Carnival Shore Excursions: Belize

We are just weeks away from the famous spring break. It will be here before you know it! Have you ever considered taking a Carnival cruise for your next vacation? Don’t forget we can help you book the best vacation for you, your family, and your budget.

Carnival Cruises offer some great, affordable cruises to places like Belize. Today we thought we would share a few of our favorite shore excursions in Belize. It’s always nice to know some of what they offer at the port. There is a mix of prices and a mix of activities. From beach relaxation to zip line, you can find something exciting to do while docked in Belize.

True Belizean Foodie Tour

If you love to try local food and feel like part of the culture, this would be a great excursion to experience. You will have the opportunity to try Belize street food both sweet and savory. The food you enjoy will be from Garifuna, Maya, and Mestizo cultures. Not only will get to enjoy street food but you will also experience a neighborhood market where you can try fruits and vegetables that are used often in Belizean cooking. This excursion is a great mix of food, culture, and experience. Not only do you get to taste the food, you get to learn about it from this guided culinary tour. For those who enjoy cooking, you also get the chance to learn new tropical ways of cooking up seafood ceviche.

• $79.99 per adult || $69.99 per child (8-12)
• 4-hour adventure
• Easy activity level
• Must be 8 or older

Belize Zoo & City Tour

This tour will take you right into the heart of the Belizean culture and everyday life. A knowledgeable guide will keep you entertained and up to date with the history of the place as you tour through the city. You will have a chance to see city life, geography, and many aspects of the Belizean culture before arriving at the zoo. Once at the zoo, you will have a unique opportunity to see what the jungles and savannas have to offer. This zoo has grown from a small zoo to the larger wildlife refuge center it is now. The zoo spans over about 29 acres and holds around 125 animals that are native to Belize. You will see jaguars, toucans, tree frogs, and many more amazing species. The time at the zoo is about an hour and a half that you can explore and learn about all these animals.

• $65.99 ages 13 and up || $55.99 ages 4-12
• 4 and under don’t need a ticket
• 4.5-hour adventure
• Moderate activity level
• Walking is involved
• Recommended to bring sunscreen and other forms of sun protection

Jungle Ecopark Family Adventure with Belizean Lunch

During the short ride to the Ecopark, you will learn a little about the culture and history of Belize in your air-conditioned vehicle. Once you arrive and enter the park, you will be surrounded by tropical wildflowers, palms, trees, and more. The elevated palmetto boardwalk will lead you right into the recreational area of the park. Located there is your lunch spot, Pokonobwai Restaurant and Bar, where you can enjoy your lunch at any point in the day because it is served buffet style. When you’re ready to get wet there are pools, slides, waterfalls, and a kiddie water section in the park. There are also great places to sit and relax throughout the park such as their hammocks by the water.

• $49.99 per child and adult
• No minimum age
• 5-hour adventure
• Moderate activity level
• Free wifi, free lunch included

Scenic Wildlife River Cruise

Head out of the dock on your river cruise with your captain as you try to find some of the great wildlife Belize has to offer. You might get to see dolphins, crocodiles, iguanas, and more so keep your eyes open for them. Your guide will help point out all the wildlife that they see so that you can see as well. When you find some wildlife, the guide will bring you as close as possible so you can snap a cool picture or take a closer look. Not only will you see great wildlife but also a good look at the geography of the area. The guide will be explaining all the geography and pointing out some of the plants that Mayan bushmen have used as medicine. This is a great way to get a lot of information and have some close looks at the wildlife Belize has to offer.

• $55.99 per person
• Minimum age 3 years
• 2-hour adventure
• Easy activity level
• Must be able to get in and out of the boat

Starfish Private Island Getaway with Lunch

Who wouldn’t want to sail off to a private island where you can relax and enjoy the crystal clear water? The Starfish Private Island will be a perfect place to get some good beach time in. Sway and sunbathe to the sound of the music that will be heard throughout the island. There is a main bar where you can grab a drink or your complimentary lunch. While lunch is included, you can buy water and drinks for additional costs at the bar. There is even a small island souvenir shop where you can get something to remind you of your fun, relaxing day at the Starfish Private Island.

• $59.99 ages 13 and up
• $52.99 ages 4-12
• Children under 4 don’t require a ticket
• 4-hour adventure
• Moderate activity level
• Floats, umbrellas, and kayaks are available for rent

What would you love to do while visiting Belize? Did any of these options interest you? We’d love to hear what you would like to do on your next cruise.

5 things to think about when planning a cruise

If you’ve never gotten the chance to vacation on a cruise, you’re missing out! But not only that, when you go to plan your first cruise…it can seem a little intimidating. So many options! Do you pick Carnival or Disney? 5-day or 7-day? And don’t get us started on picking a location!

That’s one reason we always suggest using a travel agent. We are here to help you make those decisions and help tailor your dream vacation to fit your needs and your budget.

Today, we wanted to share a few things to start thinking about. If you are considering a cruise as your next vacation, there are a few things to think about before you start planning. Hopefully, these will help you as you begin to think about your next getaway. These are just a few things to think about that will help you narrow down all the many possibilities and help you find the perfect cruise for you.

#1 Are you wanting a beach, European, Alaskan, etc. location?

One of the most exciting things about cruises is the fact that there are tons of location options. You can cruise to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and even Transatlantic. Most likely, there should be a cruising destination for everyone. Whether you want an exclusive beach cruise or would like to see the glaciers of Alaska…there’s a cruise for it!  So when you first start considering planning a cruise, start by thinking of what location you would like to go to. By deciding that, you will narrow down your cruise options and it will be easier to pick the one perfect for you.

#2 How much time off work can you get?

Another exciting thing about cruises is the fact that they vary in length. You can take a 4-day cruise or a 2-week cruise! It all depends on where you are going and how long you want to be on vacation. So we suggest starting to think about how much time off work you can get when you first begin to plan a cruise. Maybe you can only take off a week, so you will definitely want to look at 7-day or shorter cruises.

Cruises are fabulous no matter how long you will be on it! So knowing how much time off you will have will help narrow down your cruise options as well. Remember that the main difference in cruises will be the number of stops you make. So a 7-day cruise might make 3 ports where a longer cruise might have more.

#3 Will there be children cruising with you?

For a lot of people, deciding what cruise company to use is the hardest decision! Disney, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, etc. there are plenty of cruise companies to pick from. One way to help you decide is based on who you will be cruising with! While all cruise companies have great aspects for all ages…some are more geared to children than others.

Most people will say that Disney and Carnival are very family oriented. Carnival is also known to be great for singles. So if you are cruising with your kids and they love Disney, look into Disney Cruises! If you are going for a honeymoon, consider Royal Caribbean! Make sure that you pick a cruise line that will be geared to your traveling companions needs. And don’t let anyone tell you Disney cruises are only for kids, plenty of us adults love them too! Remember that all ships are full of things geared to adults only or adventures for the kids…this tip is just to help you look at what the ships have to offer to see what is best for your travel group.

#4 What kind of adventures do you want to have?

When you plan a cruise, you will also need to book your port excursions/adventures. Just like cruise lines, there are dozens of options to choose from when it comes to things to do at port. When you first start planning, think about what you want from those port times. Are you looking for a relaxing beach day? Would you rather do something thrilling like a zip line? Or maybe you want to experience the scenery first hand by taking a hike. Knowing ahead of time what kind of adventures you want to have while docked at the port will make deciding and booking those excursions much easier.

#5 Where do you want to leave from?

Depending on what cruise you are going to take will determine where you embark from. If you are wanting to see Grand Cayman and Cozumel, you can leave from Texas, Florida, and even Louisiana. So if you want to leave from a specific port, that will narrow down the cruises you can take. Maybe you want to avoid flying so you need to embark from a port that is close enough to drive to. This might seem like a simple thing to think about but it can really help you determine what your ideal cruise would be.

But if all that doesn’t help you, have no fear! That’s what we are here to help with! Just contact us and we can help you decide on your perfect cruise!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

One thing Disney does really well is themed resorts. Not only are their resorts all differently themed and put together, but they also have different price ranges. There are some very affordable options, more moderately priced ones, and then the luxury resorts. No matter where you stay on Disney grounds…you’re guaranteed to have a magical stay.

Today we thought we would take a look at one of Disney’s most well-known luxury resorts…The Polynesian Villiage Resort. The Polynesian Villiage Resort has been a long time favorite since 1971. If you’re looking for an island getaway in the middle of Disney, consider this resort! You will feel like you are in the south pacific as you are surrounded by island ambiance and decor. Why don’t we take a closer look at what all this island-inspired resort has to offer?

Overview

As we said, The Polynesian Village Resort has been around since the early 1970s. One of the most unique aspects of this island-inspired resort is that they offer both normal deluxe rooms as well as bungalows that can sleep up to 8 people. The resort also has a monorail stop which allows for quick transportation to places like the Magic Kingdom.

The Polynesian Village Resort takes you to a tropical haven full of Disney magic. The resort is adorned with Polynesian architecture, statues, and decor to make you feel like you have truly stepped into a beautiful beach getaway. From the giant tiki statue to the lava rock water feature…the island feel is involved in every single detail. Nothing goes unnoticed in a Disney resort.

Rooms

While you have some choices between what kind of room you want, all rooms with come with some standard things like a hairdryer, free WIFI, coffee maker, and a mini-refrigerator. There are standard rooms, and rooms with views such as the lagoon view, theme park view, pool/marina view, or garden view. The standard rooms come with the typical 2 queens or one king. Most standard rooms sleep up to 5 people. No matter if you choose a standard room or a bungalow, you’re comfort is all but guaranteed in a Disney resort.

Recreation

There is plenty to do while staying at the Polynesian Village Resort. From boat rentals to campfire activities, this resort is equipped with many fun options. There are movies under the stars, pools, a marina, fishing, campfires, jogging trails, and volleyball! If you are wanting a more relaxing day away from the parks, this resort has lots of options.

If you enjoy Disney movies, make sure to catch their showings on the Great Ceremonial House Lawn. There is nothing better than stretching out of the grass and enjoying a Disney movie during a warm Florida night.

The Seven Seas Marina is a lakeside marina that is open to guests. You can rent equipment for your favorite water time activity or even book a private cruise. You can rent motorized boats to have your own adventure on the Seven Seas Lagoon!

And for all our swimmers there is the Lava Pool and the Oasis Pool. The Lava Pool includes a 142-foot slide and a zero-depth entrance (meaning it is a gradual entrance similar to a beach). The Oasis pool is tucked inside a lush, beautiful garden which provides a tranquil area to swim.

Dining

You won’t go hungry at the Polynesian Village Resort by any means! From small bar areas to themed dining, there are many choices when it comes to grub. If you want to do a character breakfast with Lilo & Stitch or a festive Polynesian themed meal, make sure to make reservations at ‘Ohana. The Oasis Bar & Grill is open for lunch and snacks! They serve healthy salads, fish tacos, tropical cocktails and much more. This is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat.

There is also the Pineapple Lania where you can grab the world famous Dole Whip and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace where you can listen to live music and cool down with a fun, tropical drink. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the Polynesian culture, make sure you get to Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner. You will get the full experience of an island luau where you will dine on an authentic all-you-can-eat dinner. This dinner is full of entertainment as well! From hula dancing to fire dancing, you won’t want to miss all the action! These are just a few of the yummy dining options, contact us for a full list!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has a lot to offer. Whether you are a family, single, or with your significant other…this is a great resort to book for your next vacation. We’d love to help answer any questions you might have, let us know!

Royal Caribbean Excursions: Falmouth under $70

Today we’re heading to beautiful Jamaica! Fairly recently, Royal Caribbean started docking at a new port in Falmouth, Jamaica. It’s beautiful and is a docking port. You will walk right off into a fun, exciting set of shops and dining places without even technically leaving the port.

If you travel to Jamaica one of the biggest pieces of advice you will hear is “be careful!” It’s definitely a port you want to do cruise verified excursions. Even though the port itself holds a lot to do, there are still some great excursions available. Today we are going to take a look at some of the more affordable options for excursions…all under $70! We want to show you that you can still have a fun adventure without spending hundreds of dollars on shore excursions. Let’s see what they have to offer, shall we??

Royal Caribbean excursions under $70: Falmouth

1700’s Great House and Plantation Tour with Lunch

If you enjoy lunch, fun, and rich history- then consider this excursion! You will be able to explore a colonial-era house that was very sought after in the eighteenth century. You will have access to explore the hummingbird garden as well as the 2,000 acres that the house sits on. There are souvenirs available at the Trade House. After exploring all the fun elements such as the waterwheel, you will dine on a yummy Jamaican jerk BBQ lunch. There are multiple places to look at on the plantation including the Great House, Trade House, and Potter House. At the Trade and Potter Houses, you can shop but also view the resident potters work.

• $69 per adult and child
• Family friendly
• Mild activity level
• 3-hour adventure
• Waiver required
• Meal & shopping is part of the excursion

Jungle Tubing Adventure

If you or your family are more adventurous, then you might love this jungle tubing excursion. On this adventure, you will grab a tube and journey down the gentle rapids. The safety guide will brief you and then down you go on the winding river. This tubing adventure is a great way to experience the sights on the Jamaican jungle in a unique way. Keep in mind that this excursion can change locations and length in time based on weather and river water levels. Don’t worry, you won’t get bored, a river guide will keep you informed and entertained as you float. If time permits, you might have some time to explore swim or make a stop for some shopping.

• $59 per adult || $49 per child
• Family friendly
• Strenuous activity level
• 2.5-hour adventure
• Max weight 240

Falmouth and Montego Bay at Leisure

In this relaxed excursion, enjoy some sightseeing and exploring some of the highlights of Jamaica. For those who like to explore on their own and do as they please…this is a perfect one for you. This is a guided tour where you will first do a driving tour where you will pass luxury hotels, great houses, and homes of the rich and famous. After that, you will have 2 hours to explore the Hip Strip, Margaritaville, and Doctor’s Cave Beach. You get to pick what you do and see in those 2 hours. If you want to dip into some water, head to Doctor’s Cave Beach. Or just grab a drink at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville.

• $44 per adult || $29 per child
• 4-hour and 45-minute adventure
• Moderate activity level
• Shopping and food available

Blue Waters Beach Transfer

Who wouldn’t want to just soak up the sun on a Jamaican beach? In this affordable excursion, you will travel 10 minutes to this gorgeous beach and spend a few hours in the crystal clear water. This beach has a bar, lounge chairs, and reggae music playing through the area.  This is a simple and relaxing excursion that just gives you some great time to enjoy the beach. Also, this is a great time to try some famous Jamaican cuisine. Jerk chicken, burgers, rice and peas, pasta, salads, and more are available for additional cost if you get hungry after spending an hour in the water.

• $32 per adult and child
• 3-hour adventure
• Moderate activity level
• Lockers and towels can be rented
• Food & drinks are an additional charge

Green Grotto Express

Hop onto an air-conditioned transport that will take you to see some beautiful Jamaican landscape. You will arrive at the place Christopher Columbus landed in 1494- Discovery Bay. Here you will be able to explore the famous cave system that was used in history to hide runaway pirates or slaves. You will be able to see the cracks in the caves as well as stalactites and stalagmites. This place holds a lot of history and it is exciting to be able to experience it first hand. There is also a wishing well, so make sure you bring a coin.

• $59 per adult || $49 per child
• 2.5-hour adventure
• Moderate activity level

These are just a few of the more affordable excursion options in Falmouth. Which seems the most exciting to you?

The Carnival Dream

Have you ever been curious about what kind of amenities come on a Carnival Cruise ship? Ever single cruise line has their pro’s and con’s, while we’ve focused a lot of Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line, today we are taking a look at one of the other popular cruise lines- Carnival.

Just like any cruise line, Carnival has different levels of ships. Some only go to the Caribbean some only do Transatlantic destinations. Not only does location differ, but the amenities and luxuries on the ships are different with the ship classes. Today, let’s take a quick look at the Carnival Dream.

Carnival Dream

Overview

The Carnival Dream cruises to the Caribbean and the Caribbean alone right now. This ship hosts both 2-5 day cruises and 6-9 day cruises as well. These are perfect for the typical family vacation or couples getaway. This ship departs from only two ports which are Galveston, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana. If you are looking for a great, central place to depart from- the Carnival Dream might be our best bet.

The Carnival Dream sits at 130,000 gross tonnage. Even though this ship only departs from two locations, this ship is one of the bigger ships that Carnival has in its fleet. The Carnival Dream holds over 3,600 passengers and over 1,300 crew members. This ship was the first one of its class and has been followed by other similar ships like the Carnival Magic and the Carnival Breeze.

This luxurious ship is equipped with everything you could ever need on the sea. You can enjoy food from Guys Burger Joint or sit down at your table in one of their two dual-level dining rooms. Let’s take a closer look at everything this dream has to offer.

Staterooms

The Carnival Dream has many different kinds of rooms to offer which are the interior rooms, ocean view rooms, balcony rooms, and even suites. No matter which one you stay in, you will feel so at home and comfortable. You will have access to a stateroom steward both day and night for any of your needs.

 

Interior rooms have a few options. You can have an interior room with a picture window, a spa interior, or a porthole room. The balcony rooms also have a few choices. You can have a cove balcony, a large balcony, a spa balcony, a large balcony, or an aft-view balcony. If you are looking for a suite then you can have a junior suite, ocean suite, spa suite, or the grand suite.

Cove Balcony

Dining

The Carnival Dream has many different dining options. From food joints that are included to ones that might cost a little extra money, each option will be full of fine dining options you will love.

This ship has over 20 dining options that are included in your original price. There will literally be something for everyone. We thought we would share a few of our favorites out of the list so you can get an idea of what food is included.

For our Food Network fans, you will have to grab a burger at Guy’s Burger Joint. GBJ offers many different yummy burger options and looks like a stop from his hit show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. This dining option is open for lunch!

Mongolian Wok is another dining option open for just lunch. If you like Asian food, then this would be a great place to visit. This is like a build your own bowl place where you will pick your noodles, veggies, meat, and sauce but they will cook it up for you. And don’t worry, you can come back as many times as you like.

Not only does your price include all those good places and more, but you can also enjoy a salad bar, breakfast grill, chefs choice, and more.

If you’re fine with spending a little more money, you can try one of the seven additional dining options the Carnival Dream has onboard. There is the Steakhouse, Seafood Shack, The Chef’s Table, and more. If you want to treat the kiddos, you can take them to the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast.

Activities and Entertainment

The Carnival Dream has many activities and entertainment options to offer. Many, of course, are included in your price. There are many different options from water activities to shows to enjoy, you’ll never be bored on this ship.

If music is your thing, make sure you check out the Playlist Productions, Stage Shows, Piano Bar, Live Music, and more. There is always a fun music activity going on in one of the theaters or bars.

There are also many different kinds of activities onboard that you need to try. You can be a part of game shows, have a lip-sync battle, or solve a crime at CLUE: The Murder Mystery. For the movie-loving water bugs…there are dive-in movies! You can enjoy a movie from the comfort of the pool or a deck chair. Also keep an eye out for the exciting deck parties as well!

If you want to be active, you can play mini-golf, volleyball, run on the track, or take a ride down the water slide.

The Carnival Dream has some great adult-centered activities as well such as adult bars, the Spa (costs extra), and offers places for the kiddos to hang out while you spend some one on one time. These are just a few of the exciting options that the Carnival Dream has to offer. You will never be bored on the ship. The Carnival dream is definitely made with something for everyone. From fun teen clubs to more sophisticated art seminars, bring the whole family because they will find something the like to do.

Are you itching to take a cruise now? We sure are! Contact us for help to book your next Carnival Cruise or another vacation.