Carnival Conquest 10/19/2014 - Photos and FunTimes

[funinthesun1964]

The sky was looking somewhat threatening, and we knew there would be a good chance of rain. There was some sort of tropical disturbance going on and figured we would have rain. But on the other hand, we had heard that there was a chance the front could move slightly aside. You just never know about the weather. We decide to go ahead with the plan to go to Paradise Beach. It wasn't raining yet, anyhow.

 

We exit the ship and go through the port area shopping, not really stopping in any shops at this time. I figured there would be time for that later. We get a taxi and end up at Paradise Beach.

 

We were charged $3pp for use of the pool, beach area, facilities, etc. with an understanding that we needed to spend $10 pp on food/drink.

 

Chairs located, we parked ourselves. The guys immediately go into the water to use the toys.

 

 

You can pay for parasailing, jet skis, massages, etc. in this area.

 

 

 

oh yeah, tattoos and hair braids too:

 

[funinthesun1964]

I ordered a bucket of Sol beer. 5 beers for $18. This alone would nearly take care of the $20 minimum for DH & me.

 

After a while, the ladies decided to go into the water as well. We were having a good time, the sky looking more and more like it was going to downpour in any minute. Then an employee of the place (I assume that's what he was) was out in the water in a kayak, telling us we had to pay to use the water toys. We had been at paradise beach before and we hadn't been told this. We left the water anyway, due to the threat of rain. We get back to our chairs and sit for a couple minutes, and sure enough, DOWNPOUR! We had about an hour there, maybe slightly longer. We go to the bar area for shelter, to decide what we are going to do. There is a computer there for guest use, and we attempt to look up a radar. Then an employee approaches my friend and says that there was a minimum of $10 per person that had to be spent and they hadn't done so, so pay up now! She said, well they would stay and do so. So we all had a drink and spent our quota. Honestly, I was disappointed in this place from a year and half ago, just their attitude was a little curt. But maybe because it was such a horrible day weather-wise and they knew they would not make any money. Not my fault either. Maybe I will look for another place next time in Cozumel.

 

The downpour continued, we took a taxi back to port. I wasn't even interested in looking at anything in the shops. I just wanted to get back on the ship and get a shower.

 

Here is a picture of the lovely day, and yeah there is the Caribbean Princess docked next to our ship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were back on the ship at 2:30. Felt much better after a hot shower.

[funinthesun1964]

We had a late lunch on Lido. We did not go the MDR for dinner. I tried my luck in the casino and had no luck. :( The band that was on the Promenade deck, Tonicshock, was good.

 

Tonight was the night of the deck party and Mexican buffet on Lido. We were up there for a while, but didn't stay long. We ended up at comedy club/piano bar again for a while. We got back to our cabin after midnight.

 

 

 

We should have been in bed earlier because we had ziplining and cavetubing the next day in Belize!

[CRUISESTARR]

The sky was looking somewhat threatening, and we knew there would be a good chance of rain. There was some sort of tropical disturbance going on and figured we would have rain. But on the other hand, we had heard that there was a chance the front could move slightly aside. You just never know about the weather. We decide to go ahead with the plan to go to Paradise Beach. It wasn't raining yet, anyhow.

 

We exit the ship and go through the port area shopping, not really stopping in any shops at this time. I figured there would be time for that later. We get a taxi and end up at Paradise Beach.

 

We were charged $3pp for use of the pool, beach area, facilities, etc. with an understanding that we needed to spend $10 pp on food/drink.

 

Chairs located, we parked ourselves. The guys immediately go into the water to use the toys.

 

 

You can pay for parasailing, jet skis, massages, etc. in this area.

 

 

 

oh yeah, tattoos and hair braids too:

 

 

Thank you so much for your review so far! My family and I are planning to go to paradise beach as well while docked in Cozumel. Do you remember how much was the cab fare round trip as well as how much passengers do they hold?

[funinthesun1964]

Thank you so much for your review so far! My family and I are planning to go to paradise beach as well while docked in Cozumel. Do you remember how much was the cab fare round trip as well as how much passengers do they hold?

 

I'm thinking it was around 25-28 (per cab) but we had 6 people and it was a van. The charge went up after 4 passengers. If you have 4 passengers or less the fee will be less expensive, like maybe 14 per cab? Sorry that I can't remember exactly.

[funinthesun1964]

Without further ado, here are the Fun Times from Wednesday in Belize.

 

 

[funinthesun1964]

We had a full day packed today. I had pre-arranged to meet with Vitalino Reyes (cavetubing.bz) for the zipline and combo tour. We had done the cavetubing with this group before and were very impressed. The zipline activity was fairly new here, so we were sure gonna give it a try.

 

The only thing is, time is of the essence. This is a tender port, and I had been given instructions to be one of the first off the ship. We were not platinum yet as of this cruise and we did not purchase FTTF; therefore we just had to take our chances and try.

 

We went to buffet for breakfast, then arranged to go back downstairs, gather our needed items for the day and meet in the hallway. DH just kinda had the attitude that "we'll get there when we get there" but I kept explaining to him that since we were doing both the zip and the cavetube, we really did need to be in a hurry to get off the ship.

 

Anyway, at 8:00, which was the announced time that you could go to Degas lounge for your tender ticket, we attempted to gather; it was a little later than this by the time we all met. You must have all members of your group and be ready to get off the ship at the time you go to Degas Lounge. We were given a tender ticket number of 7 or 8 (can't remember) - then they called for our groups leading up to, but not including ours. We had a wait of approximately half hour - but seemed like forever - until they called us and we tendered to shore. It is approx. 20-30 minutes to reach shore. When we did, we went through the terminal building, and found Vitalino Reyes' group. We identified ourselves, Vitalino himself met with us, checked our names off, we loaded a van, and met with our tour guide.

 

 

We were given a bottle of water, and shortly thereafter left for our adventures for the day.

 

It would be another 30 min. or so until we arrive at the destination. I have a few pictures that I took along the way and several of the zipline and cavetube adventure. But they will have to wait for later this afternoon, now I need to get to work.

[funinthesun1964]

From the port, to where we ultimately end up to zipline (we did this part first) was approx. 30 minutes or so. I took a few pictures along the way.

 

First pulling out of the port area

 

 

 

 

[funinthesun1964]

also went to a restaurant called "The Filling Station".

 

What did you think of The Filling Station, what did you eat? We were going to go there the last time we were in Miami but never made it.

 

I am sorry, I think I overlooked your question. I really liked the filling station, the food was really good, atmosphere was "cool!", nothing fancy that's for sure. I had a philly steak sandwich, delicious. Just a cool place, we like those tavern, bar food kinda places.

[funinthesun1964]

Here we are, ready to zipline!

 

 

I am extremely nervous, I have a terrible fear of heights, but I took an Ativan before I left the ship to help calm my anxieties. LOL!

 

We all get fitted with a helmet, get all buckled up with all the apparatus gear that we needed, and we were on our way!

 

Here I am at my first stop! I was told how to brake, but just could not get it until about the third line! No worries, a nice guy was waiting and would stop me every time! (thankfully!) :o

 

 

Here comes Wendy!

 

 

Here comes Tom!

 

 

[funinthesun1964]

There's the nice guy who helped us to stop, then unclipped us from the line.

 

 

Here comes Scott in!

 

 

There I go again!

 

 

Here comes Tom

 

[funinthesun1964]

The last line you go across the driveway area, kind of cool because you could almost touch a vehicle like a bus / van. This van went right under Scott.

 

 

I don't know what I was supposed to be taking a picture of here, but I will share anyway! Isn't it pretty?

 

 

Tom coming in

 

 

 

.....and his wife

[funinthesun1964]

With that adventure done, we were ready for the cavetubing. We were driven a short jaunt away to do this. By the way, the road back in this area is SUPER bumpy. Make sure your dentures are secure and you don't have to pee.

 

When we arrive at the cavetubing area, we are shown the showers/changing/restrooms. We are told to go change and meet back at the van. We did as we were told. We were ready! We again were given a helmet. Bonus, this time we were given a life vest too. We walk to the area to start...it is a jaunt, about a 20 minute walk I suppose, some stairs are involved. Pretty place though. Beautiful foliage.

 

Here are some other folks in the river

 

 

 

 

walking along....

 

[funinthesun1964]

Some of the steps we encountered.

 

 

Going into a cave

 

 

 

[funinthesun1964]

 

Our helmets have lights on the front which we can click on in a cave to see.

 

 

 

Now, the beautiful water. Wish I could be back there right now. The scenery is just beautiful.

 

 

 

 

[funinthesun1964]

Remember, we are still on our walk to get to the tubing. All kinds of trees are along the way, which our guide pointed out to us.

 

 

Our guide is digging something out of the rocks:

 

 

Oh, it is a tarantula named Nancy! She is a Mexican tarantula, and not poisonous. But if she does "bite" it would be painful, much like that of a bee sting.

 

 

The guide said that she was quite active today, and probably didn't want to be messed with. He put her back in her little home.

 

Continuing on the walk:

 

Yikes! A prickly yellow! ?

 

 

A path just for us.

 

[funinthesun1964]

 

Just a little while longer Scott....

 

 

[funinthesun1964]

Here we are finally! We are settled in our tubes, and ready to get going.

 

 

 

 

 

[funinthesun1964]

Its dark in those caves!

 

 

 

 

 

stalactites and stalagmites everywhere

 

 

[funinthesun1964]

 

 

We would be leaving the cave soon

 

 

 

Daylight!

 

 

[funinthesun1964]

 

 

 

 

There's our guide, doing all the hard work! He must get lots of good exercise doing that job!

 

[funinthesun1964]

Well, by the time we got out of the water, turned in our helmets, life vests, etc., it was after 2:30. In fact, by the time we were ready to go it was even later than that. We still needed to get our lunch and rum punch, which was included with our excursion. BTW, the price we paid for the combo with lunch, rum punch, transportation to and from the port was $65 per person. I didn't that that was bad at all.

 

Well now you can also see the importance of getting off the ship as soon as possible in the morning. We rushed to Vitalino's house for the delicious lunch. We were served immediately, no waiting. Right after we finished eating, we were getting in the van to get back to port. I think I remember now the driver said it was 40-45 minutes to get back to port, depending on traffic. Wow, the driver speeded back and got us back to port on time. Took a short cut somewhere, he said. Also, another couple and another tour guide joined us on the ride back and the rum punch was free flowing, and that other tour guide was a riot. He was cracking me up, laughing all the way back. Too funny.

 

We did make it back on time! Vitalino did tell me that they have never had a person miss the ship yet. Very professional people here and they go out of their way to make sure the customer is happy. Love them and all that cavetubing.bz does. Next time we go to Belize, we may do the ziplining and the ATV tour!

 

Here are some pictures when we arrived back at the port.

 

 

 

We didn't have time to look at anything in port

 

Back on the tender:

 

 

 

Look at the timestamp on the picture. We had to be back on the ship at 4:30!

[harv1631]

I am thinking about doing the same trip with cave tubing dot bz. I did have one question. Do you think someone would have an issue in the caves if they have trouble with getting claustrophobic? Most of the pictures look like they are pretty open and wide. The dark isn't an issue it has more to do with if something is a very small space or close to your face. So if their isn't a lot of clearance above your head that might be an issue. Any input on this would be great. Also how did you do with zip lining and your fear of heights? I'm really adventurous and my husband doesn't love heights and has some trouble with getting claustrophobic. He said he thinks he will be fine and will do it, but I don't want him to be miserable either.

[funinthesun1964]

I am thinking about doing the same trip with cave tubing dot bz. I did have one question. Do you think someone would have an issue in the caves if they have trouble with getting claustrophobic? Most of the pictures look like they are pretty open and wide. The dark isn't an issue it has more to do with if something is a very small space or close to your face. So if their isn't a lot of clearance above your head that might be an issue. Any input on this would be great. Also how did you do with zip lining and your fear of heights? I'm really adventurous and my husband doesn't love heights and has some trouble with getting claustrophobic. He said he thinks he will be fine and will do it, but I don't want him to be miserable either.

 

I also have an issue with being claustrophobic, and I was fine. I know before I've had to have an MRI, I had to take a Xanax. That MRI machine though is really close. This is not. Dark, yes, but not close. There is plenty of air and space around you. Everyone I guess has their own levels of comfort and so forth, but I was completely fine with this.

 

Yes, I am terrified with ziplining. We went in Roatan in Feb. 2013, when we got off the ship we had no plans to do this, but found someone that would let us go for a good deal. Of course I didn't take the meds. The guide was so nice and patient with me. In the end, he went with me on the first line :o but I was fine after that. I just have to have my Ativan or else I am too afraid. Silly I know. I hate roller coasters too. Does your husband have a script for Ativan? I also take it to help me sleep.

[harv1631]

I also have an issue with being claustrophobic, and I was fine. I know before I've had to have an MRI, I had to take a Xanax. That MRI machine though is really close. This is not. Dark, yes, but not close. There is plenty of air and space around you. Everyone I guess has their own levels of comfort and so forth, but I was completely fine with this.

 

Yes, I am terrified with ziplining. We went in Roatan in Feb. 2013, when we got off the ship we had no plans to do this, but found someone that would let us go for a good deal. Of course I didn't take the meds. The guide was so nice and patient with me. In the end, he went with me on the first line :o but I was fine after that. I just have to have my Ativan or else I am too afraid. Silly I know. I hate roller coasters too. Does your husband have a script for Ativan? I also take it to help me sleep.

 

Thanks for your thoughts. Last time they tried to do an MRI they ended up having to send him to an open MRI machine cause he couldn't do a normal one. He used to never be like this. I'm guessing it has to do with his time in Iraq. That seems to be the only issue I've noticed so I can't complain. I know I have started to get a little uneasy with tight situations as i get older so it is hard to tell.

 

My husband has been fine with roller coasters and doesn't mind flying. It is just climbing up things that bothers him. I think the stairs leading to the zip lines will be fine for him. Ladders tend to both him depending on how high. How high would you say the highest zip line is?

 

Thanks again