WendyVF

We got there about 10:30.

The pool with the Swim Up bar is for AI guest only. I don't recall seeing another one but we didn't venture to the pay as you go side.

It was about a 15 minute tax ride. There is a set price based on the number of people. I don't remember the exact amount but I know I've seeen a picture of the tax sign on here.

It was completely safe and I would not worry about 2 women alone in a taxi.

We took the metrorail from the airport to the Hampton Inn Brickell. We flew in on American and it was a bit of a hike to where the airport connects to the metrorail. It looked like some of the terminals were MUCH closer. It wasn't anything horrible, just more than I was expecting. We had plenty of time and it was less than $10 for all 4 of us.

We also took the people mover from the hotel to Bayside.

We did the cave tubing last week with .bz and were in port 9-6. We get priority tenders with Carnival and were on one of the first tenders. The tender ride is about 25 minutes and you have to leave time for it to fill up and for everyone to get off. If you're doing a private tour, you have to locate your company and then do all their stuff and wait for a van to fill up. I'd say it was at least an hour from the time we left the ship until we were headed to the caves.

We got back to the port with about 45 minutes to spare until the last tender so there really wasn't much time to do anything but look in a few shops.

We did the cavetubing with .bz last week. We passed the zoo on the way and the guide told us a little about it. I didn't get the impression that it was a traditional zoo. I believe he said there are currently 46 animals there and that they are all rescues from different parts of the country. There is a lady that owns it and rescues the animals. You may be able to find more information with a google search.

I was fairly exhausted after the cavetubing. Also keep in mind that Belize is a tender port (about a 25 minute ride). We were in port 9-6, got on one of the first tenders and still only had about an hour to spare when we got back.

We were there last week and they would not allow you in the river with flip flops. We had water shoes and they worked fine. I would've liked more support for my feet during the hike but suprisingly I felt fine afterwards.

We were at Mr. Sancho's last week and had a great day. We had 2 families with kids 22,18,18 & 15. We did the all inclusive. Service was great. Food off the menu was good. I wasn't impressed with the buffet. Loved the pool bar just wished they had turned on the music earlier. It was really starting to rock when we had to leave. My only regret is that we didn't get there earlier and get a spot right on the ocean. I think we would have enjoyed it even more if some could have sat in the sun while others sat at the table in the shade.

Keep in mind that you need to tender in Belize and it's not a short trip. I'm sure someone will know exactly but I'm thinking it's at least 20 minutes. We've had some scary situations over the years when the seas got a little rough and it was difficult transferring from the tender to the cruise ship. I was extremely nervous with our then teens. You know your children best, but mine would not have done well on the tenders at that age.

The last time we cavetubed, you had to cross the river to start the hike. The current was really strong and I had trouble getting out of the tube at the end. I'm sure the guides would be a lot of help but I wouldn't take children that young. It's a long bus ride and and a hike.

We've stayed there before and will be again at the end of December. It has a nice pool area and a bar. The only downside is no food onsite other than the continental breakfast (which is very nice). There are lots of restaurants in the area. We were so exhausted on the second day that we grabbed a take out menu from the front desk and had subs delivered to us in the bar and enjoyed a lovely inexpensive evening!

I've been considering the Orange Line to get our group of 4 (all adults) to the Hampton Inn Brickell. It looks fairly straightforward and would save us a bit of money to blow later. We land at 8:30 a.m. so will be in no hurry to get to the hotel.

Any advice or estimates on what a cab will cost?

We used Holland limo for a ride from FLL to our downtown Miami hotel. They were super, even taking our flight delay in stride. Unfortunately our driver was already at FLL when we learned that we would be delayed in Jacksonville. He waited for at least 90 minutes for us. My cell phone was ringing when I turned it on and it was the driver letting us know where to find him. It was definitely worth a few dollars more than a shared shuttle for us!

They will serve just about anyone in most of the islands, especially if they are with an adult. I've had them offer my daughter tequila shots when she was 14!

Go with the Freedom. We did this itinerary last spring break on the Freedom and this year on the Breeze. I like the layout on the Freedom much better. I get tired of doing the same islands and a cruise with friends is always so much more fun.

We have considered this but the one thing you cannot control is other people texting you or your daughter. We use the cabin phones voicemail for checking in with each other. After the first day we have a good idea where our DD will be and let her know where we plan to be so she can check in every few hours.

We've done both and have had really great times. In our experience the AI's are more expensive mostly due to airfare. We stayed at an upscale AI last year in the Dominican Republic and had a great time during the day at the beach and pools but there was little to do in the evenings. We are really spoiled by all the lounges, shows, etc. on the cruise ships. I was also not a fan of the food but understood that we were in DR and not the US and the food was not geared to please only US visitors. The biggest difference I have found is that not everyone is starting and ending their vacation at the same time. We'd make friends to only find out they were leaving in a day or two. All this being said, I'd go back in a second!

There are a couple of smaller slides for tiny tykes and they're by the slurpee machine so bring extra $$ with you.

Can you tell me more about the slurpee machines? First I have heard mention of them.

It's continuous. I don't remember if it was every hour or half hour but it did run on time.

Yes. Go to the right when you exit the terminal. When we went, it was the very last shuttle all the way at the end.

It takes you to Cocoa Beach Surf shop which is next to Ron Jon's. You walk 2 blocks back to the beach. It was a bit of a walk to the pier.

The shuttle was convenient and on time.

Which shuttle? The free one or the one for $10pp?

 

So, after getting off the ship and heading over to the mass of shuttles, walk to the left all the way to the back?

The free one. When you come out of the terminal go to the right and all the way down. You'll be approached by lots of vendors...just keep walking.

I already posted this on the ports of call boards but got no answers. So, I thought I'd try here.

 

Has anyone been to Port Canaveral recently and taken the free shuttle that runs from the ship to Cocoa Beach?

 

Or the other shuttle that costs only $10pp and makes 3 stops (one of the stops to Walmart)?

 

Just wanted to check and see if they are still running.

 

(Not the shuttle service that Carnival offers for $16pp.)

We used it around October 15th. It was the very last shuttle. Great service.

Is he the one that always says excuse me for interrupting your dinner conversations? If so, we absolutely loved him. We had him quite a few years ago and still talk about him!

That helps some. Unfortunately Hawthorn is requiring a 2 night stay now and by the time I pay for transportation for the 3 of us it may be cheaper and easier to park at the port!

Thanks!

Since you're from the area maybe you can help me with a hotel. I found the Sheraton Airport for a great price that includes parking and transportation. I've read some posts that allude to problems in North Charleston but none are specific. Is there a problem with that area (other than not much being around) and would you leave your car there for a week?

That's great. Have to get my OJ somehow! Love that Andrew had a Bud McMuffin for breakfast. You sould like our kind of people.

We're thinking of doing something similar in Freeport but would prefer a place with a few more facilities We'll have our DD(15) with us. Did you see any place that would rent chairs and such?