Aug. 15th Legend Family Cruise...with Photos

[cruiserNC]

Ahh I am loving this review!

[mykiddiewinks]

Loving your review, we are doing this cruise Christmas week with our two children.

 

Just a couple of questions - which nights were formal nights?

 

Me and my hubby would love to do the Victor Boden tour but I am sure our kids would not like driving around but they would get a huge kick out of the monkeys, is it possible to go to his little zoo without doing one of his tours, if so is it a taxi ride? Thanks.

[AryMay]

wow small world! I lived in worthinton most of life! I wonder if I went to school with any of your kids! I was class of 2001. how old are your kids and their spouses? one of them looks really familiar in your pics!

 

 

I've been so happy reading your review! I hope the weather holds up for us in Roaton as nicely as it did for you guys! Im going in November and I've heard it's the rainy season there! we will be taking a tour with Victors tours as well!

 

The gals aren't from Worthington but you maybe do recognize my boys! They graduated in 1999, 2002, and 2006. Aren't they a handsome bunch? ;)

[AryMay]

Loving your review, we are doing this cruise Christmas week with our two children.

 

Just a couple of questions - which nights were formal nights?

 

Formal nights were the first sea day (Monday) and the day in Belize (Friday).

 

Me and my hubby would love to do the Victor Boden tour but I am sure our kids would not like driving around but they would get a huge kick out of the monkeys, is it possible to go to his little zoo without doing one of his tours, if so is it a taxi ride? Thanks.

 

I will have to answer "I don't know" to this one. If you look on Victor's website he has a lot of choices for what to do on one of his private tours. Here are the options he lists:

 

• Victor Bodden's Monkey Business ($5)
  
• Mayan Jungle Canopy Zipline ($45)
  
• Offshore Snorkeling/Glassbottom Ocean Explorer ($20 to 25)
  
• Sherman Arch's Iguana Farm ($8)
  
• Carambola Botanical Gardens ($6 to 10)
  
• Roatan Tropical Butterfly Garden ($7)
  
• Spa Baan Suerte (fee varies)
  
• Offshore Fishing ($70 per hour, 2 hour minimum)
  
• Half Moon Bay/West End Village
  
• West Bay Beach
  
• Scenic Photo Opportunities/Sightseeing
  
• Lunch/Snacks/Drinks
  
• Stone Castle Cameo Factory
  
• Shopping
  
• Horseback Riding ($40)
  

 

Perhaps you could do a short tour of the island and then have your guide take you to see the monkeys, maybe the iguana farm (we did that on our last visit) and then the beach. On the private tours it is totally up to you where you go and what you want to see.

 

Here is the description of the tour and prices copied from Victor's website:

 

"Best of Roatan" Private Tour and a Private Guide/Vehicle for your entire day on Roatan:

 

Tour Duration: Up to You! But, rest assured, we'll get you back to your ship with plenty of time to spare.

 

2 Guests - $40 per person

3 Guests - $30 per person

4 or more Guests -- $25 per person

Children UNDER age 5 are No Charge

 

Your best bet is to email Victor with your questions and see what he says.

[TXHillbillyGirl]

Really enjoying your detailed review. I feel like I was there with you guys. Hopefully I will have my own memories coming up this spring.

Can't wait to read the rest...

[AryMay]

Really enjoying your detailed review. I feel like I was there with you guys. Hopefully I will have my own memories coming up this spring.

Can't wait to read the rest...

 

I'll try and get another installment done tonight! However...we are having the most incredible fall weather here in Minnesota this week...I don't want to waste it by sitting at my computer! (We deserve it after getting over 7 inches of rain last week!) Before we know it the snow will be flying!

 

One of my favorite quotes is "Memories are the souvenirs of life". I would much rather invest my money and time into memories than "stuff"!

 

Enjoy your cruise...and also enjoy all the months of anticipation...that is just part of the fun!

[kml2000]

One of my favorite quotes is "Memories are the souvenirs of life". I would much rather invest my money and time into memories than "stuff"!

 

I started doing this with my DD when she was young. Being a divorced/single Mom, we use our pictures, etc as our souveneirs and memories. It doesn't take long to get tired of the "stuff" anyway!

[Litewait]

I started doing this with my DD when she was young. Being a divorced/single Mom, we use our pictures, etc as our souveneirs and memories. It doesn't take long to get tired of the "stuff" anyway!

 

 

Look at the quote above my cruise history. I am a single mom of 2 as well. We may not have the nicest house or car, but you know what.. my kids have been places and done things I never did as a kid. And when I am gone they will have those memories to cherish FOREVER. If you ask them what kind of car I had in 2010, they will say umm a van?? Did you do anything special? Umm HECK YEAH~ We went on a cruise with our mom to...

 

PRICELESS:D

[kml2000]

I agree. My bedroom still has the bedroom suit my parents let me take to the first little condo I had. I got that furniture when I was 14 years old!!!!! I am now...well........40ish......:D . I keep saying I am going to buy me a new bedroom suit one day, but somehow something always gets in the way - in 2011 it will be a cruise!!!! I do have newer mattresses, but no new furniture yet. LOL.

 

Oh well, I have lots of good memories with my DD and can't wait for this one. It will just be the two of us. Our last cruise was with family and it was a good trip, but can't wait to have mother daughter time.

[jaw5293]

I'm really enjoying your review and look forward to the rest.

 

I would love to hear more on the carrage ride. could we have some good details about it.

 

How you chose the carrage.

How long was the ride.

where did they take you

Did you feel safe

Did you do any stops

 

We have 2 little kids with us on our cruise and I want to feel that they are total comfortable and safe.

 

I would love to do the cave tubing but with a 4 year old there isn't a lot to do in port.

 

I had read here on cruise critic about taking these carriage rides but was told you had to get to them outside the gates which sort of scared me off. However walking around inside the port gates there was a booth were they were signing people up for the carriage ride. It cost me $20 and I was included with a total of I think 7 other people. They escorted us out to the carriage so the other vendors lurking outside the gates wouldn't bother us. The carriage was all open air with 2-3 people/seat. The guide took us all over the town/area and telling us the history about the stuff we were seeing. Felt very safe at all times. It was interesting to learn some of the history. We made only one stop at a small store so some of the group could get a local beer. I didn't go in the store but the person sitting next to me said prices seemed high especially on the soda she bought. We wondered if the guide got any kickback by taking us to the one place he did?! After the tour they dropped us off right at the entrance to the gate. There were quite a few "vendors" there yelling, hollering trying to get you to buy something or get your hair braided, etc. But with the tour guide there they didn't approach the carriage or any of us. Once back inside the gated area all was okay. It was a nice excursion and would do it again.

 

I am AryMay sister's so if you have any other questions let me know.

 

Jane

[jaw5293]

Ooops....it took about an hour maybe slight more to do the whole tour. Guess the time depends on the horse!!:)

[Eeyoregon]

Look at the quote above my cruise history. I am a single mom of 2 as well. We may not have the nicest house or car, but you know what.. my kids have been places and done things I never did as a kid. And when I am gone they will have those memories to cherish FOREVER. If you ask them what kind of car I had in 2010, they will say umm a van?? Did you do anything special? Umm HECK YEAH~ We went on a cruise with our mom to...

 

PRICELESS:D

 

Boy did you sum it up perfectly!! I too am a single mom of two sons ages 14.5 and 17.5. I have taken them on 4 cruises and to Disney World Orlando 7 times. Nope, no fancy car or big house. We have a 15 year old tv, I buy my clothes at Target and wouldn't know a Coach purse if it smacked me upside the head.

 

But what I do have?? Amazing, life changing memories that will last forever. My kids know how blessed they are and we love talking about our trips and planning for future ones.

 

Their all time favorite trip was our cruise on the Disney Magic 4 years ago...they still talk about it! When Disney announced that they were coming to our coast and that kids sail free to the Mexican Riviera, I jumped!! Best part?? They don't know...it's a surprise for spring break!! I'm telling them that we can't afford Disney World this time and are going to Disneyland instead. We will go to Disneyland the first day and then get up the 2nd day and head for the port. I can't wait to see how long it takes them to figure it out and what the expressions on their faces will be when the see the Disney Wonder sitting there and when they realize we are getting on it!!! :D

 

DS 17 graduates a few months later and will be off to college so this cruise will be extra special...just the 3 of us. Awe, crap!! I'm getting all misty eyed :rolleyes:.

 

Gina

[Litewait]

Boy did you sum it up perfectly!! I too am a single mom of two sons ages 14.5 and 17.5. I have taken them on 4 cruises and to Disney World Orlando 7 times. Nope, no fancy car or big house. We have a 15 year old tv, I buy my clothes at Target and wouldn't know a Coach purse if it smacked me upside the head.

 

But what I do have?? Amazing, life changing memories that will last forever. My kids know how blessed they are and we love talking about our trips and planning for future ones.

 

Their all time favorite trip was our cruise on the Disney Magic 4 years ago...they still talk about it! When Disney announced that they were coming to our coast and that kids sail free to the Mexican Riviera, I jumped!! Best part?? They don't know...it's a surprise for spring break!! I'm telling them that we can't afford Disney World this time and are going to Disneyland instead. We will go to Disneyland the first day and then get up the 2nd day and head for the port. I can't wait to see how long it takes them to figure it out and what the expressions on their faces will be when the see the Disney Wonder sitting there and when they realize we are getting on it!!! :D

 

DS 17 graduates a few months later and will be off to college so this cruise will be extra special...just the 3 of us. Awe, crap!! I'm getting all misty eyed :rolleyes:.

 

Gina

 

My email is below. Could you email me the Disney cruise info?? My kids have always wanted to go but I couldnt afford it.

BTW~ Great moms think alike:D. Mine are 22 and 16. I cherish everyday with them! But dread when they leave home. My 22 year old is a Jr at San Diego State so I've been spoiled to still have her at home. Cameron is a Jr in HS.

[djmaine]

I had read here on cruise critic about taking these carriage rides but was told you had to get to them outside the gates which sort of scared me off. However walking around inside the port gates there was a booth were they were signing people up for the carriage ride. It cost me $20 and I was included with a total of I think 7 other people. They escorted us out to the carriage so the other vendors lurking outside the gates wouldn't bother us. The carriage was all open air with 2-3 people/seat. The guide took us all over the town/area and telling us the history about the stuff we were seeing. Felt very safe at all times. It was interesting to learn some of the history. We made only one stop at a small store so some of the group could get a local beer. I didn't go in the store but the person sitting next to me said prices seemed high especially on the soda she bought. We wondered if the guide got any kickback by taking us to the one place he did?! After the tour they dropped us off right at the entrance to the gate. There were quite a few "vendors" there yelling, hollering trying to get you to buy something or get your hair braided, etc. But with the tour guide there they didn't approach the carriage or any of us. Once back inside the gated area all was okay. It was a nice excursion and would do it again.

 

I am AryMay sister's so if you have any other questions let me know.

 

Jane

 

Jane, thank you so much for reponding. I think this will be something we just might do. We are not really going on any tour and it's a shame not to at least see some of the area. And it might just be a perfect thing with a 4 and 9 year old with us.

[snow bunny]

Hello, we are traveling as a family on Dec 26th and I'm wondering if you have the Fun Times for your trip? If so can you either scan them and post them here or I can give you my email address to send them to. We too are using Vitalino for our cave tubing mostly due to your review!

 

Snow bunny

[capndinghy]

What a great review. Thank you for taking the time to write it and post all of those great Photos.

I have been considering a Legend Cruise and appreciate your detail. I am looking forward to reading the rest of it.

 

I just posted a review of our recent Hawaiian Cruise which ended just a week ago. I am still adding photos so it is a 'work in progress' of sorts. In case you are interested you can find it here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1279418

Regards,

Cap aka Chuck

[AryMay]

What a great review. Thank you for taking the time to write it and post all of those great Photos.

I have been considering a Legend Cruise and appreciate your detail. I am looking forward to reading the rest of it.

 

I just posted a review of our recent Hawaiian Cruise which ended just a week ago. I am still adding photos so it is a 'work in progress' of sorts. In case you are interested you can find it here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1279418

Regards,

Cap aka Chuck

 

Thanks for the compliment! The funny thing is that I've got your review bookmarked so that once I get mine done I can go back and read yours! We have considered doing a Hawaiian cruise, but since I can only cruise in the summer there aren't many options.

 

Looking forward to reading your review from start to finish! :)

[AryMay]

Hello, we are traveling as a family on Dec 26th and I'm wondering if you have the Fun Times for your trip? If so can you either scan them and post them here or I can give you my email address to send them to. We too are using Vitalino for our cave tubing mostly due to your review!

 

Snow bunny

 

Yes...I do have my Fun Times...and I "might" get them scanned. I know I enjoyed looking at ones that others posted before our cruise. Right now I am finding it hard to even get my review finished...so we will see.

 

In the meantime...if you have any specific questions I would be happy to check the Fun Times.

 

I hope you enjoy your tour with Vitalino. I am anxious to get the rest of the photos posted from our day in Belize.

[AryMay]

Belize continued (finally!)...

 

 

As we started out on our drive to the caves, Fabulous told us all about Belize City and the surrounding countryside…so interesting and informative…he really knows the country well.

 

Here are some photos as we drove through the city. The first one is a open air fish market we passed.

 

 

 

 

 

Fabulous told us that this cemetery was noted in the Guinness Book of Records as the only cemetery in the world with a major highway through the middle. The graves were on both sides of the road for a long distance.

 

 

Look closely at this photo…can you see the profile of a sleeping man??

 

[AryMay]

Belize continued...

 

In order to reach the caves, you have to turn off the highway and drive down a dirt road…with bumps and enormous potholes. The kids found it hard to believe but this road was actually much BETTER than when we had visited in 2004! At that time it was just barely passable.

 

There were bathrooms (again much nicer than what we saw in 2004) and changing rooms available where we parked the van. There were other tours getting ready to start, including a motor coach sized bus full of people from cavetubing dot com. Our group split up into two…Fabulous went with our family of 7 and Vito, Jr. went with the other family of 4. I had brought along some insect repellent with DEET but we all decided to just “chance it” and no one used the spray.

 

Each of us was given a headlamp and an inner tube with a lifejacket tied to it and we started off on our walk to the caves.

 

 

 

After a short distance we crossed the river…there was a rope strung to help you keep your balance as you walked across. The water was swift in places, but not deep. You can see one of the large groups from cavetubing dot com with the yellow tubes in these photos.

 

 

 

Once across the river we began our hike through the rainforest to where we would begin tubing. I did not keep track of the time, but I would estimate that we walked about 45 minutes or so.

 

 

[AryMay]

Belize continued...

 

Our group walked by some smaller caves and then stopped in a larger dry cave. With our headlamps we were able to see the bats clinging to the ceiling.

 

 

 

Fabulous had us make frequent stops as he would point out different things for us to see…and taste!

 

Some sort of small fruit…it was sour!

 

 

He picked a leaf and used the juice from inside the stem to make a mark on our hands…even being in the river did not wash this mark off!

 

 

A pineapple growing in the wild.

 

 

The leaves on this plant would completely close up if you touched it.

 

[AryMay]

Belize continued...

 

Several times we had to step over a platoon of army ants. If you look closely you can see the ants marching across the path. Just stopping long enough to take this photo gave the ants a chance to start crawling up my legs! Some of us got bites.

 

 

Ants weren’t the only insects that we encountered. Fabulous found a termite nest…and then suggested that we taste them! My DH said they taste “minty”! I will have to take his word for it…I wasn’t about to put a bug in my mouth!

 

 

 

 

This leaf tasted sort of like rhubarb…

 

 

[AryMay]

Belize continued...

 

By the time we had reached the river poor DIL was covered with insect bites…she was scratching like crazy and you can tell by the look on her face she was miserable. The rest of us…no bites at all. I felt bad...if only she had used the repellent BEFORE we started our hike. :(

 

 

To get into the water required a bit of a hike down a short hill, under some low hanging rocks and then holding onto a rope while you drop backwards into the tube. There was no graceful way to do this...DIL made quite the splash!

 

 

 

[AryMay]

Belize continued...

 

Once in the water Fabulous had us all link up together to begin our trip down the river.

 

 

 

Since we returned, Vitolino has updated his website cavetubing dot bz with the following information:

 

NICH and the Institute of Archaeology have instituted a series of new regulations for companies using Caves Branch for cave tubing tours. These will be enforced beginning November 1, but we are happy to say we have already started complying with these new guidelines. Helmets are required, and tubes and life jackets must fulfill their requirements.

 

The photo posted on the website shows people in large yellow tubes wearing helmets and life jackets. I have seen some posts on the Belize forum where people were making fun of Vitolino’s tours because of this, but based on his information it seems that all tour groups will be following these new requirements soon. We shall see…

 

Previously when we did the cave tubing we were allowed to “free float” so I wasn’t sure I would like being hooked up together. I will admit my legs got a bit stiff, but it was so much easier doing it this way. Before I ended up with bruises on both arms from all of the paddling I had to do. This time Fabulous did all the work and we just relaxed and enjoyed the ride! He literally ran along side of us pushing and guiding our little train all through the caves.

 

 

We floated in and out of a couple of caves and saw some interesting tree roots looking for water.

 

 

 

In one of the caves we could hear the sound of rushing water, but it was so dark it wasn’t apparent where the sound was coming from. One of the large tour groups was coming up behind us so Fabulous pulled us over to the side of the cave to let them pass…and to let us float under a small waterfall.

 

 

I know the other cave tubing tours get good reviews, but it was my experience that they often had to rush by us while our small group was able to stop and see the sites along the way.

[AryMay]

Belize continued...

 

Eventually we made our way back to where we had crossed the river at the beginning of our hike through the forest.

 

 

There was a small cliff hanging over the river and the kids and DH just had to climb up and jump off.

 

 

DS1 had to out-do everyone else and do a flip. This kid did the same thing when we went tubing in Jamaica…and I nearly had heart failure BOTH times!

 

 

 

It was just a short walk back to where the van was parked, but on the way Vito, Jr. coaxed a tarantula out of a hole in the ground. Fabulous carefully let each one of us take turns holding the spider. At one point it jumped to the ground and ran up DS2’s leg and he screamed like a girl!! LOL!!