100% chance of rain - cancel excursion?

[erby2283]

I posted this on the Belize board as well but it's not frequented as much and was hoping for some quicker responses since I leave on Sat.

 

We are cruising next week and weather dot com says that weather in Belize is going to be 78 degrees with 100% chance of thunderstorms. I have booked the Carnival Altun Ha excursion - and is actually, the ONLY Carnival excursion I have booked and was really looking forward to it. Now, I am debating canceling it bc of the weather. What do you guys think? Has anyone taken this tour that could specifically comment about how long we'd be in rain - I heard the majority of the tour is travel time? Would there be a better excursion suited for rainy weather?

 

Looks like we'll be having crappy weather in practically every port (maybe squeak out a good day in the Caymans)...maybe the sea days will be nice.

 

Cozumel 79 degrees 70% chance of showers

Belize 78 degrees 100% chance of Thunderstorms

Roatan 79 degrees 90% chance scattered showers

Caymans 82 degrees 30% chance of rain

Edited November 14, 2013 by erby2283

[Colorado Kat]

Quite often in Central America it rains for a short burst and then stops. I might bring a cheap poncho from home, but still go on the excursion.

[golfadj]

Quite often in Central America it rains for a short burst and then stops. I might bring a cheap poncho from home, but still go on the excursion.

 

Do you really trust a weather forecast so far in advance? I would take a poncho as well.

[golfb4cruzing]

I think they forecast rain in the islands every day. Heat and humidity and rain develops. But it's fast , if at all, and I quit watching. I think we've been on 8 and ran into a downpour once on St Marteen. Bring something light to wear.

[KPfromCT]

I agree with both of the previous posters.

First of all, it's too early. The forecast can change day to day, so I would hold off. If I am not mistaken, you can cancel the excursion 24 hours in advance, for a full refund.

Secondly, it could just be the "typical" Caribbean rain....and WILL pass in a half hour.

Lastly, you won't melt:rolleyes:

Buy a poncho, and go have FUN!!!!:D

[Colorado Kat]

You can find ponchos at Walmart, or a dollarstore. Lightweight and easy to carry.

[klfrodo]

It is the rainy season in that part of the world

[PCHENG]

I took the western Carribean cruise last year around this time, and we encountered rain on 3 out of 4 port stops. Each rain shower typically lasts no more than 20 minutes, so we just find the nearest bar whenever it rains, and the rain would have stopped by the time we finish our drink order. The only time we got wet was when it rained while we were on the speed boat going to Lamanai. We sit all the way up front, so there is no place to hide.

[pc2425]

We were on the Valor last week. I checked the weather before we left and it was showing rain every day in every port. Well.....we had BEAUTIFUL weather. It rained a couple of nights and that was all. I would not base your excursion on the weather forecast. I swore that I would never check the weather again before we leave ha.

[RuthlessBoss]

I agree with both of the previous posters.

First of all, it's too early. The forecast can change day to day, so I would hold off. If I am not mistaken, you can cancel the excursion 24 hours in advance, for a full refund.

Secondly, it could just be the "typical" Caribbean rain....and WILL pass in a half hour.

Lastly, you won't melt:rolleyes:

Buy a poncho, and go have FUN!!!!:D

True. A forecast of rain doesn't mean a downpour all day.

We in Florida live with that type of forecast. It might be a passing rain cloud somewhere, but not necessarily on your street. So, was the forecast correct? Yes, it rained "somewhere".

[Ehpride]

I wouldn't worry about it. It could rain for 5 minutes and then stop.

[Sonoma4118]

We were on this excursion in June. A lot of the time is spent traveling by bus to and from the site, we were probably only at Altun Ha for 90 minutes. I would still go even if it was raining. The guides pointed out lots of things as we drove and told us all about Belize, we really enjoyed the excursion.

[Sparky2]

You can find ponchos at Walmart, or a dollarstore. Lightweight and easy to carry.

 

I take about 4 with me in my lightweight backpack so they're available if I need one.

 

Since they are so inexpensive (Dollar Tree) I don't feel guilty throwing one away after using it.

[happybooker1]

It should be called the "Rainy Afternoon from 2-4" because usually that is when it will rain and USUALLY only 20-30 minutes will it be a downpour. This is what I have experienced on the trips *I* have taken around the Equator during the "Rainy Season".

 

Pack an Umbrella/Poncho and roll with it!

Edited November 14, 2013 by happybooker1

[BeachChik]

We did this excursion. Just be aware if it does rain before or during your time there, they won't allow you to climb them. They get very slippery. But I would imagine the tour itself would still happen even if it were to rain. But their weather is a lot like Florida. It rains for a little bit then blows over so I wouldn't worry about it just yet.

[Dirkgun]

We did the Altun Ha excursion and yes there is a lot of drive time involved (but well worth it) I think I would have welcomed some rain especially the Caribbean variety (not raining all day and a mild temp water) It was very hot there. Such great views and history in the structures. Enjoy your cruise.

[Cruzin2paradise09]

Ah, wear a swimming suit and flip flops and then the rain won't matter. :D

 

 

Don't cancel. If the weather is truly that bad, Carnival will cancel anyway.

 

 

Funny story about rain on a vacation .... quite a few years ago we went to Disney World. The day we went to the water park (remember this part), it started to rain in the afternoon. People were literally freaking out :eek: and running for cover ... my DH and two DDs had the best time in the pool with no waiting on the slides .... made me laugh when people were using the PAPER park maps to cover their heads from the rain at the water park while they were in swimming attire.

[Sargent_Schultz]

The tour goes rain or shine and if it is too wet they won't let you climb the structures. It would be up to the tour operator to cancel, not Carnival.

 

I don't believe weather forecasts more than a day or two in advance, but personally I would cancel and rebook on the cruise ship once you have a better idea of what the weather might be on that day.

 

We have been to Altun Ha and it is certainly worthwhile, but not if the weather is going to be miserable.

 

Somewhere in this thread I have pictures from Altun Ha

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1760811

 

It rained a little that day but not enough for them to say we couldn't climb. I think later in the day they might have.

[Homosassa]

My husband and I did an Alta Ha excursion a few years ago. We traveled to and from the ruins in a boat (about a half hour ride from where the bus dropped us). On the way back it poured and we were soaked.

 

Bring the pool towel and leave it on your seat in the bus. That way if you do get wet you will have the towel to dry yourself .

[Starfire_rules]

When I did this excursion it rained at the beginning. I took a cheap poncho but others rented an umbrella for $3. It only lasted a little while. The ruins are after all in a rainforest so I came prepared. Don't cancel, it will be a highlight of your trip.

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch 5 using Tapatalk

[erby2283]

Thank you all for your replies. Still forecasted for 100% rains but I packed my poncho and umbrella and will hope for sunny skies. ;)

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[crusinpsychRN]

Someone tell me I'm wrong. I went to Altun Ha and saw only one pyramid and the yet uncovered remains of were more structures to the side. I didn't think there was much to see at all. People had fun climbing the one pyramid.

 

Did the guide forget to tell us there was another section with more structures?

[Sargent_Schultz]

Someone tell me I'm wrong. I went to Altun Ha and saw only one pyramid and the yet uncovered remains of were more structures to the side. I didn't think there was much to see at all. People had fun climbing the one pyramid.

 

Did the guide forget to tell us there was another section with more structures?

 

The guide on our ship tour escorted us up two structures and more energetic people climbed at least one more on their own.

[KPfromCT]

Yay! Glad you bought the poncho!!!! Tomorrow is your big day! Go and have FUN. No matter WHAT the weather!!!!:D

Hopefully we'll see a review from you when you get back. Enjoy!

[erby2283]

Yay! Glad you bought the poncho!!!! Tomorrow is your big day! Go and have FUN. No matter WHAT the weather!!!!:D

Hopefully we'll see a review from you when you get back. Enjoy!

 

I will try. Trying to get my mind off my dog. He just finished chemo last week and staying with my mom and bro but he has separation anxiety and didn't want to eat this morning and when my mom did get him to eat, he threw up 7 hours later. Pray it's just stress bc i was THIS close to canceling my cruise due to his health.

 

Where in CT are you? Born and raised in brookfield but live in Charlotte now.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app