AZPam

We just returned yesterday and did the Zip and Dip with Victor Bodden. Can't say enough good things about them!

I have a very large yellow streak on my back but was determined to do the zip lines. Thankfully, one of the guides realized how scared I was and he zipped with me every time with the exception of two small ones I managed to do on my own. I felt so much better and was happy I got to experience it. The rest of our group just loved every inch of it and they did the extra high zip lines. Afterwards, we toured the monkey's and did a little shopping in their store before William, our driver, took us to the beach.

A great day that I would do again in a heart beat, although I think I will stay on the ground next time :p I've crossed off zip lining from my bucket list :rolleyes:

just posted this on another thread. I think we paid $130 per person and it was worth every penny

We just returned from a cruise and had the best snorkeling trip of our life!

 

 

Excursion: Belize Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Park Snorkel Excursion by Air booked thru http://www.ShoreExcursioneer.com

 

Wasn't much impressed with Belize and don't really care if we ever go back, but I would for this snorkel trip. We saw tons of sharks and they surprised me how big they were. Got to pet one and again was surprised by the sandpaper feel of it. Saw at least 3 different types of sting rays and some turtles too. The reef itself was just amazing and saw fish I had never seen before. The guides would point them out and then tell us what they were. Even saw a big, green eel! He was a bit scary looking :eek:

 

Even the flight over was an experience. Who needs TSA? :eek: Walk up to the ticket counter at the airport after a short taxi ride and they asked for our first names, handed us a laminated boarding pass and we walked on to the plane. Guide met us in San Pedro and walked us to the snorkel boat. Easy.

 

They had plenty of water and watermelon on board for everyone. Wish we had the option of a little more food and drink as we were starving after the two different stops, but it was all good.

 

I would do this again in a heartbeat.

We just returned from a cruise and had the best snorkeling trip of our life!

Excursion: Belize Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Park Snorkel Excursion by Air booked thru http://www.ShoreExcursioneer.com

Wasn't much impressed with Belize and don't really care if we ever go back, but I would for this snorkel trip. We saw tons of sharks and they surprised me how big they were. Got to pet one and again was surprised by the sandpaper feel of it. Saw at least 3 different types of sting rays and some turtles too. The reef itself was just amazing and saw fish I had never seen before. The guides would point them out and then tell us what they were. Even saw a big, green eel! He was a bit scary looking :eek:

Even the flight over was an experience. Who needs TSA? :eek: Walk up to the ticket counter at the airport after a short taxi ride and they asked for our first names, handed us a laminated boarding pass and we walked on to the plane. Guide met us in San Pedro and walked us to the snorkel boat. Easy.

They had plenty of water and watermelon on board for everyone. Wish we had the option of a little more food and drink as we were starving after the two different stops, but it was all good.

I would do this again in a heartbeat.

Can you elaborate on the snorkeling? Was it a Princess excursion (which one) or independent? We are really looking forward to snorkeling in Belize so I am very interested!

We booked an independent tour. Took a cab to the airport and had a 15 minute flight to San Pedro. Guide met us there and we walked to the snorkel boat. They took us out to the Marine Preserve and we snorkeled with the nurse sharks, saw about 5 different types of sting rays, turtles and even an eel. The reef was so beautiful and I saw fish I had never seen before in all my years of snorkeling. By far the best I've ever done. Would recommend it too.Belize Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Park Snorkel Excursion by Air http://www.ShoreExcursioneer.com

Bayport terminal is in the middle of the Port of Houston, the second largest port in the country. Why would you not go on another cruise out of Houston because the port is ugly? What does that have to do with your enjoyment of your cruise?

We lived south of the Houston area for 7 years, so I totally knew what I was getting in to. But seeing it again, was a different story. How can you compare it when sailing out of Ft Lauderdale or San Juan? Departing is such a big part of the experience. I was just glad it was dark by the time we left because I just thought the area was so ugly. I'm sure it has it's own beauty to others, just not it for me. Wasn't convenient to anything, expensive taxi ride from Hobby, dreary and cold both coming and going. Why would I want to go back there when I can have a much more pleasant experience in another departure point? Unless things drastically improve, I don't see Princess renewing this contract for this port. Just my two cents.

Also off the ship and now waiting at the airport for our flight home. Enjoyed the cruise but won't be sailing out of Texas again. Such an ugly area around the port! The port itself was nice and organized, no complaints there. Belize was a huge disappointment to me and Roaton was a huge surprise. Loved it! Beautiful island and although still on the poor side, it was at least neat and clean vs dirty in Belize. Best snorkling of my life in Belize though.

Count me as another wishing they would go back to San Juan departures. We love San Juan and always go in a few days early to enjoy it there.

Need your recommendation for a great seafood restaurant we can hit up the night prior to departure on the Caribbean Princess out of Bayport. We are staying at the Comfort Inn in Seabrook and they have a shuttle that will haul us back and forth if it's a reasonable distance.

Would prefer somewhere nice, maybe on the water? Don't mind spending a bit but don't want to have to rob a bank either. Want to start our vacation off with a great meal!

$139 for 1 nite +7 days parking.... only 10 parking spots abailable

free shuttle to & from ship

 

also, changing from comfort suites to a Best Western on 1 april

We are only paying $91 a night, but aren't parking, so maybe that is the difference?

Check out the Comfort Inn around there too. We are staying there next week for a good rate and free shuttle to the port

Do you think there is any chance they might return to leaving out of San Juan? Was really hoping for that next year!

I'd be plenty worried about the college aged kids too, especially if doing the Mexico trip out of LA.

Last time we did that cruise was over spring break and that age was out of control. Took over all pools, not just the main one, with their drinking games. Very loud in the halls at all times, day and night. The kicker was the fashion statements they liked to make at dinner. Quite a few of the girls enjoyed wearing mesh type dresses with nothing but thongs on underneath. I was surprised they were allowed into the dining rooms, to be honest. Was funny watching the men whip around to get a better look though :eek:

We booked Comfort Inn Suite at Seabrook. They have a complimentary shuttle to the port too. It's gotten very good reviews here on CC too

Let us know what the noro situation is on board if you can, please :o

Jeffry, come back and tell us about your cruise! Lots of us wondering about the current situation on board for Noro

Tauck would be my dream river cruise. However, I am afraid I will either have to win the lottery or rob a bank before that happens. :o Until then, I will continue to dream . . . .

You know what is great about the forward cabins? Not a lot of traffic/noise in the hallway! I love them

See Post #4 in this thread:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=41396295#post41396295

Thanks, I had found that one but was hoping for one a little more up close and personal ;)

Zylast has several different formulations. The surgical scrub is 78% alcohol with a Benzethonium Cloride kicker, which they claim when coupled with their unique adjuvants delivers a longer-lasting kill time.

 

I picked some up and keep it in my car. I use it whenever I am finished pumping gas, since those gas nozzles are more likely to transmit cooties to you than a buffet line utensil.

Just ordered a couple of bottles of Zylast yesterday for our upcoming Caribbean Princess cruise. Hope it works! But I will also be washing my hands like a crazy person. Hubby had noro last year on a river cruise in Europe and there is no way we ever want to go thru that again.:eek:

Wondering what Noro precautions are still in place?

Any chance you can post a pic of a fruit tart? Need one to torture my friend with before we board on the 1st

My last few cruises I've gotten white boards at the dollar store for everyone cruising in our group. We all leave notes for each other on where we will be or what the plan is for the day. The neighbor in the cabin next to us last year told us she just loved seeing what we were up to :D

Your bad!

Yep :D

On the CB now. Cleaning seems to be normal, no "washy washy" like on NCL. Plenty of older folks gripping the stair rails though. I try my best not to touch them myself.

Hunky, any chance you can post a pic of the fruit tarts from the buffet? I have a friend I need to torture with them :p

Does anyone have a picture of the fruit tarts that are available in the buffet? Need to torture my friend with some food porn prior to our cruise in March :D She blames them for her 5lb weight gain last year :rolleyes:

Do you know if they still have the pub lunch on sea days? Wondering about on the Coral. Thanks

Can't answer for the Coral, but they do have it on the Caribbean Princess on two sea days.

"Spring Breakers" in March usually refers to college students. And most are over 18.

 

When addressing this issue, people must be mindful that Spring Breakers doesn't mean "kiddies". The "kiddies" mostly have breaks in February (President's Day week) and/or late March/April (Easter Week). Many prep schools and private schools follow more of a college schedule. But that is not an impactful volume of youths.

I can only speak for Arizona, but our school systems mostly sync with the University calendars. Plus some of our districts do year round schedule and they have 2 weeks off for spring break.