Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 10, 2015 Author #251 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Legend of the Seas by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee We had been to Labadee once before in 2008, but a lot has changed since then. Before launching mega-ships Allure and Oasis, Royal Caribbean added a dock to Labadee so that passengers can walk straight off the ship, rather than tendering ashore (imagine doing that on a 6,000 passenger ship). Now, I had heard that Royal Caribbean had really up'd their game with Labadee in the past few years. They've added other amenities/novelties like a roller coaster and water slide. And, of course, there is the zipline over the water... but that was there back in 2008 (only back then it was $75 per person, and now they're asking a whopping $95). Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Novelties are great, but we came for the beach. While there is a lot of beach, it should be noted that swimming is only permitted in designated areas along the south side of the island (though there were plenty of people wading in the water on Adrenaline Beach, anyway). Labadee Map by vshingl, on Flickr We tried for the beach at Columbus Cove, first, but it was already pretty crowded, so we moved on to Adrenaline Beach. Every five minutes or so, you hear screaming of the people riding on the zipline. Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 10, 2015 Author #252 Share Posted April 10, 2015 I tried to nap on the beach, but between the random periods of rain, screaming zipliners, and the terrible smell of secondhand smoke drifting my way, I wasn't able to get much rest... Smoking on the Beach by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr I was a little disappointed in the limited dining hours on Labadee. The buffet was only open from noon to 2PM which resulted in long lines during the entire two hour period. I'm a hangry person... I don't do well with long lines for food. Island Buffet by vshingl, on Flickr I had a little giggle with Labadee's tram system. Disney's Castaway Cay uses the same trams on the island as they do in their theme park parking lots - very sturdy vehicles built to carry thousands of passengers per day. So I couldn't help but smile to see Labadee's passenger cars being pulled by tractors! Labadee Tram by vshingl, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 10, 2015 Author #253 Share Posted April 10, 2015 The wait was long, but the buffet was worth the wait. It was perhaps the best lunch food I had eaten all week (maybe even the best food all week?). Dad and Rachel had hamburgers and said they were better than anything they had eaten on the ship, including Johnny Rockets. Island Buffet by vshingl, on Flickr Island Buffet by vshingl, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ocean Boy Posted April 10, 2015 #254 Share Posted April 10, 2015 The wait was long, but the buffet was worth the wait. It was perhaps the best lunch food I had eaten all week (maybe even the best food all week?). Dad and Rachel had hamburgers and said they were better than anything they had eaten on the ship, including Johnny Rockets. I am really surprised to read that. Either the food on Labadee was really good your week or the food on the ship was really bad. The only reason I ate on Labadee when we were there is because the Windjammer was closed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
micmacmissy Posted April 10, 2015 #255 Share Posted April 10, 2015 (edited) We had been to Labadee once before in 2008, but a lot has changed since then. Before launching mega-ships Allure and Oasis, Royal Caribbean added a dock to Labadee so that passengers can walk straight off the ship, rather than tendering ashore (imagine doing that on a 6,000 passenger ship). Now, I had heard that Royal Caribbean had really up'd their game with Labadee in the past few years. They've added other amenities/novelties like a roller coaster and water slide. And, of course, there is the zipline over the water... but that was there back in 2008 (only back then it was $75 per person, and now they're asking a whopping $95) Welcome back! :) I think they ruined Labadee. Used to be such a peaceful beach spot...and now it's like Disney...everything paved over, activities everywhere. Glad you had a good lunch- you must have hit the buffet right when they replenished the food because everytime we've been there, the food was lukewarm, picked over, and blech! Edited April 10, 2015 by micmacmissy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ocean Boy Posted April 10, 2015 #256 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Welcome back! :) I think they ruined Labadee. Used to be such a peaceful beach spot...and now it's like Disney...everything paved over, activities everywhere. Glad you had a good lunch- you must have hit the buffet right when they replenished the food because everytime we've been there, the food was lukewarm, picked over, and blech! I agree. I think that they turned Gilligan's Island into Coney Island. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
micmacmissy Posted April 10, 2015 #257 Share Posted April 10, 2015 I agree. I think that they turned Gilligan's Island into Coney Island. Lol, could not agree more! I have photos from our first trip there (in 2007) and it was unspoiled and beautiful. Nothing there, except a small food area, and some local vendors set up, playfully haggling with passengers. Sigh. It's a real three ring circus now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SenatorsFan Posted April 10, 2015 #258 Share Posted April 10, 2015 (edited) Yes, I missed you. :p:) I'm glad to see you're back with more nice pictures. :) Heather Edited April 10, 2015 by SenatorsFan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising_Tiger Posted April 10, 2015 #259 Share Posted April 10, 2015 (edited) I tried to nap on the beach, but between the random periods of rain, screaming zipliners, and the terrible smell of secondhand smoke drifting my way, I wasn't able to get much rest... I was a little disappointed in the limited dining hours on Labadee. The buffet was only open from noon to 2PM which resulted in long lines during the entire two hour period. I'm a hangry person... I don't do well with long lines for food. Welcome Back. As always a very well done review, but I'm getting the feeling that perhaps you are not feeling the WOW on this cruise. Hopefully your next cruise will be better. Do you think it was a mistake to return to Royal? Edited April 10, 2015 by Cruising_Tiger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OTownNick Posted April 10, 2015 #260 Share Posted April 10, 2015 Welcome back! :) I think they ruined Labadee. Used to be such a peaceful beach spot...and now it's like Disney...everything paved over, activities everywhere. Glad you had a good lunch- you must have hit the buffet right when they replenished the food because everytime we've been there, the food was lukewarm, picked over, and blech! Maybe she was very hungry is why the food was so good lol. Food always tastes better when you're starvng :) I totally agree with Labadee being "ruined". I've been 4-5 times both before and after the development and I now avoid itineraries going here. If I ever do come back here I may try the upgraded excursion to Malfini Beach cause I heard it was good, but having to PAY for what used to be all over the island for free is sad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 11, 2015 Author #261 Share Posted April 11, 2015 I did a little island exploring after lunch. I didn't take photos of the market because I didn't want to stop. Just walking through, vendors were trying to dress me in jewelry (they're really aggressive) - I knew if I took a photograph, I would have to buy something, and I had no paper money. So this is the closest photograph of the market to be had... Labadee Tram by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Water play area for children... I also kept my distance here as not to seem like a creep. Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Plenty of chairs for sunning, but you cannot swim on this part of the beach - Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 11, 2015 Author #262 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 11, 2015 Author #263 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Zipline by vshingl, on Flickr Look at that natural yellow paint marking each rise! Oh, safety... Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 11, 2015 Author #264 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Dragon's Lookout Point Perhaps the coolest part of the island is Dragon's Lookout Point which has preserved natural rock formations and provides great views of the island, as well as back towards the ship. Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 11, 2015 Author #265 Share Posted April 11, 2015 The waves crash into the water here and create some pretty epic splashes. Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr Perhaps with the gimmick of the zipline and aqua park, this area seems to be overlooked. It was hardly crowded at all and is a wonderful location for tourist-free photos. Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
board57796 Posted April 11, 2015 #266 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Great review as usual. Your photos of the Fantasy make me excited to be on board again in 3 weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coolcruise02 Posted April 11, 2015 #267 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Loving your great review and beautiful pics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
micmacmissy Posted April 11, 2015 #268 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Maybe she was very hungry is why the food was so good lol. Food always tastes better when you're starvng :) I totally agree with Labadee being "ruined". I've been 4-5 times both before and after the development and I now avoid itineraries going here. If I ever do come back here I may try the upgraded excursion to Malfini Beach cause I heard it was good, but having to PAY for what used to be all over the island for free is sad. I agree- I just feel like I never need to go back. It's hard to avoid Labadee if your top cruise lines are RCL and Celebrity though! And I can't even imagine being there with two ships in port- ugh! It's crowded enough with one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ocean Boy Posted April 11, 2015 #269 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Maybe she was very hungry is why the food was so good lol. Food always tastes better when you're starvng :) I totally agree with Labadee being "ruined". I've been 4-5 times both before and after the development and I now avoid itineraries going here. If I ever do come back here I may try the upgraded excursion to Malfini Beach cause I heard it was good, but having to PAY for what used to be all over the island for free is sad. I agree- I just feel like I never need to go back. It's hard to avoid Labadee if your top cruise lines are RCL and Celebrity though! And I can't even imagine being there with two ships in port- ugh! It's crowded enough with one. I also try to avoid itineraries with Labadee on it. The exception has been Indy's 8 nighters out of FLL. I figure Labadee is a trade off for an extra day on the cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 16, 2015 Author #270 Share Posted April 16, 2015 Dragon's Breath Point by vshingl, on Flickr The spread-eagle position is quite popular among zipliners. Maybe the harness pulls people's legs outwards... Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 16, 2015 Author #271 Share Posted April 16, 2015 Barefoot Beach Club I was not special enough to enter this gated beach area reserved for suite guests (grand suite and larger). The two gates were heavily monitored with security guards, too. Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Behind the Barefoot Beach Club, there are some lovely-looking ruins. Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Columbus Cove Along the south side, swimming is allowed here. Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr There's also an aqua park (which, of course, is an additional fee for a designated time of use). Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 16, 2015 Author #272 Share Posted April 16, 2015 Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Adrenaline Beach I made my way back to our spot on Adrenaline Beach and tried out Labadee's signature drink, the Labadoozie. Bleh. The bartenders walk around with the drinks pre-mixed and already in souvenir glasses, as well as a bottle of rum which they add to your drink when you purchase it (this way, they can also sell it virgin). Of course, this means that all of the rum is on top of your cup, and frozen drinks aren't the easiest to mix, so chances are that you're going to end up with a lot of rum at the end... if you make it that far. For me, I just didn't care for the taste. It reminded me of a Four Loco or a Strawberita... neither a taste which I associate with good decisions. Labadoozie by vshingl, on Flickr Labadoozie by vshingl, on Flickr Labadoozie by vshingl, on Flickr We like to spend as long as possible on private islands (one port where they really can't sail away without us). It's so relaxing when the beach empties out (and the herds of screaming zipliners slow down). Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 16, 2015 Author #273 Share Posted April 16, 2015 Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 16, 2015 Author #274 Share Posted April 16, 2015 Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Enjoying the last day in paradise... Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr Labadee by vshingl, on Flickr As far as private islands go, I will rank Labadee a steady Number 2... but that being said, I don't think they are even on a level to compete with Disney's Castaway Cay (which, in my opinion, is the best cruise line-owned private island by far). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LittleMissMagic Posted April 16, 2015 Author #275 Share Posted April 16, 2015 Bon Voyage! We lingered for a while longer, then made our way back towards the ship. Legend of the Seas was already sailing away. Independence of the Seas by vshingl, on Flickr "I just can't help my selfie." Ship Selfie by vshingl, on Flickr Legend of the Seas by vshingl, on Flickr Independence of the Seas by vshingl, on Flickr After returning to the ship, we were able to watch Legend of the Seas sail away. I've said this before, but I love watching ships sail away because everyone is waving at one another. Just think of how many people - strangers - are waving at once. It's not something you see as people depart on airplanes or in trains... but cruise ships, perhaps due to the Love Boat, just encourage people to wave, Bon Voyage! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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