Spirit 5 December - ports of call change

[MARIANH]

Just received notification from T/A that the port order for Santo Tomas and Belize City have been interchanged. Not really important to us; but does anyone know why?

 

What is more interesting is what there is to do at these ( new to us) ports of call. And are they safe?

 

Anyone have info to share?

 

Thanks.

[RachelG]

They are relatively safe, but neither is really a city that I would want to just run around in on my own. The real attractions are nature outside the cities.

In Belize, we did an excursion that involved a river boat cruise to a Mayan ruin. Highly recommend that. Fishing and beaches in Belize are also outstanding, though you would probably have to get aways away from Belize City for the really great beaches.

In Santo Tomas, we actually did a pricey excursion by plan to another ruin. Also very good.

[Ravenscroft]

I agree with RachelG about these two.

 

We visited both on the Spirit in January 2012.

 

Santo Tomas is a typical port town. It's not a huge cruise destination and there isnt much for visitors at all. On the quayside, there was a large shed with local craftspeople selling their wares but that was all. From the little bit I did see of the town, I wouldnt want to wander around it as a tourist.

 

We took an SS excursion and our tour guide was quite open about the challenges Guatemala is facing with regard to crime. Our tour bus had a private security firm escort front and rear of the coach. I don't know if the situation there is different now. I think I'd go back again, even though I was slightly apprehensive during our time away from the ship.

 

The one thing I remember most about Belize City is the time the tender takes to reach the dock ! We did another SS tour here too. The city was unremarkable, so if you want to do something while you're here I'd recommend a tour of some sort.

 

 

 

[RachelG]

In Belize city, it does take very long for the tender to reach the dock as the area is very shallow. Also this is one place where you have to use local tenders instead of those from the ship. They are quite large though and comfortable enough.

As ravens croft said, the area at the dock in both places has people selling local crafts, but beyond that the cities don't offer much.