bannister island thru RCCL?

[sunsetme]

anyone done this excursion thru RCCL? do you leave from the ship (tender) to the island? Prices are similar for privated excursions, it seems a waste of time to go to shore first to get them.

[Cruisin' R.N.]

Bannister Island Beach Break thru RCCL: You leave on a tender from the ship directly to Bannister Island. If all you want is a beach day, booking thru RCCL is fine. If you want snorkeling, etc...there are some nice private excursion companies to book thru. :)

[gupsmom]

How long are you on the Island? Is there anyway you can leave earlier if you need/want to?

 

Jess

[QTBabyNurse]

I was wondering the exact same thing as the poster above. Are there tenders to take you back and forth throughout the day or just one that goes there and one that comes back? Are there any meals/drinks included?

[Cruisin' R.N.]

October 25th, 2008 03:42 PMQTBabyNurseI was wondering the exact same thing as the poster above. Are there tenders to take you back and forth throughout the day or just one that goes there and one that comes back? Are there any meals/drinks included?

 

October 22nd, 2008 08:54 PMgupsmomHow long are you on the Island? Is there anyway you can leave earlier if you need/want to?

 

Jess

 

 

It depends on the excursion you choose. The private beach break thru RCCL states how many hours it is. Also, if you book thru a private company, they state on the reservation how many hours. The private companies have an email address so you can email them with questions prior to booking. My questions have always been answered promptly. :)

[sunsetme]

anyone with first hand experience out there?

[Palmfam]

We just returned from an 8 day on Carnival Miracle.

 

Last year we were on the Valor and had a stop in Belize, we went to Cucumber Beach. It was just okay-a man made lagoon.

 

This year-we choose Bannister Caye Island. We did not book it through the cruise line. We walked off and found this company-I believe it was EcoTours, they were awesome!!!!

Tom was the Captain and Natalia was the guide.

She was very sweet.

I have their phone number at home, I will post it tomorrow.

 

It was so nice. White sandy beaches, clear blue waters..it was so beautiful.

Once we got to Bannister they took a small group that wanted to go snorkeling then brought them back to the beach.

 

The company is not allowed per the cruiseline to bring you back to the ship-if they could they would.

No, they do not go back and forth all day. You do have to wait for them to get enough people to go over and once you are there, they say we are leaving at this time. They came over and said 30 more mins, 15 mins, 5 minutes.

 

I was trying to attach photos but its not working. They provided water.

They have a restaurant and a bar. It wasn't very expensive. I got a chicken sandwich and fries for $8. I think all meals were between $8-12. They did have lobster for $25.

 

I would highly recommend this tour and company.

 

They have huts for shade, restrooms, changing rooms.

We had a 3 1/2 year old with us-no problems.

 

We went to Panama, Costa Rica and Belize and found the absolute best tour guides.

Please feel free to ask any questions.

 

Take Care,

~D

[Palmfam]

I found some of my photos from bannister and thought I would share.

[Palmfam]

We just returned from an 8 day on Carnival Miracle.

 

Last year we were on the Valor and had a stop in Belize, we went to Cucumber Beach. It was just okay-a man made lagoon.

 

This year-we choose Bannister Caye Island. We did not book it through the cruise line. We walked off and found this company-I believe it was EcoTours, they were awesome!!!!

Tom was the Captain and Natalia was the guide.

She was very sweet.

I have their phone number at home, I will post it tomorrow.

 

It was so nice. White sandy beaches, clear blue waters..it was so beautiful.

Once we got to Bannister they took a small group that wanted to go snorkeling then brought them back to the beach.

 

The company is not allowed per the cruiseline to bring you back to the ship-if they could they would.

No, they do not go back and forth all day. You do have to wait for them to get enough people to go over and once you are there, they say we are leaving at this time. They came over and said 30 more mins, 15 mins, 5 minutes.

 

I was trying to attach photos but its not working. They provided water.

They have a restaurant and a bar. It wasn't very expensive. I got a chicken sandwich and fries for $8. I think all meals were between $8-12. They did have lobster for $25.

 

I would highly recommend this tour and company.

 

They have huts for shade, restrooms, changing rooms.

We had a 3 1/2 year old with us-no problems.

 

We went to Panama, Costa Rica and Belize and found the absolute best tour guides.

Please feel free to ask any questions.

 

Take Care,

~D

 

 

I found their card-

The name is Ecological Tours & Services

cavetubing@yahoo.com

www.belizeshoretours.com

 

Office # 011.501.223.4874

 

Great service!!

[iluvtocruise33]

Nice beach. They pick you up right from the ship and take you to the island. You can't go back and forth though. If you just want to relax on the beach this is the excursion for you.