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Mo-n-CJ

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Posts posted by Mo-n-CJ

    Which Maya Ruins

    in Belize

    Posted

    My wife, daughter and I went on the Lamanai Mayan Ruins/New River tour on January 22, 2015. We booked with Elio of Lamanai Belize Tours several weeks before our cruise based on positive reviews and experiences. We came to Belize City on Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Sea, which had to tender 4 miles off shore.

     

    After a hectic tender process of getting to shore, Elio's driver Julian met us just as agreed outside terminal one with a sign with our name greeting us. Julian was very friendly and professional and said that we can stop the worrying and let him take care of us from here. We took a short walk to his air conditioned van where he assured us that he would have us back to the port well in time to make our last tender.

     

    We went through Belize City and Julian was constantly giving us information about Belize and its people and culture. He was very informative. It's nice to let someone else do the driving who knows their way around, because there are some crazy drivers and scooter drivers in Belize.

     

    The ride to the river was about 45 minutes. Upon arrival we met with Elio and another of his young helpers. Before boarding the power boat for our trip up river to Lamanai, we were able to use the restrooms and were offered bottled water for the boat trip.

     

    As most have said, the boat ride is an excursion in itself. The day was very hot and sunny as we made our way up river winding through narrow channels and then open water with the warm wind blowing through your hair. Our boat did have a canopy on it to protect you from the sun.There is much beauty along the way, such as flora and birds. You may encounter some fisherman and will also pass a Mennonite village along the river bank.

     

    Once we made our way to Lamanai, we stopped at the nice bathrooms. They also have souveniers for sale. Elio then led us on a hike through part of the jungle to the ruins and explained each site and the different trees and flora. We were practically by ourselves as we were ahead of the large cruise ship excursion groups that would follow.

     

    The ruins were beautiful and we were able to climb the big temple and take pictures from high atop. They were also howler monkeys in the trees nearby. Elio also offered to take several pictures of us.

     

    Due to time constraints of getting back to the ship, we had to depart and board the power boat for the trip back to Elio's dock. Once again, the boat ride back was a thrill all of its own and something to remember. Once back to Elio's dock, we were seated at a picnic table and treated to an awesome Belizian lunch consisting of spicy chicken, rice, beans, spicy slaw and hot sauce and bottles of Coke made with 100 % sugar cane, not the junk we get in the USA.

     

    Again, pictures were taken and we paid Elio's father and thanked each of them for a great time and experience. Then we boarded the air conditioned van and Julian drove us back to the port terminal with about 30 minutes before our last tender.

     

    This is outfit is locally run by Elio and his family. The live in Belize and know and understand the Belizian and Mayan culture.They are true professionals and take care of every detail to enhance your experience and to make certain you are back to port to make your tender.

     

    If you want a locally run company, who is professional, timely and provides exactly what they tell you, then please skip the large cruise ship tours with 30, 40 or more people and book with Elio and his family at Lamanai Belize Tours. You will not be disappointed, we weren't

     

    Great information! How many people were on your boat? Did he slow down at all to show you the wildlife?

    Alaska Cruise on a budget?

    in Alaska

    Posted

    Here are a couple ideas for you.

    I like to rent a car in Juneau. You can go see Mendenhall(look in the trees for bears all along the footpath by the parking lot), drive all around explore, and find some of the best halibut fish and chips at the Sandbar and grill.

     

    In Skagway...take a tour with Dyea Dave....tell him you want to go find bears. :)http://www.******************/

     

    the museum in Ketchikan is cool. As is the fish hatchery and raptors. Look for eagles there.....They are everywhere watching you... ;) Look for golf balls in the trees.

    Lesbian Couples who love cruising

    in LGBTQIA+ Cruisers

    Posted

    Aloha,

     

    Just thought I'd check in....been away from here for a bit. We had an awesome Mexican Riviera cruise in April. The 2 of us, and my son and his g/f...all in aft facing cabins....it was a blast, memorable one, forsure.

     

    Looking at booking the Amsterdam in August, and Panama canal Sept. of '09.

    Anyone have any advice or experience with Sept. cruising from L.A. to Miami?

     

    Barbara, just wanted to suggest some diving for you guys in Hawaii. I am in Maui, and the diving can be awesome here depending on the weather and the surf. I think the best diving is out of Kona. Let me know if you have any questions...I'll do my best to help you out.

    Lesbian Couples who love cruising

    in LGBTQIA+ Cruisers

    Posted

    We've been looking forward to Alaska! I finally found a place for us to stay in Seattle for our 2 day, post cruise, stay.

     

    Hey there chris,

     

    We did this same Pearl cruise last Sept., and loved it so much. Anything you want to know? Some of our fav. things were:

    The Spinnaker Lounge

    Our Balcony(we saw sunrises all the way up...awesome)

    The spa day pass......best views on the ship

    We mostly ate at the buffet and took the food to our room

    Glacier Bay was awesome

    We loved Skagway...rented a car and drove(used Murpheys guide)

     

    Went to Mendenhal glacier in Juneau and saw bears near the creek

    here are our pics:

    http://community.webshots.com/user/marshadeutsch64?vhost=community

     

    Have a great time!

    Lesbian Couples who love cruising

    in LGBTQIA+ Cruisers

    Posted

    Hey there,

     

    We are just in from the NCL Pearl in Alaska. and beautiful blue skies most of the way. Check out our pics if you'd like.

    http://travel.webshots.com/album/560768480CodnYw?vhost=travel&start=108

     

    quote]

     

     

    Hi Mo and CJ,

    Wow, you had great weather on your cruise. We went Inside passage on the Infinity August 19th and did not see nearly the sun you did. Your pics are great and it looks like you got some really nice shots of the clouds too with the sun peaking through. I could tell it was a pretty sight but it never seems to be the same in pics as in real life.

     

    Good Luck on your next cruise!

     

    Toni

     

     

    Thanks Toni,

     

    We had a BLAST...the weather was truly awesome. And yes...you are sooo right. We had this thing going on one morning for like an hour with the sunrise. It was a waterfall of clouds coming over this mountain. Kept getting more and more intense. I took about 40 shots of it. I try to share it...even had an 8x10 done. Just doesn't capture the affect so well.

     

     

    Has anyone done the Mexican Riviera and have any good suggestions?

    Lesbian Couples who love cruising

    in LGBTQIA+ Cruisers

    Posted

    Mythrl,

     

    What kind of things do you like to do?

     

    I see you will be coming into Lahaina. That will be a tender. So, I would probably stay on the Lahaina side of the island for the day. Many things to chose from. The whales will be here...a whale watch is always very good. Depending on the weather...some of the best beaches and swimming are on that side, forsure. A car for the day would be good just to drive to these beaches and explore. Or, you can take the bus from downtown to Whalers village. This has a mall, eats, and a terrific beach. If you still wanted to get massages, you can book those in town at Blue Bamboo for a pretty good price(best to prebook that, forsure). There is also zipline, horses, tours, submarine, ect available. Downtown Lahaina is always fun to explore.

     

    Kona and Hilo will be great fun,as well. I am not as familiar, but I know that Kona side has some of the best swimming(snorkel or scuba). Kona town is cute. Many love to go see the all might volcano on the Hilo side.

     

    If it were me....obviously I like the water, and especially the whales. I would rent cars and explore at least 2 of these places. Lahaina, and Kona are good for boat trips....especially Lahaina to Lanai area. It is going to be whale soup out there. If I get a better idea of what you like....I can help you out me betta.....;)

     

     

    Aloha, Marsha

    Lesbian Couples who love cruising

    in LGBTQIA+ Cruisers

    Posted

    Mythrl,

     

    The swap meet is good. I would suggest doing Pearl Harbor 1st, and then the swap meet if you get an early start. Just in case you buy 20 t-shirts and a ukulele, flowers, pineapple, papaya, bananas, passion fruit, coconut candy, jewels, shells, postcards, pretty little dresses, polarized sunglasses, binoculars, sunscreen, a new bathing suit...hmmmmmmm

     

    Anyway, have a great time. Don't forget...tons of water.

     

    Waikiki Beach is one of the most wonderful beaches on the islands, forsure. Many people, but that is OK every now and then. Lots of history there, and so much to see.

    Lesbian Couples who love cruising

    in LGBTQIA+ Cruisers

    Posted

    Hey there,

     

    We are just in from the NCL Pearl in Alaska. AWESOME trip! Loved freestyle, and the new ship. I would/will surely sail her again. We went to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchican, Victoria, and Seattle if you all have any questions. We got really super lucky with the weather. No rain, a bit chilly(for the island girls), and beautiful blue skies most of the way. Check out our pics if you'd like.

    http://travel.webshots.com/album/560768480CodnYw?vhost=travel&start=108

     

    We are sailing NCL again...Mexican Riviera in April on the Star. Would love any input.

     

    Mythrl.....any advice I can give you about the islands? What days are you going to be on Maui?

    Lesbian Couples who love cruising

    in LGBTQIA+ Cruisers

    Posted

    OCLAdies....thanks again for the good info. Still putting the pieces together for that trip. Not sure yet how we will get from LAX to San Piedro....hoping there is a shuttle. I will still look into a drop off for a rental car near Long Beach.

     

    Chesa....We both work in a nice spa in one of the major hotels here. It's really a great job, we love it.

     

    Mythryl....I do not have my own office here, sorry. We stay very busy at the hotel. I can give you recommendations, though. The hotels here have very nice spas. But, they do charge more then the ships spas. There is a little spa in Wailuku and Lahaina that we use called the Blue Bamboo. For $55/50min. it's worth it. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a nice spa....but, it is the best deal on the island. If you want a little nicer ambiance, Cabana massages are always nice....but the ship. at $99/hr is still a better deal.

    One of my favorite helicopter trips during whale season is the Molokai/West Maui trip. If you see whales from above, it will be one of the best things, ever.

    Lesbian Couples who love cruising

    in LGBTQIA+ Cruisers

    Posted

    Thank you so much....great stuff. How about this. I am going to be driving down from Monterey(a wedding). I have 2 nights to spend between Monterey and LAX(where I have to drop my 1 way car rental off at). If you're still with me....do you have any suggestions for 2 nights lodging? Big Sur cabin? Pismo Beach? Hotel near LAX?

     

    BTW....the good info about Long Beach and Jet Blue was awesome. Flying my son and his g/f into there, and I will fly out of there....TY

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