tip 7: If you are not in reasonably good shape, you can skip the climb part, however it was the highlight of the day. I would estimate it's the equivalent of climbing four flights overall, so itake your time on the wooden stairs if you are not used to that level of physical activity.

* Tip 8: If you have a fear of heights or are anxious about the steep section of stone stairs at the end, at least try to make it to the landing before the steep steps. The view is incredible.

When the tour of the ruins is completed, you will again board the boat headed back to the dock where you originated. This time, you'll get about 45 minutes to spend there. This is a brand new facility, and in fact they were still doing some construction while I was there. They served a free Belizean lunch consisting of delicious rice and beans, flavorful marinated chicken, and fried plantains. They have fruit punch for free, or at the bar you can purchase soft drinks, Belikin lager and stout or coconuts filled with rum.

* Tip 9: The guides do not present on the bus ride back. Stock up on beers for the return trip, or kick back and get a nap in.

The route back is the same as the one to get there, so there is not much new to see. Back in Belize City, they'll drop you off inside the port area, just outside building 4. We didn't get back until about 3:45 and last tender was 4:15, so there was really not much time to shop or grab a drink. If you are willing to commit an entire day in port to this excursion, I would highly recommend it.

Agree with Laminai recommendations. One of the best excursions I've ever taken.

See my other post about it.

Didn't notice any difference with staggered check in. Took about an hour.

I used http://ezcruiseparking.com for this trip and am very satisfied.

It's $65 but they also offer $20 off if you don't use their shuttle. Total cost was 48.71 including tax for parking without shuttle, and it's an easy 10 minute walk. I walked it with two suitcases and a backpack with no problem.

Yes they have it at breakfast! 😀😀

Thanks t! That's pass-o-tastic news!

Laziest mixed drink ever.

 

- Tall glass full of ice

- 3 or 4 oz of vodka

- 1 squirt of Orange Vanilla Mio (Walmart)

- top off with water

 

It's sweet but tasty.

While not exactly an on board mixer, great idea with the mio.

Skip Cheers... it just encourages you to drink non-stop all day and night to get your money's worth, then you don't enjoy the cruise.

Wait...what? I'm doing it wrong.

Disagree with the $$ dining comment. Steakhouse is the best deal you'll find anywhere for that level of dining and I'd highly recommend it. Save your pennies and take advantage of your special event -- or make it one.

It's been a while. Anybody know if they still have pass-o-guava juice at breakfast? Lemonade all day?

I agree. I only sailed once out of Galveston but we pulled right up and dropped right off and were on our merry way.

Y'all don't mention what time you showed up.

They do indeed sell it and so do others. Carnival just does not want to deal with the laws that limit the types of alcohol and the fact that all would have to have a Texas tax stamp. A lot of premium brands are not available on RCCL until after they depart.

I'm afraid you have some incorrect information. It is illegal to sell any sort of all you can drink package in Texas. I'm in the industry here and know first-hand.

Now, if they offer free drinks built in, or as part of a reception, or if they are using the 15 drink max as a loophole somehow, but even with the tax stamp they cannot sell unlimited packages. Others have suggested you can only purchase pre cruise.

 

Now their claims that it is due to Texas state law is debatable as RCCL sells their beverage packages as soon as you board in Galveston. :rolleyes:

If RCCL is selling it as an "all you can drink" package, they're breaking Texas state law.

Might be a technicality if there is a daily cap, but TABC is pretty strict about their laws.

If you are referring to Chankanaab, then yes you are better off grabbing a taxi and paying ala carte. I haven't done it but I understand there are options to watch. http://www.cozumelparks.com/eng/chankanaab.cfm

I don't think that we'll be doing any excursions in Belize as we're doing something in each of other 3 ports. But we still want to experience the culture and see a new place, even if for an hour.

Is it safe to walk around in Belize City? We'll have 2 tween girls with us. I'm sure that there are places to see - usually the government buidings and parks by themselves are nice attractions but I"m not sure if they're walking distance?

 

Thank you

Ela

There are some pretty shady areas in Belize City. Depending on how street savvy you are, sure, but I grew up in NYC and wouldn't bring my preteen kids to any major city unless I had a reasonable idea of where the most dangerous areas are.

Better to be safe than sorry.

 

Each person over 21 miss allowed one 750 ml bottle of wine in carry on luggage.

 

It doesn't say 750 ml per person...

WHAT does this mean?

...As long as you book the first 2 pax initially and then add the 3rd later, if the price should change later it won't affect the first 2 pax. The price change will only affect the 3rd. The 3rd pax price is usually alot cheaper anyway.

 

...

This is true. The 3rd pax will pay the going 3rd pax fare when added, which is always reasonable.

Be sure, however, to book a room/category that will hold 3 pax.

Does anyone know if there is a place to buy sand toys (pails, shovels)? We have 4 kids with us and they would love some and we would love to give them away at the end of the day.

The shuttle drops you off at the craft market (used to, at least), but I don't recall seeing sand toys there. Progreso does have a small town area, but you may have to look around. Be prepared if you walk past the butcher shop carnage.

There is no Progresso without an excursion,

Incorrect. Take the free shuttle into town. From there, you can walk to the beach, or take the bus to Merida.

Floatie, I totally agree with you. I was reading some of the other posts saying what????? Op, go into town, it is as Floatie says. Cozumel before we Americanized it. People are lovely and authentic. Enjoy.

One of my favorite ports, and different from any other I have been to. Once dropped off in town, head back towards the beach, a few blocks. When you reach the beach, turn right and walk down the beach until you find an empty palapa with chairs. The restaurants provide service to these and the prices are very reasonable. My favorite is El viejo y el mar (The Old Man and the Sea). There are a few "vendors" that will try to sell you stuff, but for the most part they are respectful.

Save in-town shopping for after your beach day. They seem to be most willing to negotiate then, and you don't have to carry your stuff around with you all day.

Gotta have my crock pot - and my weber smokey joe if I have a balcony.:D :cool:

As far as rum runners, they are more popular on other lines that have stricter enforcement of booze rules. IMO they are a waste of money and effor for one bottle. Wrap it up in bubble wrap and stick in a big zip lock, then place in the middle of your checked bag.

They make sense for very expensive booze, but I would call bon voyage if I wanted quality over quantity.

Now that they have removed the fruit punch whats left to mix with our rum?

Rum and lemonade still works pretty well, but here a couple of other options:

• Fill a bubba keg with pass-o-guava juice at breakfast. Makes an excellent mixer later on.
  
• Bring your own fruit punch, either cans or mix. You are allowed to bring non-alcoholic drinks, so really any mixer is allowed.