Info on Belize and Roatan please...

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Babushka

Guest
We are going on the Valor, Western Caribbean, on April 2, 2006. We were on the Glory last year and went to the Eastern Caribbean so we wanted something different this year. I am a little concerned about going to Belize and Roatan. I have not heard very many good things about these places and am beginning to wonder if we should pick another itinerary. Can anyone give me any information for these stops? What kind of things are there to do? I have heard a lot about the cave tubings in Belize and to be honest, that does not appeal to me that much. We are a group in our 30's and love water sports...parasailing, renting wave runners, snorkeling and hanging out by the beach. We have been to Grand Cayman and Cozumel a couple times and aren't worried about what we'll do there. Is it even worth it to get off the ship at these ports?

Any feedback would be appreciated!
 
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tnsodell

Guest
Belize is one of my all time favorite ports. When you get there, you will be MOBBED by people trying to sell you stuff, but once you get outside of the port building, it is beautiful.

I absolutely LOVED cave tubing -- went with my wife and 2 daughters (11 and 7 at the time). Basically walk through the jungle for an hour and float in a tube... Water is 82 degrees and crystal clean. Did it through Reggie's Tours -- I'd strongly recommend this guy -- smaller groups and much less $$ than the ship.

Don't forget to buy the local beer when you are there - Belikin - it is WONDERFUL.

There were others that did snorkling off the boat -- said it was good, but very expensive and you didn't get to see the city.
 
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booboo4031

Guest
As far as Belize goes ... there is no beach to speak of in Belize city. You can take a water taxi or book through someone like Coral Breezes to go over to Caye Caulker for a beach day or snorkeling etc... You really don't want to go wander off in Belize City. It's a typical central American city and right now is having a lot of civil unrest. Reuter's had an article last week saying that many of the stores were closed due to fear of looters etc.... There are shops and restaurants right at the pier ... they call it the tourism village and that is a very secure area. The article also said that many cruise ships were skipping the port all together. The telco is on strike and there has been violence in the streets etc... The ship does not dock at this port. It is about a 5 mile high speed tender ride. The water is very shallow and the ships cannot get in any closer. I was just there in April and it was OK but it is not an island that I would be quick to return to.
 
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Babushka

Guest
Thanks for both your points of view. We are still unsure what we will do in Belize...choose an excursion or stay on the ship and hang out by the pool since it will be less crowded. I will keep researching!
 
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Hal

Guest
Belize is very unlike the typical Caribbean destination. No beaches or shopping or cute tourist bars. However, it is a wonderful port to stop in. The prior posts are correct that Belize City is not a place you would want to walk around in. However, if you can get a tour that leaves the City, the countryside is extremely varied and beautiful. We especially enjoyed the Mayan ruins in the jungle. Unlike the ruins at Tulum, etc, the Belize ruins are amidst the jungle with the trees and sounds of wildlife. We went to the far western border to the ruins, took a handcranked ferry to the ruins and wanderws actually over them. Very exciting to climb a Myan pyramid - also a bit scary with no rails or ropes - and then look down at the jungle top and surrounding countries. Belize is also great for adventure tourism. We would strongly suggest you get off the ship and enjoy this very un-touristy spot. Beware, however, the country is probably third or fourth world.

Hal
Enchantment - Christmas 2005
Voyager - Christmas 2004
Zaandam - Christmas 2003
Norwegian Sea - Christmas 2002
Monarch - Christmas 2001
Color Festivale - Summer 2001
 
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