My Miracle Christmas Cruise Review (VERY loooong)

[JerseyGirl97]

Hey, I can tell you all about it! Belize time is one hour behind ship time. This doesn't matter though because the X-stream team kept their watches on ship time! One of the women in our van asked the guide what would happen if we missed the boat. The guide just chuckled and said they would "wine and dine us until they could send us to the next port!" She said they take it pretty seriously since word of mouth is their #1 way to get more business! So, I was never afraid that we would run out of time. We made it back with some time to shop at the port. We didn't venture out of the ship port though - I was not comfortable doing that.

When we got to the terminal in the morning there was a woman waiting with a sign. Once everyone arrived we left the terminal and walked across the street to their office to pay the remainder of your bill and get your free t-shirt. You also get broken into your groups at this point. We were the only people doing the Kid version so we had our own guide - Elissa. After that you take a little walk over to their van. There were 8 passengers and 3 guides in the van. The van was "nice", but not luxury. Only one of the side doors would open so we had to squeeze in a bit and the interior light was on the entire time. It worked though!

The ride was very quick. Dave - the other guide in the van- gave us a nice tour and overview of Belize. He was pretty funny and willing to answer and questions you have about their country. The sights can be rather sobering though!

Once you arrive at the spot you get dressed to go. I put on sunscreen and bug spray just in case! We could leave all of our belongings in the van because it would be secure. I did this without any worry. Then we got fitted for our head lights, life vests, and tubes. The walk to the start of the river is not bad. My 6 year old had an easier time with it then we did. There is some steps, rocks, branches, and other obstacles along the way, but we just considered that part of the excursion! One thing - along the way there was this bat cave. It was really cool to be able to go in there and see all the cute little bats hanging in the grooves. The ship people were not doing this - probably because of the number of people with them. Just make sure you ask your guide to see this cave! Your kids will like it!

We got to the spot you launch your raft at and there is our group along with some of the ship excursion people. We had to wear our lifevests - the ships people did not have to if they did not want to. We had to connect to each other by putting your legs under the arms of the person in front of you - the ships people did not have to do this. So you will be connected to your children and the guide will help you along the way. The only thing about this I didn't like was I couldn't get any pictures of anyone.

The caves are very pretty and I enjoyed the ride! I was sad when it was done because I could have gone around again and again. My daughter liked is as well. The water was not as cold as you first anticipate it to be either - it's very refreshing! I think your kids will really like it. Just be prepared that it's not a rapids type thing. It's more of a lazy river.

When you are done the walk back is super short! You get changed (bring dry clothes to wear back - although you will have your new tshirt). They offer you water and fruit before you get back in the van.

My only word of advice.... SHAVE YOUR LEGS REALLY GOOD THE MORNING OF YOUR EXCURSION!!! My legs were under my daughters arms. She felt the need to announce to everyone "Your hairy legs are bothering my arms". Don't you love the honestly and bluntness of 6 year olds...:rolleyes:

Have fun and don't worry about anything! If you have any more questions I will be happy to answer them!!!

 

Jersey Can you tell me more about the Cave Tubing we are on RCCL in Mar and I have booked the Kids X-stream Cave Tubing, My Kids are 14, 8, 6 how was the hike with you DD and how did they handle the kids and group while in the water ( were you linked or set adrift like I've heard about so many of the Cruise excursions ) any Information on this one would be great. Also what was the time differance from Belize and the ship and was there ever any worries about not getting back to the Port? What kind of Vehicle did X-stream use. I have looked for reviews on them what I have found has been good but very minimal. Thanks for any Help.:)

[JerseyGirl97]

I'm sure everyone was with me in the casino at one point or another.... we spent a lot of time there! ;)

I am so disappointed we didn't get more time in Grand Cayman. It looks like such a beautiful place! I did like the sting rays though!

 

 

Jersey I agree with your review. I might have been on your excursion in Grand Cayman. Also sure we were in the casino together. It was a good time and I did relax, and that was my main goal.

[dh Chrisva]

Did you take your tubing through the ship or on your own?

 

Chris

[JerseyGirl97]

We had to go on our own because my daughter did not meet the age requirement of the ship's excursion. We went through X-stream.

 

 

Did you take your tubing through the ship or on your own?

 

Chris

[reno3]

Thanks for the review. I will be on the Legend in April when it switches ships with the Miracle. We are doing the same excursion. Thanks for the tip on the bat cave (I made a note of it):)

You said you could not take pictures? Was it because you did not have a camera, or would they not let you carry one or take pictures? I am bring a water camera for this reason.

[Zukeeper4]

We took our waterproof camera with us, it had a bungee on it so I hooked it to the tube. It was not adequate for pictures inside the cave, too dark.

 

I think what the previous poster meant is that when you are "hooked" up to each other one behind the next, you can't really get a good picture since it would be the back of their head!

 

I had the tour guide take a few pictures of us on our float. One before we entered the first cave, one in between the two caves, and then when we got out of the last cave. He was more than happy to do it. We took lots of pictures hiking through the jungle on the trail, getting into the water (we had to lower ourselves down a rope and then land in the tube, funny since I forgot to put my arms out and went right through the tube into the water!) Dh got an "action" shot of it too!

 

Oh yea, the photographers from ALL the cruise ships were standing at different points to get pictures and film for the ship excursion people, I didn't even realize they took my picture but there it was on the picture boards that night:eek:

 

We used cave-tubing.com and had a great time. On the way back we stopped and had lunch at a local restaraunt. It was a wonderful day in Belize!

 

Have a blast and remember, butts up!

 

Jan

[JerseyGirl97]

 

I think what the previous poster meant is that when you are "hooked" up to each other one behind the next, you can't really get a good picture since it would be the back of their head!

 

 

Yeap, that is what I meant to say. I brought a water camera with me, but I couldn't see anyone! I got a couple of my daughter when she twisted around, but it wasn't easy. But the cruise photographers do take pictures of you too so check with the boards at night! :)

[reno3]

Thanks for the info. I will ask the guide to take some photos.

We are going through the same cave-tubing.com.

[HiCsAdventure]

Jersey, Thank you so much for the information. You've more or less relieved all my fears about venturing off outside of the Cruise Line. We Haven't told the kids what we're doing yet in Belize other than going on a jungle trek, they are going to be so stoked when the really find out what we are doing. Again thanks so much and I'll report when we get back.

[Seasickcruiser]

My husband and I are going on the Miracle October 2nd. Looking forward to it very much. Thank you for the great review.

 

 

Dorothy